er with the fact that a lot of information, previously stored in filing cabinets, is now being computerized. The office furniture market is also sensitive to environmental issues. More manufacturers are specializing in recyclable materials, a fact that is today appealing to many customers for two main reasons: environmental concerns are taken into account and customers who wish to renew their office furniture can get rid of it much more easily and advantageously when the materials are recyclable. Finally, as buyers are exposed to a greater variety of office furniture possibilities, show-room facilities are needed to assist them in their choices. Market StructureThe Belgian office furniture market is divided into two sectors: the private sector (i.e. non-governmental) and the public sector. The private sector represents approximately 85-90% of the total market. Almost one out of two companies (46%) bought office last year. Almost half of the small and medium sized companies determine their budget for purchase of office furniture based on their expected profit. The average annual amount of money spent by companies on office furniture in Belgium varies according to the size of the companies from approximately $3000 (for companies with 20 to 40 employees) to $34000 (for companies with more than 200 employees).The various industries in Belgium spend different amounts of money on furniture, the highest being spent by Banks, Insurance companies with average annual amount per company of $19000, followed by the Health and Education sector with $9000.The average life span of office furniture in Belgium is 9 years. Although the depreciation delay for the same office furniture is of 7,8 years, the average renewal delay is of 16,3 years. The public sector represents 10-15% of the total office furniture market in Belgium. This sector mainly buys low-priced furniture which is on average renewed every 25 years. The public sector is itself divided into ...
