MAJUHOME : Built to Last

THE furniture industry is facing increasing challenges today, shaped by shifting cultural trends, rapidly advancing technologies and global economic uncertainty.

Ken Low, chief executive officer (CEO) of furniture retailer MAJUHOME, tells StarBiz 7 that maintaining a balance between craftsmanship and affordability has become more difficult over time.

“Raw materials and production costs are on the rise.”

“Manufacturers are grappling with fluctuating timber prices, material shortages, and global supply-chain disruptions.”

These operational pressures, combined with higher logistics and transportation costs, have made it harder to offer both affordability and durability.

“Labour shortages and the rising cost of skilled workers have become more pronounced, especially as the industry shifts towards being more design- and value-driven,” he explains.

“Skilled craftsmanship, once the backbone of Malaysia’s furniture sector, is now harder to come by, as fewer young workers are entering the field. Companies are forced to invest more in training and automation to sustain quality and efficiency.”

The challenges are further intensified by unpredictable global trade conditions.

Exporters and manufacturers struggle to adapt to fluctuating tariffs, volatile exchange rates, and competition from low-cost manufacturing hubs in neighbouring countries.

To remain relevant, the CEO emphasises that furniture businesses must differentiate themselves beyond pricing.

“Those that succeed are the ones blending craftsmanship with innovation, bridging offline and online experiences, and delivering value that resonates with the modern homeowner.”

As a company with nearly four decades of experience in this sector, MAJUHOME has adopted a strategy of “proactive adaptation”.

According to Low, this involves continuously adjusting to emerging demands while staying true to its values and mission of making quality living accessible.

Founded in 1986 as a home furniture shop in Wangsa Maju, the company has grown to become a one-stop furniture destination, with 10 showrooms and over 600,000 sq ft of retail and warehouse space nationwide.

The key to MAJUHOME’s longevity, he says, is its ability to evolve to the changing needs of homeowners.

“Our commitment to creating designs that stand the test of time in both quality and aesthetics has helped us maintain a strong connection with our customers.

“We don’t just follow trends, but interpret them in ways that fit the Malaysian lifestyle, balancing modern innovation with warmth and practicality,” he adds.

Product designs prioritise functionality and comfort, featuring water-repellent fabrics, zero-gravity recliners, space-saving workstations and lounge chairs with mobile phone holders.

Sustainable materials, chiropractor-certified mattresses, child-safe non-toxic paints and rounded-edge children’s furniture further align with modern consumer expectations.

“Customers today are more selective, shifting from viewing furniture as purely functional to seeing it as an extension of their personal style and lifestyle,” he says.

Shoppers now place an increasing emphasis on design, quality and sustainability, and seek furniture that blends practicality, individuality and long-term value.

Low observes that modular, foldable and storage-integrated pieces are gaining popularity for their ability to maximise space and utility.

Additionally, biophilic designs featuring earthy textures and natural materials like rattan and bamboo are increasingly favoured by consumers.

The rise of eCommerce and social media has also significantly influenced purchasing behaviour, with many now more inclined to buy larger home-goods items, such as furniture, through digital channels.

“Consumers today spend more time researching online, comparing brands and curating their ideal spaces long before stepping into a showroom.

“Platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok have become virtual design catalogues. This is where trends and visual storytelling play a huge role in influencing purchase decisions,” Low says.

In response, MAJUHOME has focused on strengthening its digital presence and creating a seamless online-to-offline experience.

“Our website and social media platforms are not just sales channels, but lifestyle hubs for customers to explore collections and design ideas,” he adds.

With real-time inventory access, secure online payments and nationwide delivery, the business combines digital convenience and an in-store experience.

This omni-channel approach ensures accessibility and reliability across all touchpoints.

As 2026 nears, MAJUHOME is preparing for what Low sees as a pivotal year.

“We aim to expand by enhancing both physical and digital presence, meeting customers wherever they are,” he says.

Plans include retail activation like immersive pop-ups and lifestyle events, along with deeper product development.

New collections will feature modular formats and customisation options. Operationally, the focus is on improving sustainability and efficiency.

“We’ll adopt smarter sourcing, stronger supplier partnerships and streamlined logistics to manage costs and deliver value without compromising quality,” Low explains.

“We remain committed to accessible pricing, even as economic realities change.”

By NICOLE CHEW : nicolechew@thestar.com.my