Naila Khan - Vice President - Business Development, Wooden Street
With expertise in Interiors, CSR, Business Development, and more, Naila is an experienced leader. She has been a cornerstone at Wooden Street since its founding in 2015, where she leads the South Division, driving significant growth for the company. Beyond her professional achievements, Naila embodies multitasking and strength, seamlessly balancing motherhood with her thriving career.
According to Naila, the most significant change the furniture industry went through, 2024 has been a year of transformation for the furniture industry, and Wooden Street experienced significant shifts in how customers engage with brands and products. One of the most notable changes has been the growing demand for personalized and multifunctional furniture as urban spaces shrink and consumers seek smarter solutions for their homes. Additionally, sustainability took center stage, with customers showing a strong preference for eco-friendly and modular designs. To meet this shift, we focused on sourcing sustainable materials and creating versatile furniture that aligns with both environmental and space-saving needs. Inflation and rising operational costs posed challenges, but these hurdles pushed us to innovate in areas like supply chain optimization and cost management, ensuring we maintained our commitment to quality while staying accessible to our customers.
She looks forward to industry trends and says, In 2025, the furniture industry is poised to witness significant advancements, with several trends set to reshape the market. One of the most prominent trends will be the continued rise of sustainable furniture, as consumer preferences increasingly lean toward eco-friendly materials and practices. Customers are becoming more mindful of their environmental impact, and the demand for modular, recyclable, and ethically sourced furniture is expected to dominate the market. Another major trend will be the growing integration of technology in furniture. The concept of smart furniture pieces that seamlessly integrate with smart home ecosystems—is gaining traction. Multifunctional furniture with features like wireless charging, built-in lighting, and adaptable designs for compact living spaces is likely to become a staple, catering to the urban lifestyle.
Additionally, AI-driven personalization will revolutionize how customers shop for furniture. From tools that help visualize furniture in their homes to personalized recommendations based on style and space requirements, technology will enable a more immersive and tailored shopping experience. Furthermore, with the growing importance of hybrid retail models, the omnichannel approach—blending online and offline experiences—will be critical in meeting consumer expectations.
These trends highlight a shift toward sustainability, technology integration, and enhanced consumer experiences, setting the stage for a dynamic and innovative year ahead for the furniture industry.
