OFM see 5% cut in public furnishings spend

HOLLY SPRINGS, NC — Office and school furniture manufacturer OFM predicts an overall 5 percent decline in spending on public sector furniture sales, with buyers spending more time looking at alternative suppliers and different product lines.

“There is still a strong need for new chairs, desks and other furniture in schools and government offices, but buyers will be more focused than ever on price,” said OFM CEO Abel Zalcberg. “People are still going to be looking for furniture, but they’re going to be more concerned about value."

Public-sector buyers will push harder for lower prices this year due to the ongoing recession and fights over federal, state and local spending, says Zalcberg. Summertime is typically a busy season in the furniture industry due to the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, meaning government agencies are typically active in July, August and September. Meantime, schools on average purchase in June, July and August when students are on break. OFM is headquartered in Holly Springs, NC and has operations in Phoenix.