Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1: Industry Analysis and Development Trends

1. Industry Development Overview
2. Driving Factors
3. DevelopmentTrend Predictions

Chapter 2: Pain Point of Commercial Cinema Seating

1. Insufficient Comfort
2. High Economic Costs
3. Low Customization Level
4. Unreasonable Seating Layout
5. Maintenance and Cleaning

Chapter 3: What is the Best Seat in Cinema?

1. Chelsea LS-815 Zero Gravity
2. Chelsea LS-815 Legacy S

Chapter 4: Case Sharing

Case 1.  Big Bio Cinema, Denmark

Case 2.  LOTTE Cinema Suwon, South Korea

Conclusion

Reference

Introduction 

In recent years, with the continuous improvement of audience demands for viewing quality, commercial cinema seating is facing unprecedented challenges. Traditional cinema seats are no longer able to meet the diversified needs of modern audiences in terms of comfort, functionality, and personalized design.

This white paper aims to start from the pain points of current commercial cinema seating, delve into their development status, and look forward to future trends in hopes of providing valuable references and insights for related enterprises and practitioners in the industry.

Industry Analysis and Development Trends

1. Industry Development Overview

With the booming entertainment industry, the cinema seating market has also shown steady growth over the past few years. There was a light downturn during the COVID pandemic, but that has quickly been overturned. As of 2023, the commercial cinema seating market size was estimated at $3.24 billion. The cinema seating market industry is expected to grow from 3.36(USD Billion) in 2024 to 4.5 (USDD Billion) by 2032. The cinema seating market CAGR (growth rate) is expected to be around 3.72% during the forecast period (2024 – 2032)^[1].

2. Driving Factors

The global market for commercial cinema seating is projected to experience considerable growth in the upcoming years, propelled by various contributing factors.

  (1) The Growth of the Global Film Industry

In recent years, the continuous expansion of the global movie market, coupled with the steady increase in audiences’ disposable income, has made it more likely for viewers to enjoy their favorite movies on the big screen. Despite the convenience offered by streaming platforms, surveys^[2] reveal that nearly 45% of adults still prefer the experience of watching newly released movies in theaters. This preference underscores the substantial market potential and development opportunities that exist for the commercial cinema seating industry.

 (2) Technological Advancements

The cinema experience has evolved rapidly over the past few years to ensure people have a more enjoyable time. For example, high-end theaters now have reclining chairs with extra legroom and cushioning so customers remain comfortable for more extended screenings. Some cinemas even offer wireless charging points near the seats. The technological advances definitely increased the appeal of commercial cinema seating.

 (3) Changes in Consumer Demand

Finally, another influential factor is the change in consumer demand. More and more customers expect to have a quality experience if they take the time and money to see a movie in the cinema, which is at least as good as the comfortable experience of watching a movie at home. As such, cinemas need to go above and beyond to meet modern customers’ expectations so they may remain competitive.

3. Development Trend Predictions

The commercial cinema seating market has developed considerably over the last few years and is expected to continue its upward evolution. Here are some of the developing trends you can expect to see in the coming years.

 (1) Intelligence

Artificial intelligence is proving to be a game changer for many industries, and it is expected to improve the cinema experience as well. For example, seats equipped with interactive control panels will help viewers adjust their seating preferences from the comfort of their seats. They could control the volume and lighting and even order food without leaving their seats.

 (2) Environmental Friendliness

Sustainability is not just a buzzword. Instead, it is one of the vital driving factors shaping the future cinema seating market. More and more suppliers are using ecologically sustainable resources to craft their seating. They use eco-friendly designs that retain comfort, style, and durability. Some providers even opt for recycled reusable seats to promote sustainability in their operations.

 (3) Personalized Design

A small section of the commercial cinema seating market is dedicated to personalized cinema seating fully tailored to the client’s requirements. VIP cinema seating, for example, is a thriving market for the upper class that delivers fully tailored commercial cinema seating in various styles, colors, layouts, and leathers.

Pain Point of Commercial Cinema Seating

Like any other industry, the global commercial cinema seating market has its challenges. Here are some of the many pain points that suppliers must deal with.

1. Insufficient Comfort

 (1) Irrational Design

Which seats are the best in a cinema? The answer is a comfortable one. Customers expect you to provide comfortable ergonomic designs that support the body through more extended screenings. Irrational back support angle, unsuitable height and inclination of the neck pillow, and the unreasonable allocation of leg space all quickly lead to fatigue and discomfort.

 (2) Improper Material Selection

Hard materials such as high-density foam or rigid plastics can make for an uncomfortable seating experience for viewers during extended periods. Additionally, fabrics or fillings with poor breathability can cause discomfort from perspiration, especially in summer or hot environments.

2. High Economic Costs

 (1) Procurement Costs

High-quality commercial cinema seating often comes with substantial procurement costs. For cinemas with smaller scales or limited budgets, these costs may be difficult to bear, thereby limiting their ability to update and expand.

Furthermore, as technology continues to evolve and audience demands become more varied, the frequency of cinema seating replacement is increasing. This trend subsequently amplifies the financial strain on cinemas in terms of procurement costs.

 (2) Maintenance Costs

The maintenance costs of commercial cinema seating include daily cleaning, maintenance, repairs, and replacement of damaged parts. These costs may vary depending on the quality, design complexity, and usage environment of the seating.

For luxury cinema seating with complex designs and unique materials, the maintenance costs are often higher. At the same time, if the seating lacks durability, frequent replacements will also increase the long-term economic burden for cinemas.

 3.Low Customization Level

In the current market environment, commercial cinema seating manufacturers generally tend to adopt standardized production methods to maximize production efficiency and cost control. However, this approach significantly limits their ability to provide customized services. Due to the lack of a professional design team and comprehensive production and after-sales service systems, manufacturers lack sufficient innovation and flexibility in seat design. Consequently, commercial cinema seating exhibits a high degree of similarity in terms of functionality, comfort, and appearance, struggling to meet the increasingly diverse and personalized needs of audiences.

4.Unreasonable Seating Layout

(1) Space Utilization

The space utilization rate is one of the critical indicators for measuring commercial cinema’s operational efficiency. Unreasonable layouts often lead to space waste, such as overly wide aisles and unscientific seat arrangements. These issues reduce the seating capacity, thereby decreasing its profitability.

   (2) Viewing Experience

Furthermore, unreasonable seat layouts can also impact the movie-watching experience. For instance, excessively close seating between the front and back rows may obstruct the view, causing mutual interference. This may elicit negative feedback towards the cinema, which can spread through word-of-mouth and influence the choices of other potential audiences. In the long run, this will adversely affect the cinema’s reputation and the number of repeat customers.

5. Maintenance and Cleaning

Commercial cinema seating, particularly parts such as armrests, footrests, and adjustment buttons, is prone to wear and damage during use, requiring regular inspection and maintenance. If the cinema fails to timely maintain or replace these susceptible parts, it may lead to a shortened lifespan of the seats or an increased risk of safety hazards.

The cleanliness is crucial for improving the comfort and hygiene of the viewing environment. However, the practical operation can be challenging and time-consuming due to the complex design and numerous crevices of the seats. For instance, the intricate mechanical structure of some cinema recliners makes it challenging to clean up popcorn kernels that get stuck in the gaps or fall under the seats.

What is the Best Seat in Cinema?

Several suppliers of commercial cinema seating are working to challenge these pain points and enhance the client’s experience. Each claims to deliver the best seating in cinema, but very few live up to the mark.

As one of the leading suppliers of commercial cinema seating globally, we present two of our best cinema seatings that could potentially elevate your cinema experience to new heights.

1. Chelsea LS-815 Zero Gravity

Our Chelsea LS-815 Zero Gravity recliner chair boasts an ergonomic design, ensuring a comfortable viewing experience. It features advanced reclining capabilities, allowing clients to effortlessly adjust the position according to their comfort level. This cinema recliner also includes a swivel tray table, cozy arm padding, a chaise-style footrest. The most remarkable feature is its zero-gravity reclining ability, which optimally distributes body weight and reduces pressure on the neck, back, and spine, providing complete relaxation. This clever design minimizes physical strain on the spine during extended seating.

2. Chelsea LS-815 Legacy S

The Chelsea LS-815 Legacy S is a timeless classic, perfect for cinemas aiming to maintain a contemporary design while delivering a comfortable viewing experience. This model embodies the belief that ultimate comfort doesn’t necessarily come at a premium price. It’s an excellent fit for budget-conscious clients who refuse to compromise on quality, offering exceptional value for money.

Apart from its ergonomic design, it also boasts a chaise-style footrest, a fully upholstered outer back, replaceable arm padding, and a swivel tray table. If required, you can also customize the chairs with your own logo design, cup holders, or seat numbers. These options are fully tailored to meet your branding needs.

Case Sharing 

Case 1.  Big Bio Cinema, Denmark 

The Big Bio Cinema, located in Hørsholm on the outskirts of Copenhagen, Denmark, opened on October 30, 2015. This cinema stands out from others by setting a new standard for luxury, with a critical component of this standard being the 614 Maestro LS-813B Legacy Recliners from Leadcom Seating.

Customers have conveyed a high level of satisfaction with the quality of our recliners and the overall auditorium control system.  In terms of engineering advancements, a wired resetting system has been seamlessly integrated with the local fire alarm system. In the case of a fire emergency at the cinema, all recliners will automatically retract, facilitating rapid evacuation for moviegoers. This feature enhances the safety and reassurance of all patrons.

Moreover, our customization capabilities are evident in every aspect of these commercial cinema seats, from the leather upholstery to all functional features. What’s more, even after nine years of use, they are still in excellent condition, a testament to our recliner’s robust construction and quality.

Case 2.  LOTTE Cinema Suwon, South Korea

LOTTE CINEMA, one of the three major cinema chains in South Korea, enjoys highly high popularity. In this project, we installed 778 Chelsea LS-815 Legacy S electric recliners and 24 VATI LS-7803 luxury electric reclining sofas. Both models offer excellent design and a comfortable experience, meeting the needs of different audiences.

The Chelsea LS-815 Legacy S features a high-quality wooden frame to ensure the sturdiness and durability of the seats. The fully upholstered outer back design, along with an adjustable chaise-style footrest, offers audiences comprehensive comfort. Notably, each 815 is independently set, with every viewer having their own armrest.

The VATI LS-7803 luxury electric recliner integrates modernity, simplicity, and refinement. Its zero-gravity design perfectly conforms to the human body curve, and the combination of adjustable headrests, wide armrests, and extendable footrests provides an ultimate seating experience and exceptional comfort.

Conclusion 

In this white paper, we take an in-depth discussion of the current state, challenges, and future trends of the commercial cinema seating market. With the booming entertainment industry and increasing audience demands for viewing experience, the commercial cinema seating industry is facing unprecedented opportunities and challenges. Suppliers must remain agile and innovative to meet the diverse needs of modern audiences.

We encourage readers to download this white paper for a deeper understanding of the industry and its future trends. For those interested in elevating their cinema experience to new heights, we invite you to contact Leadcom for more information and customized solutions.

Reference 

• Available at:

https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/cinema-seating-market

• Available at:

https://pro.morningconsult.com/articles/young-adults-equally-likely-to-prefer-seeing-new-movies-in-theaters-or-at-home