Buying furniture and home goods in Egypt
Damietta is Egypt's best-known furniture centre, and Cairo has its own furniture districts. Made-to-order and ready-made furniture need different precautions.
Made-to-order furniture
- Furniture made to the buyer's own measurements is generally excluded from the 14-day return right, so confirm the design, wood type, colour and sizes in writing.
- Agree the delivery date, who handles transport and installation, and what happens if it is late.
- Pay in stages and keep the final payment until you have received and checked it.
Ready-made furniture and home goods
- Article 17 of Consumer Protection Law No. 181 of 2018 gives the buyer 14 days from receipt to exchange or return goods without giving a reason. Exceptions include perishable goods, goods made to the buyer's own specification, goods damaged by the buyer, and books and software.
- The Consumer Protection Agency says defective goods can be exchanged or returned within 30 days of receipt.
- Durable goods carry a legal warranty against manufacturing defects of at least two years. Keep the invoice and the warranty card.
Tips
- Measure doors, stairs and the lift before buying large pieces.
- Solid wood and veneered board differ a lot, so ask for the material to be written on the receipt.
- Damietta Furniture City is a national furniture industrial park, useful for bulk orders or finding a factory.
Related shops and markets
Al-Muski market
Cairo · historic centre · Shopping area / market
One of old Cairo's largest wholesale districts: household goods, toys, textiles, cosmetics and seasonal goods. Many retailers buy their stock here.
Wekalet El-Balah fabric market
Cairo · Shopping area / market
Large fabric market in Bulaq near the Nile Corniche: dress fabric, curtains and upholstery, plus new and used clothing. Fabric is usually sold by the metre.
Khan el-Khalili
Cairo · historic centre · Shopping area / market
Historic Cairo bazaar known for handicrafts, brassware, jewellery and souvenirs. Al-Sagha next to it is the gold and silver street.
Souq El-Manasra
Cairo · Downtown · Shopping area / market
Furniture district near Ramses Square, mostly basic ready-made pieces (media guide, 2018).
Al-Mansheya, Alexandria
Alexandria · Shopping area / market
Old Alexandria's commercial centre with many wholesale and retail shops (OpenStreetMap neighbourhood).
Al-Attarin, Alexandria
Alexandria · Shopping area / market
Old Alexandria neighbourhood known for antiques and old-furniture shops.
Damietta Furniture City
Damietta · Industry hub
Furniture industrial park on 331 feddans in Shata, Damietta, at the junction of the International Coastal Road and the Port Said–Damietta road. It has factories, workshops, showrooms and a zone with special customs status.
Damietta furniture trade
Damietta · Industry hub
Damietta city is famous for wooden furniture making, with many workshops and showrooms.
City Stars
Cairo · Nasr City · Shopping area / market
Large mall complex in Nasr City with brand stores, a good place to buy goods with an invoice and warranty.
Hours and what is sold can change, so check before you go. Wang Fu has no business relationship with the places listed and does not vouch for their goods.
Official and public sources
- Damietta Furniture City (official site)
- CPA FAQ: exchange and return rules
- Consumer Protection Law No. 181 of 2018 (WIPO Lex)
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