Editorial
Dan Squires
Managing Editor
dan@bigfurnituregroup.com 07531 854718 | 01223 298489
Advertising Nick Mizin
Sales Manager
nick@bigfurnituregroup.com
0207 096 1010
Publisher Stephen Smith
Production Juan Morante GraphiC Design
www.bigfurnituregroup.com
BigFurnitureGroupLtd
UK registered company number 05484239
2 Jordan Street, Knott Mill, Manchester, England, M15 4PY
Print: Buxton Press
ISSN No: 2753-3387
Copyright © Big Furniture Group 2022 Issue No: 23
No part of this publication may be reproduced without the specific prior written consent of the publisher. Big Furniture Group Ltd accepts no responsibility for variations in colour reproduction and cannot be liable for the safe custody or return of any solicited or unsolicited material. We are committed to producing a true, factual, fair and unbiased publication through the editorial content within and takes appropriate measures to do so. Big Furniture Group Ltd reserves the right to edit any content other than advertisements, with the editor’s decision being final. All material submitted for inclusion in Big Furniture Group is done so entirely at the owner’s risk. Advertiser information is accepted in good faith and Big Furniture Group accepts no responsibility in in adverts appearing in the magazine, and do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s views. Contributors are advised to keep copies of all material submitted.
Dan Squires Managing Editor
A BIG congratulations to all of the Big Furniture Awards 2024 winners, as voted by the industry. This month shines the spotlight on each winner as well as finding out what the winners thought of being crowned best of the best.
This month also includes a number of big announcements and new launches, including DUXIANA’s latest collaboration – this time with Bang & Olufsen, another teaser from Sweet Dreams as the business prepares to drop the curtain on its rebranding, and the introduction of a new integrated, preloved platform for furniture retailers. Furthermore, our Cover Star this month, Maze, shares an insight into their new approach, while in keeping with outdoor, Desser details recent investments and Gallery Direct talks about their award-winning product range.
July also sees the return of the Manchester Furniture Show. Find out what to expect to see in our show feature – if you see me during the event, do say hello too! Sofa Connections talk about just that, with their focus being on MFS, while RetailSystem is unveiling its ‘Version 20’ software – not to be missed.
Following on from my recent visit to Glasgow, this month features the Sterling story with an introduction to the team spearheading its growth plans. From one retailer to another, Housing Units details their recent transformation, while Hatters lifts the lid on sustainable success following a huge solar panel investment. Keeping green, Furniture & Choice shares their latest sustainability practices (as well as featuring again with another trends insight), Sleepeezee celebrates their own sustainable milestones and Peak Converters continues to strive for a Greener Future.
As for the regulars, James Hudson, Commercial Director at Gallery Direct, shares his industry insights and why strong design will always prosper in the latest Big Interview, while Back in Action are our Retail Focus feature. The Bed Expert, Letter’s from China and Vietnam return with more industry insights, while we also spoke with James Leach in our next Meet the Agent series.
Mattress Online shares how their new flagship store is performing, Swyft talks about recent developments, while TRL, DispatchTrack and Purecare share their respective insights. Devonshire Living continues their upwards trajectory, FurnitureTexts talks text marketing, IFHS unveils its exhibitor list, and we take a look at which sofa retailers are ranked highest in online visibility. To wrap things up, Furniture Sales Solutions talks about the magnificent 7.
That’s enough from me, so enjoy our latest magazine. Oh, and if you have any news you want to shout about or if you’re keen to get involved in our Retail Focus and Big Interview features, drop me an email on dan@bigfurnituregroup.com We’d love to share your story.
Thank You from Lynch
Retail Focus: Back in Action
Where sleep meets sound
Purecare powers on
The birth of Sweet Dreams’ new era 46. Rise and Shine
48. Inside Mattress Online’s new flagship store
50. The Bed Expert
70. Sterling looks to the future
74. Customer Communication is Key
76. Meet the Agent
78. Preloved Platform for Furniture Retailers
80. Hats off to Hatters Home & Style
84. Green Retail
86. Sleepeezee celebrates sustainability milestones
88. Big Question: Year so far?
90. Exhibitors at IFHS 2024
92. Letter from Vietnam
94. Letter from China
96. Five stunning new concepts
98. New Products
102. Desser details recent investments
104. Jobs
106. Moving Swyft-ly towards future growth
108. What’s fashionable in furniture: Part Three
110. JFS looks forward to 2025
112. Maze’s New Approach
1114. Last Word with Furniture Sales Solutions
COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR AT GALLERY DIRECT, shares his industry insights, why strong design will always prosper and what’s to come moving forward.
RETAIL FOCUS
Company Director at Back in Action, talks about the importance of health and ergonomic products as well as concerns over high street retail.
MATTRESS ONLINE
Steve Adams, CEO at Mattress Online, reflects on the opening of their new store in Doncaster as well as sharing future plans.
as well as the
Swedish outdoor furniture manufacturer Grythyttan has announced its launch in the UK market.
The fourth-generation family brand, which has been established for over 100 years, is looking to expand its presence across the UK, with the launch a “natural step” in its expansion strategy.
Bo Hellberg, CMO at Grythyttan, said: “With a heritage spanning over 100 years, the UK launch was the natural next step for Grythyttan. We want to spread the good word of Swedish craftsmanship that makes for super comfortable outdoor furniture, made to endure the harsh climates that last decades and decades.
“We believe there’s nothing quite like it, the spring steel gives the furniture a comfortable rocking motion that we associate with relaxing summertime. Embodying core Scandinavian values such as simplicity, durability and firstclass craftsmanship, Grythyttan is firmly rooted in the history of Swedish design. We are excited to have brought our unique design expertise to the UK market.”
The Grythyttan outdoor furniture range includes chairs, tables and benches as well as matching accessories. The A2 chair, designed by Artur Lindqvist, has been an integral part of Swedish gardens since the 1930s and has hardly changed since then, which is due to its timeless, classic design. The A2 combines spruce, pine or white lacquered wood for the seat and backrest with a slim, galvanised spring steel frame. The design is straightforward and focused on practical comfort, while the steel frame ensures easy flexibility.
Since launching into the UK market earlier this year, Bo said that the response has been positive. “We want to establish ourselves as a brand and the product, as Grythyttan is exceptionally well suited for the UK market and climate.
“Each Grythyttan design is handmade and crafted from wood and steel. Specialising in high quality materials that are made to last, we want Grythyttan to be passed down from generation to generation.
“The response has been tremendously positive; it is our first year of proper sales. There have been direct imports previously, for many years, by people who have spotted Grythyttan when travelling to Sweden.
“Now, we want to increase Grythyttan’s presence in showrooms and retailers. Garden shows and exhibitions are another obvious target for this year and beyond. We also have some exciting new launches in the pipeline, so keep watching this space.”
Following an ACID meeting between members Buoyant Upholstery and Bentincks Ltd about their Dorset Sofa, due to a conflict of interest, Bentinck will be discontinuing this model from
1 August 2024 and will be launching a new product in its place.
A confidential agreement was signed between the two parties having reach an amicable solution to the issue in good faith.
Both Mike Aramayo and Balal Ali shook hands and commended ACID on bringing the parties together.
Dids Macdonald, Co-Founder of ACID said: “ACID set up a mediation protocol to allow companies who have a complaint to settle through mediation without lawyer involvement rather than go through a cost and time prohibitive legal route.
“The furniture industry is an amazing UK asset, it is always good to talk and promote respect, ethics, and compliance.”
Furniture retailer Sofa.com has announced the opening of its first outlet store at Yorkshire’s shopping destination, Junction 32.
The 3,000sqft Castleford-based store officially opened on last month and celebrated the launch by offering customers a chance to win £1,000 worth of furniture from the new store.
Commenting on the opening, Sofa.com said it’s a “perfect place” for the new store due to a strong local community, while Junction 32 added that the brand is a “fantastic addition” to its existing range of homeware retailers.
The Junction 32 store will feature a regularly updated product selection from sofas, dining chairs, home accessories and sofa beds. Sofa.com has taken over a space previously occupied by Pavers.
Sleepeezee raises £68k in support of The Children’s Hospital Charity
Sleepeezee, a leading provider of premium mattresses, has announced its significant contribution of £68,400 to The Children’s Hospital Charity, generated from the sales of Jessica mattresses throughout 2023.
This donation demonstrates Sleepeezee’s unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of children and families in need.
The Children’s Hospital Charity, dedicated to enhancing the lives of young patients at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, plays a pivotal role in providing critical medical care, support, and resources to children facing health challenges. Sleepeezee’s generous donation will directly contribute to funding essential programs, medical equipment, and research initiatives, ensuring that every child receives the best possible care and support during their hospital stay.
“As a proud patron of The Children’s Hospital Charity, it was a joy to visit the wards and present the impressive donation,” said former athlete and Sleepeezee brand ambassador, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill. “Being able to contribute to this hospital that provides such an excellent level of care to both children and their families is an absolute pleasure.”
The £68.4k donation was amassed via sales of Sleepeezee’s Jessica mattress range where £20 of each sale throughout the year is donated to The Children’s Hospital Charity. Now in its fourth year of fundraising, Sleepeezee has raised a total gross of £228k for the charity so far and plans to continue the initiative in 2024.
Steve Warren, Managing Director at Sleepeezee, said: “It is great to see our partnership with Jessica and The Children’s Hospital Charity continue to grow and we are always thrilled to support the invaluable work of organisations like The Children’s Hospital Charity that make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families.”
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Sleepeezee for their generous donation which will significantly impact the lives of the children we serve,” said Tchad Western, Head of Strategic Partnerships and Chief Fun Officer at The Children’s Hospital Charity.
British furniture brand Loaf is expanding its London presence with its eleventh Shack (its take on a showroom) in Chiswick, London, for Summer 2024.
Situated on Chiswick High Road, the fourth London addition occupies a space of 3,500sqft and is being designed by Loaf’s in-house team alongside design studio, Studio Jill. Playing a key role in conceptualising Loaf’s last Shack opening at Redbrick, near Leeds, Studio Jill will be involved in elevating the look, feel and experience of the new Shack while maintaining Loaf’s identifiable character.
Loaf’s CEO, Sam Perkins, says: “Increasing our number of Shacks presents an exciting opportunity for us to reach more of our core London audience, and Chiswick is the perfect destination for our next showroom. Customers can expect to experience a warming environment through wood finishes, lighting and cosy textures and plenty of joyful touches that our Loafers
know and love. We look forward to opening the doors soon!”
Upholstered furniture retailer DFS has reported lower expectations in profit due to the Red Sea disruption and challenging consumer demand.
According to its latest trading update through to 11 June 2024 of the 53 week period to 30 June 2024, DFS expects pre-tax profit to be within the range of £10-12m, down from its previous guidance of £20-25m. FY24 revenues are now expected to be in a range of £995m-£1,000m.
DFS said the reduction in profit is driven by: “A lower level of delivered customer orders, with £12-14m of delayed deliveries from the Red Sea disruption. Those deliveries are expected to move into FY25.
“Higher shipping costs as a result of freight rates increasing above previous expectations in our fourth quarter. A weak upholstery market partially mitigated by selective investments to stimulate required order volume levels in Quarter 4.”
The retailer added that progress on its focus areas has helped to “partly mitigate” the profit impact of a “very weak” upholstery market.
“Consumer demand in the upholstery sector has declined c-10% in volume terms year on year from a weak starting point bringing overall market demand levels to record lows. The Group has continued to operate through the period with record value market share of over 38.5%.
“Despite higher shipping costs and investments to drive required order intake volumes in Q4, we have continued to grow our full year gross margin rate, which is expected to be up +140bps year on year. In addition, we have reduced our operating costs which are expected to be down approximately £25m year on year. Together these have limited the lower sales impact on our profitability.”
As for recent trading and outlook into FY25, DFS said it has been “encouraged” by an improving trend in Group order intake, which is up 9% in the fourth quarter to date.
Independent contemporary furnishing design business Utility has announced the opening of its new store in Liverpool.
Situated on Flint Street in Liverpool’s vibrant Baltic Triangle, the new 7,400sqft store adds to its two other locations in the city, while bringing its total portfolio to five with the other two based in Manchester and Altrincham.
Commenting on the launch, Utility sad: “We’re incredibly excited to announce that our new furniture, lighting and homeware showroom has now officially opened.
“Situated in a stunning 7,400sqft converted Victorian building, the Utility Showroom is dedicated to showcasing a curated selection of leading European design brands, such as Vitra, Fritz Hansen, USM, HAY, Muuto, Kartell and many more.
“Open to all, it welcomes visitors with knowledgeable staff eager to assist both residential and commercial customers. Beyond showcasing furniture, The Flint aims to be a dynamic hub, hosting events, meet-ups, and workshops to foster collaboration and creativity within the local design scene.”
Swan Systems Furniture Ltd has announced the opening of a new showroom inside Bradbeers, Hedge End. The showroom went live in January 2024 and after six months sales are growing.
“We contacted Bradbeers with the idea of selling our products inside their furniture store in Hedge End,” said Lisa Dymott, Director, Swan Systems Furniture. “They were really enthusiastic, a contract was signed and we have now installed fitted bedrooms, home office and sliding wardrobe displays on the 1st floor in their Hedge End store” she added.
“We had a showroom in West End, Southampton until August 2021 and have a factory showroom in Titchfield. We needed to get back into the SO region, hence contacting Bradbeers and asking the question. The clients who visit Bradbeers are the perfect fit for our target audience. Sales are increasing month on month, and we are getting traction.”
Swan Systems Furniture design and manufacture made to measure fitted home furniture. Established for over 20 years, the independent company has installed fitted bedrooms, home offices, sliding wardrobes, walk in wardrobes and lounge furniture on the South Coast for many customers.
The company, which trades from its store on Squires Gate Lane, was contacted via telephone by a customer and placed an order for a corner suite.
The transaction went through but after the product was delivered, days later the customer initiated a chargeback for the amount of the suite.
Paul Rump, owner of Paul James Furniture Centre, said that this has occurred more than once since it first happened and has issued a call for fellow retailers to be wary of such a scam.
“A customer recently rang us and ordered over the phone a corner suite they had seen in our shop,” Paul said. “They wanted to pay over the phone by card, which went through fine.
“We delivered it the next day with no problem to the apartment. However, days later I looked at my bank statement and we had a chargeback for the amount of the suite. We called at the house and it was empty.
“My bank said there was nothing we could do because the customer was not present and they did not put the chip and pin number in. It left us wide open with nothing more we could do.
“It has happened three more times since but we were straight onto it. The latest one was a call where they asked if they could purchase an outdoor suite and pay over the phone, then send a van to collect it the same day.
Blackpool-based independent furniture retailer Paul James Furniture Centre has issued a warning after being approached by scammers.
“When we said ‘no’ and that you needed to come in and put your pin number in, they just hung up. It seems to be happening more often and it can hurt any independent business like ours. We are now vigilant on the behaviour and urge other retailers to be aware of this activity.”
Organisers of the Irish Furniture & Homewares Show (IFHS) has announced that Amanda Bone is the head judge at the event’s 2024 Awards.
Commenting, IFHS said: “We are thrilled to welcome back Amanda Bone as the head judge for this year’s Irish Furniture and Homewares Awards.
“Amanda is an architect, educator, and broadcaster. As a presenter on the RTE Television programme Home of the Year she champions creativity, individuality, and clever design. Her presence as head judge has enhanced the award’s significance, solidifying its status as a platform that recognise the enormous efforts made by exhibitors.
“Amanda’s dedication to promoting excellence in the furniture and homewares sector aligns perfectly with the Irish Furniture and Homewares show commitment to showcasing the very best in the industry.”
Online registration for the 2024 Bed Show, which returns to Telford International Centre on 24 – 25 September 2024, is now open via the Bed Show website.
Organised by the industry trade association the National Bed Federation (NBF), the UK’s only bedspecific exhibition continues to offer its vibrant blend of British and Irish bed manufacturers and European suppliers.
Big industry names and emerging innovators in bed manufacturing will gather under one roof to showcase their latest creations and cutting-edge technologies, including Airsprung Group, Breasley, Harrison Spinks, GNG Group, Highgrove Beds, Hypnos, Millbrook Beds, Sealy UK, Silentnight, Sleepeezee and Simba – to name a few!
The popular Supplier Zone returns to host a selection of leading component manufacturers and service providers, including Apropa, Enkev, Handy Ltd, John Cotton Nonwovens, Legget and Platt, Maes Tickings, Nestor Springs and many more.
“The Bed Show is more than just an exhibition; it’s a celebration of the creativity and craftsmanship that define the UK and Irish bed industry,” said Tristine Hargreaves, NBF executive director. “The show is a unique opportunity for the bed trade to experience an unprecedented gathering of UK and Irish bed manufacturers, with an added incentive that they are independently audited and NBF-approved.
“As you explore the halls, you’ll feel the familiar energy and excitement that visitors and exhibitors describe time and again. We look forward to another
fantastic event and welcoming our valued visitors in September.”
All visitors benefit from free parking, entry and refreshment vouchers. The Gala Dinner and 2024 Bed Industry Awards ceremony return on the night of the first day of the Bed Show, hosted by Anton Du Beke.
Fashion and furnishings retailer Next has issued a product recall on a fleece cushion over potential fire safety risks.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards issued a recall on the Grey Teddy Fleece Cushion sold by Next after presenting a risk of fire.
The product, which is manufactured in the UK, is a cuddle cushion made with fleece material in grey.
The product has been recalled from end users, with the recall stating: “The Grey Teddy Fleece Cuddle Cushion does not comply with the fire and furnishing regulations and the product is not fire retardant compliant.
“The product does not meet the requirements of the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988.”
Next stated: “We’ve identified a problem with the above item. It’s come to light that the Grey Teddy Fleece Cuddle Cushion does not comply with the fire & furnishing regulations and the product is not FR (fire retardant) compliant.
“As the Grey Teddy Fleece Cuddle Cushion doesn’t meet our strict technical specifications, we’ve taken the precaution of recalling them and request that you return the item to us immediately for a full refund.”
The Founder of furniture design business Soane Britain has been honoured in the King’s Birthday list. Lucy Lytle, Founder and Creative Director, Soane Britain Ltd, has received the honour of Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to British manufacturing and craftsmanship. The recognition is part of the 2024 Birthday Honours List by the Department for Business and Trade.
Channel 4’s consumer investment arm, Channel 4 Ventures, has secured a £3 million investment into Vinterior, Europe’s leading premium, secondhand furniture marketplace. The media for equity deal will enable the pre-owned home marketplace to tap into significant audiences for popular Channel 4 shows featuring home improvement such as Grand Designs.
Upholstery retailer Sofology has announced the appointment of TBWA/MCR as its new creative agency. As part of the partnership, TBWA/MCR will be responsible for overseeing the brand’s creative strategy, which includes TV, online and in-store campaigns with an initial work to go live later this year.
K&J Solutions, who are purchasing agents for the hospitality industry, is the latest business to become a corporate supporter of The Furniture Makers’ Company, the City of London livery company and charity for the furnishing industry. K&J Solutions will be formally welcomed as a corporate supporter at an admission ceremony this month at the Furniture Makers’ Hall, London. Kerri Lewis, founder and managing director, will be admitted as a corporate liveryman and personally welcomed by the Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company.
Sleep lifestyle and furniture brand Sleep.8 has announced the reopening of its flagship store in Bluewater Shopping Centre, following a substantial expansion and refurbishment. The brand has increased the floorspace of its prime retail location by a total of 151 sqm, from 436 sqm to 587 sqm, utilising the new floor space to introduce a new retail concept which makes the Bluewater store the brand’s first UK location to feature their full range of premium mattresses, beds, sofa beds, pillows, relaxation gadgets and massage chairs.
Home furnishings retailer Dunelm has announced that Arja Taaveniku, an independent Non-Executive Director of the Company, has informed the Board of her decision to step down as a Director at the end of 2024. This follows her acceptance of a full-time position as CEO of Home Centre, a home furnishings company in the Middle East.
ACID, a pioneering force in protecting intellectual property (IP) creators for over 25 years, has announced the appointment of Laura Newbold Breen as its new Chief Executive Officer. With a background in IP and a visionary approach to the future, Laura will open a new chapter of growth, development, and innovation for ACID.
Tile supplier Walls and Floors has relocated to a new showroom in Kettering. Part of the Tile Mountain Group, Walls and Floors has secured a new unit on the Telford Way Industrial Estate on Linnell Way, in Kettering, spanning 11,770sqft of showroom space. The move has seen the business relocate from its former site on Wilson Terrace and serve its retail and trade clients.
Award-winning luxury furniture specialists, Bridgman, have been chosen as the official furniture supplier for Chester Racecourse’s brand-new hospitality space for 2024; The Clubhouse. Located in the Festival Village at the world’s oldest operational racecourse, The Clubhouse offers a casual yet premium hospitality experience for up to 160 racegoers.
Rent a trailer technology company, Freetrailer, has significantly increased its presence in Germany through an agreement with Danish furniture retailer JYSK. After five years in the German market, Freetrailer is now gearing up further. With the first 30 locations in cooperation with JYSK SE, Freetrailer increases the number of locations in Germany by more than 60%.
Irish independent furniture business Kingsbury Furniture has announced its official reopening following a devastating flood in September of last year. Situated at Tallaght Retail Centre in Tallaght, Dublin, the business had to close the store in order to repair the damage, with the flood caused by a leak in the upstairs apartment above the store. The refit included new lighting, carpets and ceilings as well as decorating the shop to its final finish.
Upholstered furniture retailer ScS has confirmed that Steve Carson is stepping down from the business as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) following its near £100m takeover deal last year. ScS said that Steve, who oversaw the acquisition by Italian furniture retailer Poltronesofà in October, will leave this month.
Happy 40th Birthday, Anjuli! Hope you have a lovely holiday and make the most of this special day. Enjoy every moment of your milestone celebration! Cheers to you!
A huge thank you to our golf enthusiast colleagues and all supplier partners who we hosted at our Charity Golf Day, sponsored by TEMPUR UK Ltd. Plus, a special mention goes to Inspired Thinking Group for the goodies. A top day filled with entertainment and fun, great prizes, and networking. Together we raised over £12,000 for our corporate partner Shelter.
A look at what’s been going on over social media channels. Share your news with us and email
dan@bigfurnituregroup.com
This year marks 100 years of incorporation for our parent company, Greenwood & Coope Ltd. We’re celebrating this milestone across our sites this week, with a foodie feast complete with pizza and ice cream for our staff!
Congratulations to Heather Wise, who is celebrating 25 years at Fishpools in our Interior Design team! We wish you a very happy anniversary!
The refurbishment of our curtain and blind department is now complete. All of the old oak effect fixtures have gone to be replaced with a clean white look that shows off the fabric colours better.
Brighton, we’ve arrived! We opened our 184th store and 6th smaller format store, complete with a new Made to Measure department, and in perfect time for our Sale. The day consisted of a warm welcome all around, an ice cream truck, goody bags and golden tickets and we’re excited to meet new customers and bring the joy of Dunelm to the South Coast.
WITH
Commercial Director for Gallery Direct, shares his industry insights, why strong design will always prosper and what’s to come moving forward.
Let’s start with you. Can you share a bit about yourself and your background?
I’m High Wycombe boy born and bred – I grew up with wood shavings and sawdust in my hair from sweeping the factory floors from an early age. My father and grandfather started Frank Hudson and Son Ltd in 1956 making furniture for Top London Hotels and Harrods. I’m married to my wonderful wife Debbie who has been by my side for nearly 31 years and raised our two lovely children Amy and Jack almost single handed whilst I was travelling the world working in factories - a real team effort and I could not have done my job without her unwavering support.
What is your current job role and key responsibilities?
My current job title is Commercial Director for Gallery Direct, since
stepping down from Sales and Furniture Development Director 3.5 years ago due to ill health. I now concentrate on a few key accounts, with my main product focus being Indoor and Outdoor Furniture design and creation which means a lot of overseas travel which I really enjoy. We have great management teams in our overseas locations who are a joy to work with, plus I love seeing different
cultures and great food, and nothing compares to getting your hands dirty in the factories amongst the product and skilled factory workers – I hated doing this all by zoom calls back in lock down.
Why did you choose to work in
I didn’t choose to work in the industry, the industry chose me! I wanted to
go into the building trade restoring old buildings or the Military, but in the end, I did all three. My Dad woke me up on my 17th Birthday and said he needed a hand in the factory with the Christmas rush – I intended to stay for Christmas and 41 years later I’m still in the industry. I got my fix doing up old houses as I moved up the property ladder and I got my fix with the Military by signing up with the 5th Battalion Royal Green Jackets reserves for nearly 7 years.
I’m very much a people’s man and believe good business is based on people first then good design /quality and price. I’m very fond of the Gallery team and its people who keep me enjoying this industry. I could name a huge list of people I admire but stand outs for me are my brother Tom (otherwise known as Tombo) who I have worked with for around 35 years through Frank Hudson and now Gallery (a perfect guy to have on a desert island as he is the Bear Grylls of our industry, hence the nick name), Mark Benson who has been my wing man and travel companion as well as a brilliant designer for 15 years, and Peter Delaney who is the hardest working and most dedicated man I have ever met plus has a great eye for detail in design and business.
Have there been any special moments during your career?
There have been many special moments in my career which has been an exciting roller coaster ride. Flying out to Indonesia back in the early 90’s with my older brother Tim, not knowing where we would end up, but from the trip we created a great business Frank Hudson Ltd which we successfully sold to Gallery in 2014. This was another special moment as I was then able to test myself outside a family business and fully focus my passion for furniture creation and sales without the shackles of running a
business – it’s been the best decision I could have made and have enjoyed the journey immensely.
I love creating products and seeing them come to market. Getting great value for our customers and then getting joyful reactions at the shows, with a full order book at the end, is fantastic, and knowing our customers have new exciting products to sell to their customers is a win-win all round.
What time is your alarm clock set for?
I have varied times for my alarm clock according to my travel. I now live in North Devon so if I’m heading ‘Up Country’ to Head office then it’s an early 5.30 am wake up. If I’m working from home, then my office is next to my bedroom so 7am is the norm unless I want to go for an early morning kayak in the estuary which is a brilliant way to start the day before work. Having said that, some of my best work ideas have come from waking up at 3am with a light bulb moment – funny enough my wife is never happy to discuss the idea at that time in the morning!
What is your favourite item of furniture and why?
My favourite item of furniture is a hand carved mirror that was one of my grandfather’s first apprentice pieces back in the early 1920’s. He went on to become a master woodcarver and great businessman, restoring a lot of the carvings in the great London houses after WW2, as well as carving the iconic Red Lion in High Wycombe High St in 1954 – it is still standing today!
What do you think is trending within the industry at present?
Organic shapes are trending right now. Natural materials, such as marble, are very strong and lovely textured
timbers and finishes. Gallery prides itself on creating designs and looks across the industry – we don’t follow one particular trend but like to give our customers a range of styles that will suit any interior.
Our industry has survived and thrived through thick and thin, and one of the benefits of being in the industry for so many years is that I’ve pretty much seen it all - the best and worse that economic challenges have thrown our way, not to mention Covid. I believe that as long as we continue to create strong design with good value for the sector they are aimed at, then nothing needs to change.
Can you share an insight into your future plans?
Gallery has been very busy developing new products to bring to market and this is the best job in the world. We have been very successful with our January living and dining product launch and are therefore creating bedroom ranges to compliment them, plus other exciting new lines with a focus on beautiful veneers and textured timbers. We’ve also been working on new outdoor ranges ready for 2025, giving them the all-important Gallery twist. These will be launched in July at our @Home event.
My hobbies are endless - I’m a jack of all sports and master of none! Being in North Devon and living by the sea, I love all things water based (surfing, gig rowing, sailing & kayaking), as well as cycling the Devon hills and further afield. In fact, I’m cycling from Normandy to Paris, leaving on Monday 24th June to raise money for Help for Heroes. The ride, to commemorate the D-Day 80th Anniversary and Armed Forces Day, is 400km in four days, so no easy task, but worth it for
such an amazing cause. Any donation would be greatly appreciated by the charity to support our heroes who have sacrificed so much for us and our country, so please visit my Just Giving page (https://www.justgiving. com/page/james-hudson-bikeride) and make a donation - 100% of the donations I receive will go directly to Help for Heroes as I am paying all my own costs to do the ride.
What might someone not know about you?
I ran the London Marathon at the age of 39 in just over 4 hours. I loved it but wouldn’t do it again as couldn’t walk properly for three days afterwards!
If you had a different career, what would it be?
I’ve already mentioned the old houses restoring and the Military connection, but to be honest there is no other job I would rather do than the one I have now, it’s a true passion.
If you were an item of furniture, what would it be?
Wow that’s a tricky one to answer! I know the Worshipful Company motto is Straight and Strong, so I guess that’s me - I’m loyal and a straight shooter and want to please, so like an old Labrador really! But if I have to go for a piece of furniture, I’d say Gallery’s Craft Extending Dining Table – straight and strong, as well as flexible and practical, but also stylish!
I love creating products and seeing them come to market. ”
If you could hack into any one computer, whose computer would you choose and why?
Anyone who knows me will know that I have a job to turn a computer on let alone hack into one, but if they were around back in the 1940’s then Winston Churchill’s computer would be fascinating.
What amazes me every time I think of it?
How you can talk on a video call to someone across the world from a little phone – I can’t believe how tech has come so far.
What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?
Buying a big diamond ring for my wife on holiday after 10 years of marriage. The one I got her for our engagement was a bit on the small side, so when we went to Aruba and the dollar was 2.10 to the pound, it seemed like a good idea - I always like to get good value
What is the most important object you own and why?
My most enjoyable item I own is my modern classic Land Rover 2009 Defender – it’s perfect for those Devon lanes and putting the surf boards in the back.
What did you think was cool when you were young but isn’t cool now?
My first car was a Beetle and I put wide wheels, rear window fins, and front spoilers on it, plus go faster stripes and a Cherry Bomb exhaust! It was only a 1300 engine, but I thought I was cool as a cucumber!
No matter what the size of your outside space, it is great to be able to relax in it over the summer.
Gallery Direct offer a wide range of outdoor furniture, from small and compact to large and luxurious, so whether you are looking for furniture for a bijou area or for a large patio there is something suitable. And they offer a range of styles and materials to sit different tastes.
James Hudson, Commercial Director at Gallery, commented, “Our outdoor furniture catalogue is designed to offer customers a wide and varied selection. We are delighted to have won the Best Garden/Outdoor Furniture Supplier award this year’s Big Furniture Awards - this is testament to the team effort in delivering our wonderful collection to market.”
Gallery’s catalogue includes a wonderful selection of lines crafted from FSC Acacia wood, from a compact bar set and small folding dining table and chairs for where space is limited to traditional style deckchairs with a contemporary twist to large lounge sets. All offer excellent value for money and feature great designs.
For those who want to make a statement in their garden and relax in style, the Ammos Double Daybed is ideal. Offering the ultimate in relaxation, this lovely
daybed brings a holiday cabana feel to your garden. The two beds, with their foam cushions for comfort, operate independently and can be flat or raised to different positions, whilst the wooden slats down the centre provide a perfect space to rest a drink. The drapes at the foot end come with ties, allowing you to adjust to let in the sun or give a little more shade and privacy.
Where space is more limited, the Vatalos Lounge Chair with Footstool, with its perfect balance of style and comfort, is ideal for sitting back and relaxing. The acacia wood, with its lovely natural finish, is paired with an eye-catching woven detailing, to add comfort and a distinctive look.
Gallery’s Ponza range, which offers two dining tables, a bench and chairs, adds a modern industrial look to an outdoor space. The bold designs feature acacia wood table tops and seats on the chairs and bench, paired with contrasting industrial style dark powder coated metal. These stunning pieces make an eye-catching style statement, perfect for a modern urban garden.
For a more traditional look but with a contemporary twist, the Kalamata Bench is ideal for making the most of a favourite sunny spot in the garden. The slatted design features a gently curved seat which gives a lovely tactile look to the piece as well as adding comfort.
These are just a taster of Gallery’s outdoor furniture range. Take a look at their website to see their full offering.
www.gallerydirect.co.uk
01795 439159
sales@gallerydirect.co.uk
A BIG congratulations to all of the Big Furniture Awards 2024 winners. In recognition of the awards, we spoke to some of the winners who shared their thoughts on being named the best of the best in the furnishings industry. A BIG thank you to everyone who voted, we were blown away by the response. Here are your 2024 Big Furniture Awards winners.
Best Agent/Rep in North West England
Tracy Ashley
“I am very happy to learn that I have been selected as the recipient for this award and I would like to express my sincere gratitude and thanks to all who voted for me.”
Best Agent/Rep in North East England
Nicola Carles
“I am thrilled to have won this award, I am so grateful for this recognition and will continue to strive to provide the best support to all my retail partners and friends I have made along the way. Thank you from the bottom on my heart.”
“I feel totally humbled that my retailers have voted for me, most of my customers have become friends, after 44 years of covering the South West as a Sales Representative.”
Best Agent/Rep in the Midlands
Mark Simmons
“I was totally shocked to receive this award and very Humbled by it. I would like to thank everyone who found the time to vote for me. I would also like to thank all the Kaydian staff because everyone plays a part from the people in the office in Newcastle to the warehouse staff who pick and despatch every order that gets placed and down to the delivery people. Because without teamwork I would not be able to give the service I like to provide to my customers.”
Agent/Rep
Robert Hunter
“A huge thank you to everyone who voted for me and to win the award gives me a great feeling of appreciation, I take great pride in what I do and try to provide the very best for all my customers. I’d like to thank all my retail partners and also Highgrove Beds and Julian Bowen for all their support.”
Personality
Nicolle Hockin
Managing Director at Devonshire Living
“Not sure I’ve mentally accepted this win yet, what a complete yet fantastic surprise! Although I’ve been back in the industry for 8 years now (which has gone incredibly fast), I still feel relatively new compared to a lot of my peers, so to win the Big Personality Award this year was both a shock and a privilege. Networking doesn’t come naturally to me so to be recognised as a key contributor (or at least noticeable!) is very humbling, and I’d like to thank everyone who voted for me. I look forward to meeting more of you personally in the future. I’ll be on the Devonshire Living stand at INDX in August, please come and say hello!”
“It will be 25 years ago next month that I took my first order for Celebrity Motion Furniture, so this award has come at a great moment! Thank you very much to The Big Furniture Group and all who kindly voted for me. I will endeavour to continue to keep up the good work, maybe for another 25 years.”
Best Agent/Rep in Wales
Anthony Lewer
“Thank you to everyone who voted for me and feel even more grateful to win this award for 2nd year in a row. Big thanks to all the team at Devonshire who give me and my customers such great service and commitment in providing such absolute high standards in everything we do. In means a great deal to win this award and be recognise by the trade.”
Best Agent/Rep in Northern Ireland
John
“It is an honour and privilege to be nominated for this award. To win it is absolutely stunning. I was shocked and delighted to get this prestigious award. May I thank everyone who voted for me and everyone in the Big Furniture Group. I have had the pleasure selling Sealy for over 22 years and to be recognised with this award is humbling. A special thanks to all my colleagues and friends in Sealy who help me promote the best brand in the world. We are “The Heart and Soul of Sleep”. Also, many thanks to Graham Carberry and Mark Tuley for their guidance and support.”
Best Agent/Rep in Ireland
Chris Lester
“I am thrilled to have won this award as best agent for Ireland I would like to thank everyone for the votes and support given to me.”
Best UK Furniture Supplier Alstons
Best Overseas Furniture Supplier Wiemann
Outstanding Supplier Product Lydford by Devonshire Living
Best Supplier for Customer Service Sherborne Upholstery
Best Supplier for Delivery Service Celebrity Motion Furniture
Best Supplier for Retail Staff Training Hypnos
Best Supplier for Machinery Pathfinder
Best Supplier for Components Spinks
Best Supplier for Packaging Products (wrapping) Woods Packaging
Best Supplier for Sustainability Story (Green Credentials) Harrison Spinks
Best Supplier for Display Support (Point of Sale) Stressless
Best Bed Supplier (High Quality) Harrison Spinks
Best Bed Supplier (Mid Range) Highgrove Beds
Best Bed Supplier (Value Range) Dura Beds
Best Mattress Supplier Sleepeezee
Best Upholstery Supplier (Bespoke/High Quality) La-Z-Boy UK
Best Upholstery Supplier (Fabric) Celebrity Motion Furniture
Best Upholstery Supplier (Leather) G Plan
Best Occasional Chair / Recliner Supplier Stressless
Best Living Room Cabinet Supplier Devonshire Living
Best Dining Cabinet Supplier ercol
Best Carpet Supplier Cormar
Best Rug Supplier Asiatic
Best Accessories Supplier (Lighting/Giftware/ Pictures/Mirrors) Dar
Best Children’s Furniture Supplier Birlea
Best Flatpack Furniture Supplier Rauch
Best Home Office Furniture Supplier GFW
Best Garden/Outdoor Furniture Supplier Gallery Direct
Best Staff Sales Training Company Furniture Sales Solutions
Best Software Company RetailSystem
Best Sales Promotion Company Lynch Sales
Best Buying Group AIS
Best Furniture Trade Show January Furniture Show
Best Finance Provider Novuna
Best Furniture Care/Repair Company ISM Networks
Best Warranty/Product Protection Provider Guardsman
We are absolutely delighted to announce that we have received the prestigious award for BEST UK SUPPLIER. Acknowledgement of our dedication and commitment is incredibly rewarding. Our entire team at Alstons deserves recognition for consistently delivering on our exceptional service and reputation. A huge thank you goes out to our loyal customers who kindly took the time to cast their votes. We really appreciate your support and never underestimate its value. Thanks again to all involved.
Everyone at Sleepeezee is extremely proud to have achieved best mattress supplier in the Big Furniture Awards. This award is a testament to the hard work and commitment every Sleepeezee employee makes to producing high quality products with great customer service and delivery. The award is even more special for us as it’s voted for by our own industry, during a year we are celebrating our centenary too.
All of us here at Devonshire Living are over the moon to have received two industry prizes in this year’s awards. To uphold our title of Best Living Room Cabinet Supplier for the second year in a row is a great achievement and we are focussed on
providing new, contemporary occasional designs in the near future to complement our current offering. For our painted bedroom range ‘Lydford’ to win Outstanding Supplier Product is a great victory, especially when competition is so fierce. Lydford has gone from strength to strength since we launched it early last year, and is quickly becoming one of our overall best-selling ranges. So much so that we are launching it in an all-over oak version in the Autumn. We would like to that everyone who voted for us this year, and we look forward to seeing you at INDX in August.
We are delighted to receive this award. It is testament to our core values of supplying the best quality product at the best possible price.
We are all over the moon at being recognised by the industry for the service we provide. Everyone at ISM Networks work very hard to provide the best possible after sales furniture repair service and it is fantastic to be recognised for it. We will continue to work hard to improve the service even further over the coming year and ensure we remain an award-winning furniture repair network.
It is always a great honour to win an award, especially from the Big Furniture Magazine that is widely respected within the industry. Sherborne Upholstery has always strived to provide the best customer service possible, with all our staff at the factory going the extra mile to try and resolve any issues our customers may have and to make any call to us as easy and professional as we can. We aim to give speedy responses with accurate information to aid first time resolutions in as many cases as possible. The customer service team at Sherborne Upholstery take pride in being able to support all our customers with any support issue they need. We have a lot of loyal customers who have built great relationships with our staff over the years and often you hear a burst of laughter coming from the offices when our staff are on a call with a customer, sometimes it’s best not to ask why, but we treat our customers as friends we have known for years. We have to include all our sales representatives, drivers and staff behind the scenes in our heartfelt thanks for the award as they all contribute to our respected standing in the industry. We will strive to continue helping and supporting our customers as we take great pride in bringing the best products and service that we can to the industry. We also would like to congratulate our sales representative Patrick Gulliford on his award for the Best Rep/Agent in the South West. We are now looking forward to July where we will be bringing more innovation to the shop floor to enhance our already wide selection of quality products and continuing to give our customers the best choice and quality on the market.
As a proud British manufacturer, we’re dedicated to leading the way in responsible manufacturing, and are deeply passionate about making a positive impact to our people and the environment around us. Creating our products sustainably and with responsibly sourced materials is at the heart of everything we do so it’s a fantastic feeling whenever we get recognised for it. We also pride ourselves tremendously in our craftmanship and everyone in the team at Harrison Spinks puts in so much care and attention to handmaking each luxury mattress and bed.
Our components division is constantly innovating to improve both product design and the manufacturing process so it’s great to be recognised for our service and our high-quality components at Spinks. We are deeply honoured to have achieved not just one or two, but three of these awards across our beds business and components division, each win recognising our team’s commitment to responsibly crafting high-quality products right here in Britain.
Firstly a huge thanks to the readers for nominating us to win not just one award but two! Every award we receive is a testament to the experienced and passionate Ekornes team
we have both here in the UK and of course in Norway. None of this can be achieved without the collaboration of our retailers in the UK and Ireland so a thank you to them for their ongoing commitment and investment in the brand. The Stressless studio spaces are a truly inspiring place for consumers to experience the brand and we are delighted to hear that the industry agrees!
Winning the Big Furniture Group’s Best Garden/Outdoor Furniture Supplier award is absolutely fantastic, and we would like to thank everyone who voted for us. The whole Gallery team are immensely proud of the design and value for money offer we have put together for 2024. And we are looking forward to launching our design-led 2025 collection as we believe it is even more exciting.
We are thrilled that we have won the award for Best Warranty/ Product Protection Provider! It’s a huge a testament to the relentless dedication and hard work of our incredible team. This achievement reflects our commitment to excellence and innovation, driven by the collaborative efforts that have become the hallmark of our success. We believe this recognition is not just a victory for us, but also a celebration of the strong and fruitful partnerships we have cultivated with our retail partners. Together, we have set a new standard in our industry, and we are excited to continue this journey of mutual growth and success.
Celebrity are incredibly honoured to receive the awards for Best Supplier for Delivery Service and Best Fabric Upholstery Supplier at the Big Furniture Group Awards. These significant recognitions are a reflection of the hard work and efforts of our entire team. We are immensely proud of our commitment to providing exceptional delivery services and high-quality fabric upholstery. These awards support our efforts and inspire us to continue striving for excellence in every aspect of our business. We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to our customers, delivery couriers, and everyone in the furniture industry who voted for us. Your trust and support are invaluable to us. We look forward to continuing to supply you with the same level of dedication and quality.
I’m absolutely delighted to receive this award from the industry on behalf of all my colleagues.
We’re delighted to have won the award, for the second year running. To retain this award and to be recognised for it is testament to the hard work that the team put in behind the scenes at Wood’s Packaging HQ. The result is even sweeter knowing it’s voted for by our customers. We are honoured to be named alongside other big names in the furniture industry and congratulate the winners in all categories.
We are over the moon! To be voted by the industry as Best Overseas Furniture Supplier and Best Bedroom Cabinet Supplier in the Big Furniture Awards is both humbling and an honour. Colleagues across the business, from design, manufacture, and distribution in Germany to the UK sales team, our home delivery and installation specialists and our customer service team all work extremely hard to produce and deliver amazing products which are beautiful, practical and excellent quality. To be recognised for this is pleasing and much appreciated. Huge thanks to everyone who voted for us.
Thank you so much for this Award win, we are really pleased. We put a lot of time and thought into our training. The team are thrilled – especially our Training Manager, Kerry Horne.
We are absolutely thrilled to receive this award. Over the past few years, we have worked tirelessly to expand our range and provide better products for our customers. At Birlea, product innovation is at the core of everything we do.
Highgrove is delighted to accept the Best Bed Supplier award in the mid-range category – made more special because it’s our customers who voted for us. We work hard as a business to consistently provide high quality; great value products and this award is also recognition of the commitment and hard work from the entire Highgrove team to ensure we consistently provide the highest levels of service for our customers.
We are very pleased to win the prestigious award, it is a definitely a reflection of the investment from our fantastic product development department at our German HQ.
Thank you to everyone who voted for us. It always re-assuring and rewarding to see the hard work behind the scenes being recognised across our competitive industry.
We at Pathfinder are delighted to have won this award for Best Supplier for Machinery. Everything at Pathfinder is a team effort and this award recognises the hard work of those in our offices worldwide and our factory in Australia who continue to develop our incredible technology. A huge thank you to our customers and everyone that voted for us.
Thanks to the incredible support of our members, suppliers, and everyone who voted in the recent industry awards, we’re thrilled to have won this award. At AIS, our team’s passion for the independent retail sector fuels our commitment to support the industry to thrive. This recognition is a testament to the collective effort of the entire industry, which we’re proud to be a part of.
We are delighted to have been awarded ‘Best Carpet Supplier’ as part of the Big Furniture Awards. This year we have continued to invest in the business, ensuring we remain at the forefront as a dynamic and leading-edge player in the market, so it is great for the Cormar team to be recognised for the hard work and determination that they have put in. Our dedication to quality, customer satisfaction, and cutting-edge design remains steadfast, and we are excited about the future as we continue to drive forward. Thank you to everyone who voted for us and to all our valued customers for your continued support.
We are incredibly honoured to receive the award for Best Rug Supplier. This recognition celebrates our continued commitment to creating beautiful high-quality rugs and delivering outstanding service. A heartfelt thank you to our amazing customers and dedicated team for their unwavering support and commitment. We look forward to continuing to bring excellence to every rug we create and every customer we serve.
We’re thrilled to share that RetailSystem has been awarded the Best Software Provider Award 2024, as voted for by the readers and followers of BigFurnitureGroup. This accolade highlights the exceptional quality and user satisfaction that RetailSystem consistently delivers to its Users. A big thank you from our team to everyone who voted for us and for their trust and continued support!
The Furniture Show’s team are thrilled to be named Best Furniture Trade Show for the January Furniture Show! This recognition is a true testament to the incredible effort put in by our entire team, and it wouldn’t be possible without the support of the furniture industry. To kick off 2024 with such a successful show continues to prove how crucial trade shows are for delivering a platform that fosters connections, drives innovation, and ultimately, propels the furniture industry forward. Thank you to all of those who voted and continue to support the show, we can’t wait to re-unite in July for the Manchester Furniture Show. And see you all at January Furniture Show in 2025!
Me (Adam), Ruben and Denholme are over the moon that FSS has won Best Staff Sales Training Company for the second year running! This recognition means a huge amount to us because it reflects our dedication to empowering the amazing people who make our industry thrive. We want to give a huge thank you to our clients, partners and friends for believing in our vision and committing your time and effort to the process every step of the way. The best part of our job is getting to know all of you and doing as much as we possibly can to take your business to the next level! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for this incredible honour.
www.bigfurnituregroup.com
Romilly Newbound, Company Director at Back in Action, talks about the importance of health and ergonomic products as well as concerns over high street retail.
Meet Romilly
I’m the lead of creatives, people and the smooth running of the business. I ensure our exceptionally high standards for compassion, expertise and care are maintained in all areas of the company.
Our primary investments at the moment are into infrastructure and tech so that when high street retail hits more buoyant times we will be able to easily handle higher volumes without compromising on the quality of our service.
We have many! But the most exciting all involve greater outreach to customers through our stores. High street retail is a tough market but the online world can’t replicate it. We want to ensure we are still here for many years as ergonomic products HAVE to be sat in to be chosen well.
That said, we understand the power of the internet so we are working closely with our tech team to hone the website to be an incredible resource for everyone who can’t get to a store. Our website combined with our phone advice already has a 98% success rate at helping people choose the right chair, we want to get that to match the in-store rate of 99% / 100% (although experience wise it will still be more enjoyable in store where we do postural training and give you the fabrics to touch and play with).
is your mission?
To solve back problems for people at every budget from £30 to £3,000. We have solutions at every stage and when combined with our advice and feedback, it’s a perfect combination to create actual change.
Back in Action was set up in 1987 to help people manage, prevent and treat the symptoms of back pain. Our four great stores in London, Amersham, Bristol and Marlow have an incredible range of stylish, therapeutic furniture that will compliment any home or office.
Our greatest asset is our staff and team of specialists, all dedicated to giving you the time, care and attention necessary to help you beat back pain. We’re crazy about them, and we think you will be too. Our aim is to not only relieve the symptoms, but to address the causes of back pain to give you a higher standard of living.
To many, back pain can sound like a simple, even minor problem. But as those who suffer its effects know, it’s often much more than that. In fact, many of our staff started their relationship with Back in Action as customers and subsequently decided to join the team, so they’ve got a pretty good idea of what you’re going through. They’ve been there themselves.
We know that back pain can mean stress, irritation, sleepless nights, loss of appetite, anxiety, poor concentration both at home & at work, as well as having to miss out on your favourite activities. Over the last 35 years we have helped thousands of people lead happier, pain free lives. All in all, we’re pretty proud of what we do and the people we work with. Our team is the core of our business.
On sustainability, what is your business doing on this topic?
So much! Our products are from some of the world’s most sustainable brands, we use the UK’s most ecofriendly delivery company and we maximise the sale of exceptionally long-lasting products to ensure minimum landfill. We also stopped using plastic bags around 10 years ago and use biodegradable ones instead, while all our electricity contracts we pay for renewables. The list goes on and we’re proud of the work we are doing to be a more sustainable business.
How has recent business been? What trends are you noticing?
Retail is slow. The middle income customers are more cautious about spending on health and companies aren’t investing as much in the wellbeing of their team. Naturally, it’s short sighted as we know great furniture can reduce absenteeism and reduce staff turnover, but companies are cautious to spend the extra at the moment.
For the companies that do, we really see them getting the ROI they were hoping for. Back pain related absence in our own company is less than 1% despite a greater average intake of back pain sufferers.
What would you change in the industry?
I would like to see tax relief for bricks and mortar retailers. This would make it easier for those of us investing in a high street customer experience to be able to exist alongside the online only companies who have much lower overheads.
What challenges do you currently face and how are you overcoming these?
Running costs are incredibly high so we have to be clever about marketing spends and storage. Brexit has added significant extra import paperwork and costs which are a problem for companies of all sizes but especially those importing a very varied range of items.
Do you have any staff you would like to pay special thanks or recognition to and why?
All of them – our team are diligent, hardworking, compassionate and caring. We and our customers are lucky to have them.
Why do you think customers choose your business?
Because we care, genuinely rather than just saying it. Looking after people is at the core of everyone who comes to work for us. Sometimes in business things go wrong and we have a team who even in those situations will do everything to make it right.
I would like to see tax relief for bricks and mortar retailers to enable those of us investing in a high street customer experience more easily able to exist alongside the online only companies with much lower overheads.
Kevin Slade, Director of Growth at DUXIANA, talks about their new collaboration with Bang & Olufsen.
Swedish bed and furniture manufacturer DUXIANA recently revealed the launch of the Sustainable Comfort collection at 3DoD in Copenhagen, which proved to be a big success. Sustainable Comfort is their fully re-engineered most advanced customisable and replaceable component bed, that continues to provide the unique DUX spring system, delivering unrivalled comfort and longevity. It’s been a busy few months for DUX with product launches and partnerships, which brings the brand onto their next big announcement.
Officially turning up the volume to shout about their next collaboration, DUXIANA has joined forces with Danish premium audio and vision producer Bang & Olufsen (B&O) in a move where sleep and sound meet, bringing together an “unparalleled sleeping and entertainment experience”.
The collaboration brings together two Nordic iconic brands steeped in history. Founded in 1925 by Peter Bang and Svend Olufsen in Struer, Denmark, B&O initially focused on manufacturing radio sets before pioneering innovations in audio technology. Over the years, the brand has expanded its product range to include televisions, speakers, headphones, and home automation systems, becoming a leading name in the luxury audio market.
As for DUX, which was founded in 1926 by Swedish entrepreneur Efraim Ljung, the brand has continued to revolutionise the sleep industry, starting with the introduction of the world’s first spring mattress back in 1928. Renowned for its commitment to craftsmanship, quality, and ergonomic design, DUX has continuously innovated its mattress designs to optimise
We are incredibly excited about this groundbreaking collaboration with Bang & Olufsen. By combining our expertise in sleep performance with their supremacy in audio technology, we’re not just creating products—we’re crafting experiences.
sleep quality, catering to customers who prioritise restorative and rejuvenating sleep experiences.
Described as a “no brainer” by Kevin Slade, Director of Growth & Development at DUXIANA, the partnership sees many points of “synergy” between both brands. “We are both 98 years old and seen as high-end premium/luxury brands and products, while also both predominately manufacture all aspects, or at least key the elements, of our products in house to having an almost identical customer demographic.”
As part of the collaboration, DUXIANA and B&O has launched a statement headboard constructed in solid wood and upholstery, with premium features including B&O sound. It is further complemented by composite stone side tables, positioned behind a super king bed. The product is exclusivity available through the DUXIANA retail channel and features three wood finishes, including oak or walnut, with a number of further customisable elements.
“Central to the audio technology are the Beosound Level speakers of exceptional sound quality and versatility,” Kevin said. “These speakers feature a two-way setup with four drivers, including the most powerful woofer found in any portable speaker, delivering an immersive audio experience.”
Both brands are committed to sustainability, with Bang & Olufsen having been awarded the Cradle to Cradle certification for the Beosound Level speaker in September 2021. This framework, standard, and certification, signifies a dedication to sustainable design and future-proofed technology in a world where the average lifespan of products is decreasing and waste generation is increasing.
Furthermore, the headboard is equipped with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as enduring battery life and wireless charging capabilities, which is on the side tables. Integrating state-of-theart home automation technology, this unified system is poised to redefine the home entertainment experience.
Kevin explained: “From the adaptive RoomSense technology, which tailors playback to suit the environment, to the effortless streaming capabilities via Airplay or Chromecast, the potential for personalisation and expansion is almost limitless.
“We are incredibly excited about this groundbreaking collaboration with Bang & Olufsen. By combining our expertise in sleep performance with their supremacy in audio technology, we’re not just creating products— we’re crafting experiences.”
Commenting on the collaboration, Tiina Karjalainen Kiersch, Head of Design at Bang & Olufsen, added: “We’re pleased to be joining forces with DUXIANA in bringing Bang & Olufsen’s excellence in sound, design and craftsmanship to the bedroom. With our equally rich heritage in design innovation, and dedication to longevity and circularity, this collaboration is an example of great brand synergies, beautifully integrating technology into the sleeping realm.”
US bedding brand Purecare reflects on recent trade show success as well as winning a coveted award.
Back at the January Furniture Show earlier this year, US bedding brand Purecare launched into the UK market. Their progress since has been more than encouraging as the brand continues to lay down strong foundations, and industry praise.
More recently, Purecare successfully joined the Minvera Buying Group as an approved supplier for its members, while also showcasing its range of mattress protectors at the Spring Furniture & Beds Show, which took place during May.
Purecase showcased an expansive range of mattress protectors and encasements, aimed to enhance every individual’s unique sleep experience. Purecare’s ranges specialise in five-sided protection and six-sided encasements, which are bed bug proof with their flagship OmniGuard ranges. The brand reported a positive show.
“It’s great to be an approved Minvera supplier,” said Johan Bosman, Senior Vice President of Global Business Development. “The Spring and Furniture Show, our first time as an official supplier, was not only a great success but it also allowed us to connect with the industry at another key event, further enhancing our awareness in the UK market. It’s been really encouraging so far.”
This success has been quickly followed up by the seal of a Good Housekeeping Award for one of its popular products.
“We’re thrilled to announce that our OmniGuard Advance 5-Sided Mattress Protector has been recognised with a prestigious award by Good Housekeeping,” Johan said.
“This accolade underscores our commitment to innovation and excellence in sleep technology, reaffirming our position as leaders in the industry.”
The OmniGuard Advance 5-Sided Mattress Protector is celebrated for its superior protection and advanced features. This innovative protector creates a 5-sided barrier against moisture, allergens, dust mites, mold, and mildew, ensuring a cleaner, healthier sleep environment. Designed to fit like a fitted sheet, it is compatible with both adjustable and standard bases and fits a variety of mattress depths.
This recognition from Good Housekeeping is a testament to our innovative approach and the superior performance of our products. ”
“The five-sided protection offered by the OmniGuard Advance Mattress Protector ensures that not just the top, but also the sides of your mattress are safeguarded against spills, stains, and allergens,” Johan added. “This comprehensive coverage helps extend the life of your mattress and maintain a hygienic sleeping environment, crucial for allergy sufferers and those looking to maintain a clean bedroom space.”
The Good Housekeeping Institute’s testing process is rigorous and thorough, designed to evaluate products on various parameters such as durability, effectiveness, and ease of use.
The OmniGuard Advance 5-Sided Mattress Protector was subjected to a series of tests that assessed its ability to repel liquids, resist allergens, and maintain its integrity after multiple washes. This testing ensures that the product not only meets but exceeds industry standards, providing consumers with reliable and trustworthy recommendations.
“Purecare’s dedication to quality and customer satisfaction is evident through this award, as we continue to enhance the sleep experience for our customers,” Johan said. “The OmniGuard Advance protector is lightweight, flexible, and completely washable, making it an essential addition to any bedroom. It is also treated with antimicrobial silver chloride to inhibit bacteria, mould, and mildew that cause deterioration, stains, and odours.
“This recognition from Good Housekeeping is a testament to our innovative approach and the superior performance of our products. We are proud to add this honour to our accolades and remain committed to delivering sleep solutions that prioritize health, comfort, and quality. Not only this, but with a strong record of increasing store sales within this category, Purecare is the perfect partner in mattress protection.
“For more information about our award-winning products and how we can help your store significantly grow sales, please contact us today at sales@purecarehome.co.uk.”
Nick Williams, Sales Manager at bed manufacturer Sweet Dreams, shares another teaser ahead of their big rebrand unveiling.
Last month Sweet Dreams revealed the first teaser of their big rebrand project. The business, which has been established since 1988, decided that now is the right time to take the plunge in overhauling their entire look and perception.
“We have decided on a rebrand in order to shift the perception of the bed, mattresses and upholstery ranges, from one of quality, service, value and mid-market to one of premium quality with good value for money,” said Nick.
Working with brand guru, Guy Marson from Nettl Worcester, the team has been busy redefining Sweet Dreams’ brand values and incorporating them all in a new identity, one that demonstrates to the market that, after 36 years of bed manufacturing in the UK, the business remains well-established.
The real challenge was creating our brand ‘personality ”
To allow for a constructive rebrand strategy, Sweet Dreams put together a Focus Group where many hours and ideas have been shared. With Guy part of this group as a pair of external eyes looking into the brand, the strategy sessions have delivered positive results.
“Having re-branded Premiership Rugby, County Cricket, House Skin & Hair Care ranges and worked with other focus groups, I can honestly say that the group consistently challenged themselves, sharing their honest views and opinions to agree what the true values of the business are historically and re-defining them for the future,” Guy said. “The brand value proposition succinctly sets out what the business is all about. It’s been great fun working with the team.”
Nick echoed the sentiment: “The real highlight so far is how the Focus Group has knitted together. We asked staff from all across the business to ensure we got a really clear understanding of what the company thinks of itself. We told everyone to leave their titles outside of the room and it worked really well. Guy has been excellent too.”
It goes without saying, but with a task as big as a rebrand, there will be bumps in the journey. For Nick, the main challenge was all about getting the Sweet Dreams ‘personality’ on point. “The real challenge was creating our brand ‘personality’, which is a combination of values, attributes and our proposition. There were so many combinations and we had to work really hard to get it right.”
Although it is still too early for any unveiling, Nick added that it’s been a “fantastic transition into a premium look”, with the big reveal all set for the September edition of Big Furniture Group. This will flow nicely into September’s NBF Bed Show, where the rebrand will be seen and felt in the flesh for the first time.
“We are looking to get everything in place for the NBF Bed Show. The show stand will be focused on the new look with a big launch event too. We’re very excited,” says Nick.
“As part of the rebrand, we will be launched a brand new product catalogue with a range of new beds, mattresses and bed frames too. These will also be unveiled at the Bed Show.
“It’s been an incredible journey – even the Pakoras, Samosas and Naans we get each lunchtime during the Focus Group They are so good I always order more to take home! However, joking aside, it’s been fabulous to see the birth of Sweet Dreams’ new era and we can’t wait to show everyone.”
www.sweetdreamsuk.com - www.nettlworcester.co.uk
Get ready to shine in the National Bed Federation’s (NBF) annual Bed Industry Awards for 2024! The prestigious awards are your chance to be recognised as one of the brightest and best in the bed market.
The awards celebrate excellence in the UK and Ireland’s bed industry and offer a perfect platform for bed retailers, manufacturers, and suppliers to showcase their outstanding achievements from the past year.
This year, there are four awards for retailers that predominantly stock NBF member brands and four for NBF member manufacturers and suppliers.
The Small NBF Retail Champion of the Year and Large NBF Retail Champion of the Year awards are available for independent bed retailers that are part of the NBF Retail Champions Scheme, supporting businesses whose product offer is at least 50% NBF-approved brands (Retail Champions) or 100% NBF-approved brands (Premier Retail Champions).
The highly coveted National Bed Retailer of the Year Award is geared towards businesses with more than 20 stores, and the Online Bed Retailer of the Year Award for retailers with at least 80% of their sales made by the internet. Entrants for all retailer awards are encouraged to demonstrate their support for NBF-approved brands both online and in-store where applicable during the past year.
For NBF members, the awards include the highly sought-after Bed Manufacturer of the Year and Supplier of the Year categories, shining a spotlight on your outstanding efforts and achievements from the past year.
The Bed Product of the Year and Component Product of the Year Awards recognise excellence in innovation and design, with sustainability playing a vital role in the criteria, in line with the NBF’s Green agenda.
Winners will be announced at the NBF Bed Industry Awards Ceremony & Gala Dinner on Tuesday, 24 September at Telford International Centre, hosted by Strictly
The awards celebrate excellence in the UK and Ireland’s bed industry. ”
Come Dancing’s Anton Du Beke, who will also welcome and entertain the 500 guests.
Anton Du Beke has a surprising connection to the world of beds. Before his Strictly fame, he worked as a bed salesman for the Bed Post in Petts Wood, South London.
Don’t sleep on this opportunity to showcase your company! Entry is now open via the Bed Show website. Take the time to carefully read the criteria and top tips provided; they are designed to help and maximise your chance of being shortlisted – and perhaps even win!
The NBF will publish a shortlist of retailer finalists before the awards ceremony in September.
www.bedshow.co.uk.
The 29th March 2024 marked a special moment for independent mattress retailer Mattress Online. It was the date that the business officially cut the ribbon to their new store, situated Sprotbrough Road Retail Park in Doncaster.
It also signified a fresh in-store design approach, as well as becoming the brand’s flagship staple store, adding to their other three locations. The new flagship store includes warm lighting, relaxing colours and a simple and transparent pricing system. It offers a unique shopping experience from a team of expertly trained staff who place the importance of the customers’ sleep need and style at the forefront of the buying journey. This is supported by ongoing bespoke staff training from Mattress Online’s very own sleep expert, James Wilson – also known as The Sleep Geek.
A few months on, we caught up with Steve Adams, CEO at Mattress Online, to find out how the store is performing and the process behind the big launch. “Trading has been encouraging. “We are seeing footfall steadily increase thanks to a mixture of marketing, brand presence due to location, and word of mouth.
“Feedback has been positive from customers and industry contacts alike too. We’ve made a point of asking our suppliers to come to Doncaster for meetings and give us their thoughts. Customer feedback has been that they’re pleasantly surprised at how relaxed and warm the store feels, and the simple messaging of our USP’s and transparent pricing model makes the purchase journey easier.”
Steve Adams, CEO at Mattress Online, reflects on the opening of their new store in Doncaster as well as sharing future plans.
It’s always good to receive positive praise, and for Mattress Online’s latest venture into the physical bricks-and-mortar world of retailing, the business has really done their homework on all aspects, from design, flow and experience, gaining inspiration from Apple for one.
“We did extensive research as a team, going into stores and looking at what worked for us - and what didn’t,” says Steve. “We took inspiration from brands where the layout and design just works well - the feel of Apple stores is a great example of what we wanted to achieve.
“Taking the design away from what we’d call a traditional bed shop style was important, old-fashioned features such as perspex price tickets stuck on mattresses for example. As a hybrid retailer, incorporating some of the simplicity of internet buying was important.
“We took some time to test the design and build in a section of our Rotherham store, which was a perfect test-and-learn environment and meant that when the Doncaster project kicked off it was a very streamlined process with our fantastic shopfitting contractor and his team.”
To celebrate the launch over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, Mattress Online offered 10% off everything in store to customers, while stakeholders raised a glass with a special preview evening. “Doncaster is our first showroom that wasn’t already an existing bed store and we got a completely blank
canvas that needed everything, which is was what we wanted,” said Steve.
“A lot of planning and time went into getting it right, not cutting corners, and getting the professional execution we’d envisioned. We held a preview evening in the store and invited the wider team along, as well as all the stakeholders who had been involved in helping us to get the showroom ready and open - it was lovely to have everyone there to celebrate their hard work and appreciate the finished product over a couple of beers.”
The new Doncaster store has not only created three new roles locally in the city, but also gave the company an opportunity to promote some of their colleagues within other stores, which resulted in even more role creation, with a total of six new jobs being created overall.
And there is likely to be more jobs being created in the future too, as plans are firmly underway for another store. “I’m pleased to share that our next brick and mortar store has reached some important milestones recently, and soon we’ll be ready to begin work and hopefully reveal more details on location,” Steve said.
“The clean, modular design we’ve achieved with the Doncaster store is future proofed, so expect to see more of the same.”
At a time where the market is generally tough out there, coupled with “consumers spending less and taking longer to make purchase decisions”, as Steve says, the business is continuing to invest in their future and tackle such challenges head on.
“It’s a relatively tough market out there due to external factors - cost of living, an impending election and the slowed housing market. On speaking to suppliers and industry contacts the challenges seem to be universal right now.
“We have continued to be prudent with performance marketing spend, avoiding getting into the weeds of buying unprofitable business, however on balance we’ve implemented some good work behind the scenes and we’re seeing our efforts pay off after recent Google updates were rolled out.”
The clean, modular design we’ve achieved with the Doncaster store is future proofed, so expect to see more of the same.
Vic Smith, owner of independent beds retailer Vic Smith Beds, talks about advertising and why it’s important to embrace the digital world.
Advertising – we’ve all got to do it – but I don’t know about you, but where we are, we have lost a lot of the local paper deliveries – the curse of the digital world!
For us, that was big as a huge proportion of our customers aren’t digital friendly shall we say. But as part of the trust process (they have to trust enough to spend money with us) they need to have a constant reiteration/confirmation of you as a business (holding their hands and reassuring).
So, it’s about how you do it! Over the years – we’ve had to become inventive and creative with our marketing. It’s not just looking within your own industry for advertising ideas. And, yes, just like you guys have approached me about using items in my articles, we too have ‘borrowed’ ideas.
For example, on our ceiling tiles in our showrooms, we have customer testimonials printed – it’s all forming part of the positive reaffirming.
The idea – it came from sitting in the dentist chair. We are conditioned to think we need to look within our own industry for ideas – but that’s wrong. In a minute - it’s going to sound as though I spend a lot of time in the dentist – but that gave us another idea too! They have an automated reminder for my appointment via text message – so we’ve gone one further with this as everybody uses their mobiles these days.
We use it as a delivery reminder on the day, as you tailor the sender’s name to your company – and if they choose to opt in at the time on the paperwork –we can send them special exclusive offers too! And it’s there on the phone to remind them – rather than last week’s paper off in the recycling. We have found, just like our branded gin give away – it’s a talking point – and word of mouth is invaluable.
Have a look around – do you have a local radio station? Speak to them about adverts – even if it’s not a broad customer demographic, the parents that listen to it, might tell their adult kids about you. Local community groups - these often have a Facebook recommendation page. When you’re closing the sale, ask them to leave you a review – it all helps.
Look at three different businesses in your neighbourhood – what’s their form of advertising? How can you adapt it to your business? Take an extra 10 minutes one day to see what’s around, and use that cup of tea in the morning to get the brain cells fired up to see how you can make it work for you. If you’re not sure, split test - put different codes for the different methods and see what gives you a better return.
And speaking of the digital world – we shouldn’t be afraid of it changing and evolving. There are some changes and benefits we can all embrace – it’s a lot easier these days to add ‘marketing/graphic designer’ to our different hats we wear!
There are packages out there that don’t cost as much as they used to, and they can help you react quicker to the current environment. So, stick the kettle on and do your research!
We’ve had to become inventive and creative with our marketing.
Tim Lawson, Founder and Director at TRL Furniture, talks about recent recognition as well as expanding overseas.
Renowned for its bespoke creations, Nottingham-based furniture manufacturer TRL Furniture has been very busy since we last caught up with the business. A few months back, Tim Lawson, Founder and Director of TRL Furniture, revealed its ongoing expansion, both through agent appointments and retail partnerships.
The latter has continued, with the company poised to go beyond British shores and into new markets – seven in fact, as Tim explains: “We have been extremely busy this year, which is great! We’ve been working with Debenhams, B&Q and The Range, and we’re continuing to expand with other retailers, especially independents in the UK.
“We’re also broadening our horizons too. This September will see us move into Europe. Having been accepted on the French-based Vente Unique’s European platform, we will be going into seven different countries, offering delivery and assembly of our furniture through their platform.”
TRL Furniture will be expanding into France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Belgium and The Netherlands as part of its expansion strategy. “We have also been accepted to work with the German giants XXXLutz and their online platform too,” Tim revealed, “Which should come to fruition by September this year. It’s all very exciting for us!”
Having been accepted on the French-based Vente Unique’s European platform, we will be going into seven different countries, offering delivery and assembly of our furniture through their platform.
This expansion comes off the back of recent recognition where TRL Furniture won the Best Handmade Bespoke Furniture Provider 2023 by SME Business Awards as well as Rural Start Up of the Year Award 2023 by The Start Up Awards. Tim has even been nominated for The Great British Entrepreneur Awards too.
“What sets us apart is our commitment to sourcing materials locally from independent businesses,” Tim says. “This decision isn’t just about sustainability; it’s about fostering meaningful connections within our community of artisans and
Coronation Congregation Chairs
craftsmen. From handpicked oak to reclaimed timber, each material carries a story waiting to be told, enriching the fabric of our designs with authenticity and character.
“Every knot in the wood, every stroke of the brush, bears witness to the collaborative spirit that defines Nottingham’s artisanal landscape. By incorporating these elements into our designs, we invite homeowners and business owners to weave their own tales into the fabric of their spaces.
“In a world of mass-produced goods, we offer a personal touch. From the initial consultation to the final brushstroke, our team works closely with clients to bring their vision to life. We believe that furniture should be more than just functional; it should be a reflection of the owner’s personality and lifestyle.”
To facilitate TRL’s growth strategy further, the business recently expanded its team with the appointment of five new furniture agents looking after the majority of the UK. Richard Jackson covers the Midlands and North Wales, Gary Birch looks after the East of England and North of the Thames, Clive Loe covers South London and Kent, Colin Boyce looks after the South Coast and South Wales and Jonathan Huntsman covers the North East of England and Cumbria.
Tim says the agents have hit the ground running, boosted by its showvan driving up interest. “The furniture agents have seen some great success being on the road with the showvan and we have seen around 20 new independent retailers purchase floor models for their respective shops.
“We’re at an exciting stage within our company and our next phase of growth is well underway. Please get in touch to have a TRL Agent contact you to discuss your shops requirements or reach out to the designated agent covering your area. We can’t wait to work with you.”
Contact our team today
Richard Jackson, covering the Midlands and North Wales, on 07791 252868
Gary Birch, covering the East of England and North of the Thames, on 07903 187719
Clive Loe, covering South London and Kent, on 07561 609364
Colin Boyce, covering the South Coast and South Wales, on 07876 198938
Jonathan Huntsman, covering the North East of England and Cumbria, on 07711 687203
Making a grand return to Manchester Central from 10-11th July, we take a look at what to expect at the Manchester Furniture Show (MFS).
As the essential summer touchpoint for the industry, MFS brings together top brands and high-quality buyers for face-toface opportunities to reconnect, refresh strategies, and secure sales for the upcoming season.
MFS serves as a retailer’s one-stop shop for success, connecting buyers with a diverse range of established and emerging suppliers. With over 100 brands to source, a third of which are brand new to the show, along with virtual networking opportunities. Over two days visitors can forge valuable partnerships, source high-quality inventory, and discover the latest innovations across all furniture categories, with a special focus on the in-demand upholstery and living furniture sectors.
This year’s show floor will feature carefully curated trends and over 25,000 in-demand products just waiting to be snapped up. Notable brands returning to MFS include Alpha Designs, At The Helm, Ashwood Designs, Baker Furniture, Buoyant Upholstery Ltd, Decortie, Dutch Imports, Incanto, La-Z-Boy, Lebus Upholstery, Kettle Home, MS Design, RS Furniture, Premier Housewares, Slumbernights, and Whitemeadow, among others, such as Sofa Connections, HND (UK), Kennett & Lindsell Ltd, Mayfair Upholstery, Oswald & Pablo Ltd, Shape Furniture, Viva Sleep by Sitting Pretty, and more.
Living room furniture and upholstery mega brands will take center stage. Buoyant Upholstery will present their new collection of British-made, high-quality, and timeless designs. They said: “We have lots of favourites coming to Manchester, as well as some new and exciting models. We will also be displaying ranges launched at the January Furniture show, earlier this year, all in updated guises! Buoyant will be bringing a range of timeless sofas, including our newly launched Easy loungers in exciting textures, colours and designs. Our commitment to comfort, style, and durability ensures that each piece not only looks stunning but also stands the test of time.”
La-Z-Boy, the world’s favorite recliner company, will launch their latest collection, while Baker Furniture showcases contemporary and traditional bedroom, dining, and occasional furniture. Premier Housewares, a key supplier of design-led, high-quality products since 1988, will be on hand for retailers and designers seeking perfect homewares. Ashwood Designs will showcase beautifully crafted sofas that blend technology with traditional workmanship and sumptuous fabrics.
ALPHA DESIGNS are excited to be back in Manchester, and look forward to seeing customers old and new. “We will be launching some exciting new ranges, offering exceptional value, lead times and some unique features to enhance sales,” the company said. “They will make the perfect choice for an Autumn launch to kick start sales again. Come and visit us in Central Room 8.”
Sofa Connections will be unveiling two new designs during MFS, which are real statement pieces. “One is a very classic traditional model, the ‘Blakedown’, while the other is a very modern sleek piece, so we are confident there will be something for everyone. These models have been visions for many years, so to see them come to life is really special.” Meanwhile, Kettle Home also shares the excitement to be back and will showcase its latest and most popular ranges. “Join us on stand D10 to see the latest products to join our Essentials, Originals and Signature ranges,” they said. “Our CL Living, Dining and Kitchen collection is a stunning range of truly unique items that will define our Signature category and the most premium ever launched by Kettle Home.” The SB Bedroom is also set to elevate bedrooms across the country this season.
Introducing Vivasleep®, the brand is excited to launch its new bed range at the show. “Proudly designed and developed in the UK, these beds offer unparalleled comfort and style,” they said. “Vivasleep® beds combine aesthetic appeal with cutting-edge technology, driving sales and satisfaction in your store. Visit us at Stand D100 to experience the Vivasleep® difference. Meet our team, explore our range, and discover why Vivasleep® is the perfect addition to your product lineup.”
With Manchester being Bluebone’s hometown, the business says it loves the “relaxed atmosphere that always prevails at this summer show”. At the show, Bluebone will launch new product, however with the “rapidly increasing shipping rates (yet again) we will also focus on the current ranges we have ready to go – that can be delivered as soon as you like for new Autumn displays”. These include the Oban range of living and dining, as well as the Arc - a honey coloured mango wood - range across dining, coffee and lamp tables.
“To coincide with the show, we have completed an extension of our Manchester showroom, plus a new ‘Archive’ Section where you can find recently retired items and end of lines,” Bluebone added. “We invite you to visit our showroom while you are at the show, and will have a driver available to shuttle you there and back. It is around 15 minutes’ drive from the show. We look forward to seeing you in July at Manchester Central, we are on stand D60.”
Lebus had great success at the JFS earlier this year, seeing the launch of several new models. Those popular amongst customers included Megan, Melrose, Jameson and Petra. In addition, they have also launched a range of recliners which really captured the attention of buyers. “The positive reaction from the show has encouraged us to sign up and exhibit at The Manchester Furniture Show in July,” the business said. “We will have an open plan stand to give customers a chance to view our next impressive range of new sofa collections. They have been inspired by the latest fashion forward trends both in Milan and the fabulous new fabric creations at Proposte and plan to integrate some of these trends into our new designs bringing a touch of Italian style to Lincolnshire.”
Stroolmount will on hand to discuss top tips for sustainability during the show. Specialist solutions from Stroolmount are not disposable, but durable. They help protect furniture and flooring and offer solutions such as QuickClick Glides or Furni-Glides, as well as Move-it Pads, with the latter highlighting how “with one gentle push, you can slide a hefty sideboard around on the floor as easily if it was a dance partner!”
Cloud-based software specialist for furniture and bed retailers, RetailSystem, has signed up for their largest ever stand in 20 years. RetailSystem is proud to support the event with the larger stand space set to accommodate their complete portfolio of services, which includes the rapidly growing Website ‘WebSystem’ division, alongside FurniturePay and FurnitureBooks. Furthermore, the show will serve as an ideal platform for RetailSystem’s upgrade to their ‘Version 20’ latest big unveiling, which is set to revolutionise the furniture industry.
In addition to unparalleled product sourcing, MFS offers two days of unprecedented summer networking opportunities. Not only can brands and visitors meet to discuss sales opportunities but they can mingle at the Summer Solstice Show Party and the Women in Furniture Network Brunch. Celebrate the return of this legacy show on Wednesday night with drinks, music and food at the Show Party, then hear from La-Z-Boy Incorporated’s President and CEO, Melinda Whittington, at the WIFN Brunch on Thursday.
Join the furniture community at the must-attend sourcing event of the summer, as the industry looks ahead to another prosperous season. Source, network, and be inspired in Manchester this July. Register now!
Husband and wife team, Matt and Sarah Oakley, owners of furniture manufacturer Sofa Connections, preview what to expect to see during the Manchester Furniture Show.
I’ve got a good feeling that MFS is going to be a real success for us. We are showcasing two brand new ranges.
West Midlands-based family run furniture manufacturer, Sofa Connections, has been busy preparing for the Manchester Furniture Show (MFS). With this month’s showcase taking place from 10 -11 July at Manchester Central, the team are looking to build on its momentum and predict that a “successful show” awaits.
“Here at Sofa Connections, we’re gearing up to introduce ourselves to the retail market at Manchester Furniture Show,” says Sarah Oakley. “MFS is an exciting opportunity for the company, as we’ve really tried to showcase our products and put across our vision.”
As part of the new ranges being unveiled at the show, Sofa Connections has been working with a local interior designer, Natasha Westwood at Otus Interior Design, who has been consulting on fabric choices and stand design, while keeping in line with the business’ ethos of shopping locally where possible.
Reflecting on her experience partnering with Sofa Connections, Natasha commented: “Sofa Connections have a really lovely product and it’s been super fun working with Matt and Sarah to create something special for their stand. I’m sure any retailer or designer will love their products.”
Sarah added: “We always aim to support local small independent businesses where possible and hope that our ranges will have something to offer every retailer. Supporting Independent retailers is a real focus for us.
“We aim to help retailers be their own brand. Using a library of fabrics, retailers can develop their own ranges and therefore be more competitive without prices being matched elsewhere. We can help retailers develop a set of bespoke fabric choices and really make their mark with how they wish to sell their fabrics.”
Sofa Connections also have their own range of house fabric swatches, plus a range of printed fabrics to accent making pricing simpler for those who want a standard product with a great selection of fabrics. “We’ve spent lots of time putting together a lovely mix of fabrics which we know our customers will love,” said Matt Oakley, who has been designing furniture since he was just 18 years old.
“I’ve got a good feeling that MFS is going to be a real success for us. We are showcasing two brand new ranges which aren’t yet available online, including a fixed seat model called ‘The Hagley’, bringing a sleek new design to the already vast offering.
“The two new designs being shown at MFS are real statement pieces, one being a very classic traditional model, the ‘Blakedown’, the other a very modern sleek piece, so we are confident there will be something for everyone. These models have been visions for many years, so to see them come to life is really special.”
Joining Matt and Sarah at MFS are their two sales agents, Colin Boyce and Gary Birch. “The whole team can’t wait to meet you and show you what we’re all about,” Sarah added. “We are looking for some great working relationships, where both retailers and manufacturer are in tune. If you wish to get any information prior to the show or to make an appointment to visit please contact the team at info@sofaconnection.co.uk.”
www.sofaconnections.co.uk
Working with clients across the domestic and contract upholstery sectors, the Peak Converters Team have been converting foam and fibre products from their factory in Derbyshire for the last 50 years.
Known for their outstanding customer service and innovative, high-quality products, they are the UK’s leading supplier of upholstery kits to the trade and produce around two million kit components every year. These are assembled and supplied as upholstery kits or cushions to some of the largest furniture, caravan, and mobile home manufacturers in the UK.
Whilst furniture is their bread and butter, the company also manufactures components for hundreds of other applications, from car sponges to pipeline pigs, converting a total of around one thousand tonnes of foam and 250 tonnes of fibre annually.
As part of their commitment to moving towards net zero and improving their environmental impact, the company, under the leadership of MD Mike Crowshaw, has introduced several continuous improvement initiatives throughout their design and manufacturing process to minimise foam and fibre waste during production, including a fully integrated, automated nesting system.
By its very nature, conversion is about minimising waste to get as much product as possible out of every block
Foam manufacturers are working hard to remove chemicals and create more recyclable products and we are well placed to help them test the applications for those. ”
of foam or sheet of fibre. Peak are enormously proud to say that waste foam and fibre never ends up in landfill directly from their factory.
In fact, there are several outlets through which waste product (trim) is managed, including sending it back to the foam manufacturers where it is repurposed into reconstituted foam. Reconstituted foam can be used in applications such as gym mats, underlay or upholstery. In addition, the company also creates its own crumb for use in applications such as cushions and soft play bags.
Good stock management is critical to minimising waste with every foam block or fibre sheet, as well as part blocks, being tracked so it can be used for sampling and small part runs. Peak’s reputation for handling trim well, and keeping it exceptionally clean, has seen the company become preferred supplier to several fibre manufacturers as it’s use has become more mainstream over the last few years.
Says Mike “We have seen many manufacturers switch from foam to fibre over the last 5 years following chemical shortages in the foam industry and an increased demand for more environmentally friendly raw materials. I expect this shift will continue as fibre manufacturers improve their products and create materials which offer similar comfort and longevity to foam. Having said that, I don’t think foam will completely disappear. Foam manufacturers are working hard to remove chemicals and create more recyclable products and we are well placed to help them test the applications for those.”
To find out more about Peak Converters, please visit www.peakconverters.co.uk
Which sofa retailers in the UK are ranked highest in online visibility? This report unveils the top performing, and highest growth rate, of sofa retailers when being searched online.
Sofa Club has been named the brand with the biggest online visibility growth in the sofa retailer industry, while Furniture Village and DFS remain at the top of the upholstery rankings.
According to a new ‘Sofa Retailers Report’, conducted by Salience Search Marketing, it assessed industry trends and what consumers search for by analysing 11 crucial performance indicators, including year-on-year visibility, search volume trends, and brand awareness. The findings uncovered the brands that saw the biggest growth in online visibility and those that faced a drop.
The online visibility of brands is ranked depending on the achievement score of their growth, and based on the level of impact a decline may bring to a brand. Authority is about the stature and reputation of a website. Search engines like high authority sites as they’re loaded with trust-worthy signals and likely to provide useful services and content. Authority is measured through a metric called domain rating. The higher it is, the more chance a website has to rank for competitive keywords and boost overall visibility.
According to the report, Sofa Club leads brand visibility as it sees the biggest growth in online visibility, with a 79% increase.
Brands including Swoon, Sofabed Barn, Swyft, and Love Your Home have also made it into the top five, with these increases in visibility highlighting a successful strategy and a growth in demand for sofas and home comforts. Despite being crowned the most prominent brand, DFS sees a drop in organic visibility, with a 27% decrease Year on Year.
Brett Janes, managing director at Salience Search Marketing, said: “This report allowed us to uncover the latest trends and growing brands within the industry. Regarding organic visibility, there has been a 2% drop in overall organic growth within the industry, demonstrating that brands need to revisit their strategy to strive in a competitive industry. This is a crucial time for brands to continue amplifying their online presence to gain prominence in the year ahead.
“Sofa Club and Swoon ranked best with the biggest online visibility growth, however, to ensure longevity and prominence in a growing industry, Furniture Village and DFS, which have faced a drop in online visibility, will need to revisit strategies to accommodate user needs better. Overall, building a strong following and online presence across multiple channels becomes vital in driving sales and capitalising on the expanding market demand.”
“Regarding organic visibility, there has been a 2% drop in overall organic growth within the industry, demonstrating that brands need to revisit their strategy to strive in a competitive industry.
Summer is here, and with it comes one of the most lucrative periods for retail businesses: the summer sales season.
As consumers eagerly hunt for the best deals, it’s crucial to have an effective marketing strategy in place to capture their attention and drive sales. Enter FurnitureTexts, a powerful text marketing solution designed specifically for furniture and bed retailers, delivered by cloud-based software specialist RetailSystem.
In today’s digital age, mobile phones have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Research shows that, on average, people check their phones 58 times per day for activities like social browsing, shopping, and communication. Remarkably, around five billion text messages are sent and received globally each day, with 95% of these messages being read within three minutes of being sent. This makes text marketing an incredibly effective tool for reaching customers in real time.
Summer sales are a critical time for retailers to maximize their revenue. Traditional marketing methods, while still important, may not always capture the immediacy needed to capitalize on the impulsive nature of summer shopping. Text messages, on the other hand, offer a direct and instant line of communication with customers. According to industry statistics, text message marketing boasts an open rate of 98% and a click-through rate of 35%, significantly higher than other marketing channels. How FurnitureTexts Can Elevate Your Summer Campaigns
“These days, consumers are constantly bombarded with social alerts from friends, family, and work,” explains Nick Mizin, Sales Manager at FurnitureTexts. “Because of these disruptions, many disable notifications for email and other social networks. If you want to market in real time, you need to send a text message.”
FurnitureTexts provides a seamless and user-friendly platform for creating and managing text marketing campaigns. Here’s how it works:
Quick Setup: With RetailSystem’s ‘step-by-step’ guide, setting up a text campaign takes just a few moments. You can filter
targeted customers and schedule the campaign to send at the most opportune time, ensuring it aligns with your customers’ time zones.
GDPR Compliance: FurnitureTexts is fully GDPR compliant, allowing customers to manage their marketing database effectively. This includes providing a customizable opt-out link to keep data up-to-date and compliant.
Cost-Effective: Creating a campaign is free, and you only incur charges once the promotion is sent out. This ensures you only pay for what you use, making it a cost-effective marketing solution.
High Engagement: The response rate to mobile marketing is, on average, seven times higher than traditional marketing methods. This means your summer sale promotions are more likely to be seen and acted upon by your customers.
If you want to market in real time, you need to send a text message. ”
FurnitureTexts simplifies the process of launching a text marketing campaign into few easy steps, all accessible via the easy to use dashboard. The guide walks you through creating a template and sending a test message to preview the final result. Once you’re satisfied, you can schedule the campaign to go live at the perfect moment to capture your customers’ attention.
“Using text messages is one of the most effective mediums to promote your business in today’s consumer-driven market,” Nick said. “We’re here to help guide you and turn your texts into a powerful marketing tool.”
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to boost your summer sales with an effective text marketing strategy. With FurnitureTexts, you can reach your customers instantly, provide them with timely offers, and drive significant engagement during one of the busiest shopping seasons of the year.
For more information and to get started with your summer sale text campaign, visit our website or contact our team today.
Nick Mizin, Sales Manager at FurnitureTexts
www.retailsystem.com/uk/features/ text-marketing
Devonshire continue their upwards trajectory with the announcement of five victories at this year’s Big Furniture Awards, across product and people.
Retaining last year’s title of Best Living Room Cabinet Supplier, popular ranges like Moreton and Nevada presented last year have proven that traditional and more niche styles both have a place in today’s market, and leaves this summer’s new collection of occasional pieces – aptly named ‘Array’ - with a promising future.
Powering on with their recent product development journey, Devonshire are eager to be launching two brand new ranges at INDX in August.
The first is an extension of their stylish painted bedroom range Lydford, which won the ‘Outstanding Supplier Product’ trophy in this year’s awards. Soon to be available in a second finish, a stunning all-over oak, there can be no doubt that this range will be just as successful as the original.
The second addition is another play on
the Scandi style, complementing the higher-end Bergen launched earlier this year. Arden is a small range both in number of pieces and in dimension, with a striking chevron design and a couple of glass-topped items to add a modern contemporary twist.
In terms of people, Anthony Lewer and Chris Lester triumphed for the areas of Wales and Ireland respectively, and Managing Director Nicolle Hockin was stunned to receive the award for ‘Big Personality’. On receiving this accolade, Nicolle commented: “I was shocked to hear the news that I had won this category, out of all the notable people making headlines in the industry. I don’t know who voted for me, but thank you!”
When asked what was in store for the next six months, Nicolle added: “At the moment, we’re trying to manage the extreme shipping rates that are once again wreaking havoc on everyone’s
We’ve got some interesting new styles on track for early next year which we’re all very excited about.
import costs. So, aside from that, the focus is still primarily on product development, and we’ve got some interesting new styles on track for early next year which we’re all very excited about.
“We’re taking particular inspiration from the Australian market at the moment and tweaking it for the UK, so that’s been fun to explore. Although we don’t exhibit at shows every year - three shows this year is unprecedented for us! – we have committed to INDX again in January, because we think our customers will be very intrigued by what we have to showcase.”
John Pattison, CEO at Sterling Furniture Group, shares an insight into how the business is building for the future as well as expanding their retail footprint in its 50th anniversary year.
Back in May, Big Furniture Group were invited up to Glasgow to meet the team behind Sterling Furniture Group’s revitalised growth strategy. As Scotland’s leading independently owned home furnishing specialist, the business, which has been established since 1973, has undergone a rapid transformation in the last year, ever since John Pattison joined as CEO back in August 2023.
The senior team, which still includes family members Euan and Murray Graham, who sit on the Group and Executive Boards and George Smith Knowles, grandson of founder George Knowles, who sits on the Group Board, has also seen an extensive reshuffle. Since John joined – and returned to Glasgow – the ex-ScS Commercial Director has appointed four new directors to his leadership team.
These include Kenny Barclay as Chief Financial Officer, Matt Bonar as IT Director, Donna MacPhee as People Director and
Silvia Hernandez as Commercial Director, who joined the business last month. You can meet the team during this feature, but for now, the attention turns to further progress the company has made during John’s short tenure so far.
Alongside bolstering the leadership team, Sterling has also continued to strengthen in many other areas throughout the business, as well as instigating a change in style, tone and approach to engage with the wider colleague team on key matters such as company values and colleague communication.
Furthermore, Sterling has secured significant new funding in a new and extended arrangement with banking partner Royal Bank of Scotland and mapped out ambitious plans for the years ahead, including several planned new stores across the Group, starting with a major new 50,000sqft Sterling Home store at Hillington in Glasgow, which is anticipated to open by the end of the year.
As for group performance, Sterling recently reported its latest accounts for the 18-month period to August 2023, where turnover grew from £55.4m in February 2022 to £83.6m. Pre-tax profits dropped from £4.1m to £43,870, with the results for the prior period incorporating the end of a number of Covid19-related reliefs such as Furlough and Non-Domestic Rates support.
In the accounts, Sterling acknowledges that “the material decline in profitability for the period is also reflective of the historic lack of action taken to address the cost base of the business given reduced sales revenues and inflationary cost pressures”.
However, over a comparative 12-month period, Sterling said that sales were up 3% by £1.6m. And since the period end, Sterling has reported like-forlike positive growth, with a higher order book and expects to deliver pre-tax profit growth for the FY24 as the transformation continues to build momentum.
“It’s undoubtedly been a challenging period, we needed to take prompt and decisive action to set ourselves back on a sustainably profitable course, but I firmly believe that there are exciting times ahead for Sterling, all our colleagues and customers,” John said. “To that point I really want to thank all the Sterling team for their incredible hard work, commitment and support in my first nine months, where we’ve made several significant changes across the Group.
“We’re powering ahead with the major rebrand to our Sterling Home marque and our leadership team has been reinforced by a number of significant senior hires that have already put the company in the best possible position as we build on the legacy created by George Knowles and embark on the next 50 years.
“This is a historic Scottish company with a long-cherished reputation for
quality and we’re brimming with ideas for how we’ll ensure Sterling is leading the way as the home of inspiration for Scottish consumers.
“We’re delighted to have received, and agreed, credit approved terms for a £10m banking facility from Royal Bank of Scotland, which we expect to confirm terms on over the coming weeks. In addition to consolidating Sterling’s existing term borrowings, the Facility provides expansionary funding, in the form of a Revolving Credit Facility, to support the exciting growth and development of the Sterling estate over the next five years. Working with a Scottish bank that wants to support us to grow is hugely important, and the team at RBS have listened to our plans and really stepped up to work with us. We’re really looking forward to working with them.”
On the new store expansion plans, Sterling has agreed Heads of Terms on a potential 15year lease at the premises near Glasgow Airport. John revealed that the location “has the potential to be one of the best retail sites in Scotland”, with the store also featuring the Group’s second garden centre, which will take an outdoor space of 6,500sqft.
Furthermore, the store will include a significant bed area, hosting 36 king size beds with seven to eight room sets, as well as a dedicated 3,000sqft space for flooring and a gifting section near its café. It is anticipated that the store will generate 60 jobs, with 40-45 being full time.
“We’re excited about the new store and it is the perfect location for us to expand,” John added. “We’ve been working on this location since I joined the business. The move is part of wider plans to expand our group, for both Sterling Home and
Forrest Furnishings fascias, with more showrooms earmarked for the future. We’re entering an exciting period of growth for the business and the expansion plays a key part in this.”
As John revealed, Sterling has plans to expand the Sterling Home fascia to 10 to 12 showrooms from the existing six over the next few years, while its Forrest Furnishing brand will also see an expansion, with 10-15 stores planned to open too. For Forrest, target areas include smaller Scottish towns and cities such as Perth and Dumfries as the group continues to invest in its physical portfolio.
From stores to screens, Sterling is also launching a refreshed TV campaign, where during the summer months the business will be on the screens in
partnership with Good Morning Britain. “Viewers in Scotland can look out for our new Sterling Home ads throughout July and August,” John said. “We have secured 135 coveted 10-second spots during Good Morning Britain on STV to compliment the wider Summer Sale campaign which is due to launch on 3rd July, with all our new style TV and Radio ads voiced by Two Doors Down actress Joy McAvoy.
We’re ready for the future and we’re building a fantastic team to drive our growth. ”
“We’re ready for the future and we’re building a fantastic team to drive our growth. Through our refreshed leadership team, clear vision for growth, ‘right-sizing’ our cost base and our exciting new store plans – starting with Hillington in the coming months – we are looking forward to Sterling’s next 50 years with optimism and confidence.”
John Pattison
CEO – Appointed on 7 August 2023
“It’s a privilege to be leading a renowned Scottish institution like Sterling, particularly at a time of generational change in our ownership, with new energies and ambitions, where new legacies can be created for the Group.””
Murray Graham
Management Information Director
Appointed on 1 October 2023
“Being part of such an experienced Executive Team, learning from those around me and taking the business founded by our grandfather forward to new heights.”
Euan Graham
Marketing & Digital Director
Appointed on 5 February 2024
“I’m delighted to help drive the evolution of our brand in the digital era.”
George Knowles
Environmental Project Manager
Appointed on 9 October 2023
“It is hugely exciting to be part of a dynamic new team who are all working towards a strategic growth plan. I am specifically focused on contributing to the delivery of our environmental and sustainability’s goals.”
Kenny Barclay
Chief Financial Officer
Joined in September 23; appointed as CFO in February 2024
“The opportunity to shape, drive (and ultimately deliver) a hugely exciting growth plan for a business with such fantastic heritage.”
Donna MacPhee
People Director
Appointed on 7 August 2023
“I am thrilled to take on the role of People Director because it offers an incredible opportunity to make a meaningful impact on Sterling by fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture to contribute to the company’s success and help our people thrive.”
Matt Bonar
IT Director
Appointed on 6 April 2024
“I’m looking forward to pushing boundaries with our digital offerings through innovation, execution, and good design/user experience.”
Silvia Hernandez
Commercial Director on 3 June 2024
“I see very few brands out there today with the rich history and the high quality-value ratio of Sterling Home; to join the team at such an exciting time of growth is a real privilege for me.”
The complexity of furniture deliveries means that there is risk throughout the delivery process; late deliveries, early deliveries, unexpected deliveries, access issues, damage to property, damage to items, failed installations… the list goes on. But more than any of these possible pitfalls, the number one factor that consumers blame for poor delivery experiences is often poor communication.
Whilst there’s not much you can do about traffic jams, bad weather, or global supply chain disruptions— you can be in complete control of how you communicate with customers throughout the delivery process.
It’s easy to see why communication is so important; customers rely on deliveries arriving at the right time. If there’s a delivery disaster, they may no longer be available to receive the item, meaning a costly re-schedule. When customers have a clear sense of when their order is going to be fulfilled, when it’s going to be delivered, and what to expect throughout the process, it benefits both parties.
So why is communication such a common stumbling block when it comes to last mile deliveries?
Manual phone calls don’t scale: If calling customers is an important part of your customer experience, it’s worth looking at which calls need to be manual versus automated and which can be replaced by text messages or emails.
Last mile visibility is a challenge: It might sound obvious, but in order to keep customers updated throughout the fulfilment process, you need to be sure that all of your own information is also up-to-date. If you don’t know what stop the delivery van is at, you can’t let other customers on the route know when their deliveries are going to be.
90% of consumers want to be able to track their delivery orders.
Estimating arrival times by hand can involve a lot of guesswork: It doesn’t really count as transparency if you inform your customers the morning of the delivery that the driver will be at the delivery site between 8 am and 6 pm. Unfortunately, even once drivers have started their routes it can be hard to effectively predict when the van will arrive if you don’t have the right tools for doing so. This means that you can’t consistently let customers know when their orders are 30 minutes away, for instance.
Of course, one of the biggest hurdles to deal with is the fact that you still need to deliver at the right time in order to create a great experience. These expectations aren’t developing out of thin air— they are changing precisely because they’ve seen that it’s possible to avoid these missteps and create delightful experiences (think Amazon).
What does great communication look like from the customer’s perspective? Here, we can leverage the data from a recent report1
Perhaps the most telling finding is that 90% of consumers want to be able to track their delivery orders. Those 90% break down fairly evenly into those who want to be able to see the van’s location in real-time on a map versus those who feel like they just need a general idea.
Buyers also want frequent order status updates before and during the day of delivery. 80% want to receive frequent updates, with a large majority (66%) in favour of updates on a daily basis at minimum.
WHAT’S THE SOLUTION FOR FURNITURE DELIVERY? ON SOME LEVEL, PROVIDING THE LEVEL OF COMMUNICATION THAT YOUR CUSTOMERS NEED STARTS WITH YOUR TECHNOLOGY. YOU NEED A FEW CAPABILITIES RIGHT OFF THE BAT:
Automated texts, emails, and phone calls: You need to be able to both send these in batches to everyone along a particular route as well as trigger individual messages based on driver/order statuses and locations. Being able to personalise the messages by including the name and picture of the driver as well as company branding adds authenticity. Having the capability for two-way customer communications is also helpful if they have a question or to alert you if something changes.
Real-time last mile visibility: In order to give your customers accurate, up-to-date delivery information, data has to move quickly and precisely within and across your own organisation. This requires connected systems throughout the entire supply chain, but particularly when it comes to inventory, delivery management, route optimisation, and driver management. On the last mile in particular, your system needs to be able to track driver locations and statuses against route plans in order to update ETAs in real time.
Getting your delivery operations just right from the customer’s perspective can be complex, but the path to providing this kind of customer experience is actually quite simple: you need the right technology. Specifically, you need right-time delivery management software that can create agility within your organisations and connectivity across your various touchpoints. This way, your communications to customers won’t regularly go wrong—and neither will the deliveries themselves.
Customer order tracking: Once you’ve got the level of visibility that we described above, it can be incredibly impactful to turn that visibility around and offer it up to your customers - So they can track their own orders in real-time from the comfort of their own phones, tablets, and laptops. This means there’s less reason to call in anxiously about where their order is. At the same time, there’s less likelihood that they’ll step out at exactly the wrong moment and miss the delivery.
www.dispatchtrack.com
1 DispatchTrack’s Big and Bulky Last Mile Delivery Report https://www.dispatchtrack.com/learn/ resources/report
In the next instalment of our series of interviews with agents across the furnishings industry, we spoke with who highlights what would help agents more and how social media platforms are impacting stores.
James Leach, owner of JRL Agencies and co-founder of Passage House Agency, and represents Cattelan Italia, Mattsons, Staingard and Enchanted House.
How long have you been an agent in the industry?
I’ve been in the industry as an agent for the last six years, but also 18 years in the world of furniture.
What drew you into the life of an agent and what’s the day-to-day like?
I remember when I started out as an agent, I was barely 21. I was an agent in the electrical sector and I found it really difficult, I had some challenging products to sell to the electrical wholesalers in the North West, I barely understood the art of the sale, let alone what lumens are. Needless to say, it didn’t last but I remember being in a wholesaler in Manchester and walking in and seeing this other agent who was instore. He’d bought a bunch of bacon sandwiches; I mean there must have been at least 20 on the counter for the wholesalers and their customers too. And I saw the relationship between him and the wholesaler and the simplicity of the gesture went a long way. But the story is about relationships, how to create them and how to develop them. It stuck with me since that day, so too did the taste of that sandwich, which he insisted I had. I knew then how to progress
in the world of sales and one day I would make a career in it.
After the brief spell as an agent, I begin my furniture career as a salesperson in a retailer, Stocktons in Manchester, where I started to carve my journey. I had found a product category that I liked, not light bulbs! After eight years with Stocktons my next step was to experience the other side, so I worked as a sales rep for Harrison Spinks for the North West, now I’m understanding factory processes, and seeing multiple retailer stores. I forged some great relationships, one to this day I still have. After a successful four years with Simon and the team, it was my time to complete the circle and re-enter the world of agencies, but with a category I enjoy and I’ve never looked back.
Day to day life can be pretty hectic and the days, weeks and months fly by. I’m sure we all experience the same challenges; can we slow it down? I’m mean we’re in sales, it’s push, push, push. I can be across the country seeing clients, at factories or in meeting. The phones calling, messages popping up, emails coming in. It can be a juggling act but I wouldn’t change it. I just enjoy spending time people in the trade and sharing stories.
Introducing a product to a potential client and seeing it
working instore. From the sales team getting excited to the end user placing their orders. It’s rewarding when it all comes together.
What is the most difficult?
Being reactive to client queries as the travel time involved in the role makes this challenging.
Do you have any particular highlights so far?
Being nominated (and winning) the Area Sales Agent of the Year in 2023 in the Big Furniture Awards.
What challenges do you think currently face agents in the furnishing industry?
The associated costs in selling a product for agents and also retailers, are increasing at a time when our industry is feeling a downturn.
What would you like to see change?
Autonomous vehicles, so I can process the administrative duties whilst driving.
What would help agents more?
More satisfied customers?? No, I’m joking, but maybe if the end user could understand why a product costs what it does. We live in a throw away society and now consume products more than ever. We as manufacturers and retailers have a duty to try to educate the end user to make purchases that we can live with for a longer period of time. Value furniture can be disposed of without a thought for what happens to it. Of course, there are many charities that can reuse the furniture but we must do what we can to ensure that our furniture doesn’t end up in Landfills. A better made product will last longer and we would have less waste which is better for generations to come, the challenge I guess is to how to educate the consumer to spend more. I’m a big believer in seeing how and where products are made to enable salespeople to see the value in a product. I never get bored of a factory visit!
What would you say to someone considering becoming an agent?
Enjoy the opportunity but be prepared to keep moving!
What is the most important attribute to have as an agent and why?
Empathy and diplomacy if you can’t understand your customers or suppliers, then the role becomes challenging.
Can you share something that irritates you the most as an agent?
Diary planning is a big part of what we do and you can plan your week/ day and unfortunately there are things out of your control that disrupt your well-made plans. Sometimes it can be those peaky little family members who just don’t want you to go. Then the number of vehicles on the road these days is increasing, traffic too can be a disaster with more cars, and
reduced routes in cities making travelling around much more challenging to the detailed plan you have constructed. And then once you arrive at a retailer it’s that awkward moment when there is another sales agent or representative instore. It’s one of those challenges we must overcome but it’s always good to catch up with people in the trade. I guess it’s difficult to manage multiple daily visits but all it’s part of what we do and I thoroughly enjoy these constant challenges.
Can you share an insight into your plans for the year ahead?
Absolutely, I’m looking to continue to work with and grow relationships with the sales people instore. And there are some really interesting factory visits coming up.
What’s the next big thing you are seeing in the industry and why?
Technology and clearly the social media platforms such as Instagram are reaching out to end users and taking away potential clients from visiting stores.
Final thought?
I’d like to thank Dan Squires and The Big Furniture group team for bringing an insight into the world of interiors from all angles. Understanding all aspects of our trade is always a great read and whilst it’s important to see the commercial side of our trade, it’s just as good to hear about the people who are in it.
I’m looking to continue to work with and grow relationships with the sales people instore. ”
james@jrlagencies.co.uk - 07779335801
www.linkedin.com/in/james-leach-7aa02527/
A new platform geared towards helping furnishing retailers become more sustainable has launched.
As questions around sustainability and circularity looms larger and legislation tightens, retailers are under increasing pressure to adopt more effective sustainable practices.
Rehome Platform is an innovative solution designed to help retailers tackle waste by focussing on reuse and prevention, whilst boosting their bottom line.
Up until now these items have been sold outside of retailers branded environments, missing out on potential revenue, brand engagement and customer acquisition.
Using the Rehome Platform retailers can integrate the sale of preloved items into their existing online stores, capitalising on both new and preloved markets.
“With the preloved market expected to grow as much as 70% for fashion & apparel and upwards of 40% for furniture by 2027 we wanted to give retailers the opportunity to encompass the preloved market as well as new, they can do this by integrating our Rehome Platform in to their existing domains, giving their customers the opportunity to make some money from their items and generating
more revenue for the retailer,” says Carly Downer, Co-Founder of Rehome Platform.
“By embracing this trend, retailers can not only meet consumer demand but also drive additional revenue.”
As legislation around waste management becomes more stringent, the Rehome Platform provides a timely and effective solution for retailers. The platform not only addresses regulatory compliance but also supports sustainability goals, aligning with the growing consumer preference for eco-friendly practices.
Carly adds: “We believe that the retailers should enable their customers to have the opportunity to sell their preloved items by bringing them back into retailers’ own ecosystems. We are helping them to achieve this goal which will enable them to maximise revenue, comply with regulations and meet the rising demand for sustainable shopping options.”
We believe that the retailers should enable their customers to have the opportunity to sell their preloved items by bringing them back into retailers’ own ecosystems.
For more information, visit
Matthew Garner, Managing Director at Hatters, talks about reaching 65 years in business as well as the benefits of a recent solar panel sustainability investment.
As one of the biggest furniture stores in Bedfordshire, independent retailer Hatters has reached an historic milestone for the business. This summer, the company which is still a family-owned business celebrates its 65th year of trading.
Located on Goldington Road, Bedford, the company is currently run by Managing Director Matthew Garner. “Hatters is still a family-owned business, and has been since it started in 1959. It is currently owned by the son, Paul Wenham, of one of the founders.” he said. “The third generation of the Wenham family are now working in the business too.” Matthew is also part of the family, he is Pauls brother-in-law.
“Paul is now retired. Myself and James Selfridge, Buyer and Customer Service Director, have run the business for the last 10 years. For our anniversary, we don’t have any specific celebrations planned at the moment, but we have updated a lot of our signage in our showroom and on our vans to reflect the 65 years!” It’s a very special milestone in the history of the business.
Hatters has a large ‘timeline’ poster in its coffee area showing many memorable moments, which you will see when turning the page. In more recent times the business has ramped up its sustainability commitments, installing a huge solar panel system on the roof of the store.
“In 2022 we decided to invest in solar panels,” says Matthew. “It made a lot of sense both from a financial and sustainability point of view. The installation was completed in April 2023 achieving instant results, an 84% reduction in our electricity costs across the summer and 48% through the autumn and winter months.
“We installed 616 panels in total, and expect to see a return on our investment within six to seven years. We have also installed a smart television screen in our showroom which displays the live data for the panels. This has generated a lot of interest from both customers and staff.”
Matthew added that business has been good in the last couple of years, post Covid, with 2022 being their best year to date. So far this year 2024 has “been a bit slower, but we continue to work hard to provide the best products and service levels to all our loyal and new customers.” We need to adapt to ever-changing shopping habits.
“We are seeing customers spending more on middle to higher priced beds.” Matthew revealed. “Customers are ‘investing in better sleep’, while they are also spending more on additional functionality in sofas, including lumbar support and adjustable headrests etc. Oak cabinet ranges have become more popular in the last 12 months too.”
Back to celebrating 65 years, Matthew added that he believes that Hatters ongoing success is down to a few factors, with one key ingredient being the unrivalled shopping experience in the county.
“The key to our success is providing our customers with the best buying experience possible. We have very skilled and knowledgeable staff that are passionate about customer
service. All our staff want to make sure each customer finds the best products to suit them, their home and their lifestyle. Our warehousing and delivery team then ensure that the customers whole experience is completed in a professional and helpful manner. We’re always working hard to maintain our level of service, which will continue to be a key ingredient in the years to come. Here’s to another 65 years!”
The key to our success is providing our customers with the best buying experience possible. ”
In the next part of our ongoing sustainable series, we take a look at the latest update from online furniture retailer Furniture And Choice.
“Our sustainability journey started from our first day of business, when we committed to using only timber from managed forests that prevent deforestation,” the company said. “Being a bigger company today means we’re now able to do more. In our next chapter, there’s a lot for us to be excited aboutmainly, our new innovative materials that are cruelty-free and made with fewer chemicals.”
Furniture And Choice has been using sustainably sourced wood from the very beginning since their launch back in 2005 – as highlighted above. The timber comes from managed forests, which adheres to strict guidelines to prevent deforestation. All their wood products (like sofa frames, and wooden dining tables and chairs) meet European Timber Regulation (EUTR) standards and they’ve gone beyond this with a
commitment to use managed plantation timber exclusively.
“We use as much of the plantation timber as possible to reduce wastage of the raw material,” the business said. “The sustainable solid wood types that we use in our furniture include acacia, poplar and rubberwood. The MDF we use comes from rubberwood and utilises nearly all of the timber, while oak veneer is made from thinly slicing the timber of the oak tree and uses less wood to produce the same look as solid wood furniture, making it a sustainable option.”
The company has also developed their faux leather to have the same “buttery softness and durability” as real leather, without needing any special cleaning or care. “All our faux leathers are tested to a minimum 100,000 rub counts on the Martindale scale, an industry standard that measures a fabric’s durability,” the retailer continued. “The higher the rub
Our goal is to use fully recycled cartons across all our product ranges by end-2024.
count, the more resistant the material is to wear and tear. In comparison, the average material for domestic use is tested to 25,000-30,000 rub counts.
“We’ve also made significant progress with our new range of innovative faux leathers, made without harmful solvents used in traditional processes. Tested to 150,000 Martindale rub counts, they’re better for the planet, better quality and have an even better feel. We aim to fully transition to solvent-free faux leathers by end-2024.”
Furniture And Choice says that they are being different to other furniture companies in the UK, which still rely on virgin plastics as a raw material. They think that new recycled plastics can be a better choice as they are durable, reduce the need for more, new oil-based materials and divert virgin plastics from landfills. For that reason, they’ve started to replace virgin plastics with recycled materials in their fabrics, wherever
possible. “The backing materials aren’t yet available in any recycled form in the market - as soon as they are, we’ll use them in our products,” they said. “Our recycled fabrics are independently certified by the Global Recycle Standard (GRS) and rigorously tested for everyday use. Our goal is to fully transition to recycled fabrics by end-2024.”
Packaging is another important part of the business, with products packed in cartons made from recyclable cardboard and with recycled plastic bags where possible. The team are also busy searching for alternative packaging methods to decrease their one-time use of packaging materials. To date, Furniture And Choice has moved 100% to recycled cardboard, as well as most of its cartons are made with 100% recycled cardboard verified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
“Our goal is to use fully recycled cartons across all our product ranges by end2024,” they said, continuing: “We’re removing all unnecessary plastics and have started switching out virgin plastics with recycled and we use 100% recycled plastic bags where possible, at a minimum they’re 30% recycled. Our biggest challenge is removing
polystyrene as there are currently no viable alternatives, but we continue looking for possible solutions such as investing in mycelium packaging.”
Furthermore, the company has a Recycle or Donate Tool to dispose of old furniture products legally and sustainably. This online tool maps over 700 furniture recycling and donation centres across the UK to help customers find their nearest centre.
At Furniture And Choice, none of their waste goes to landfills. Their warehouses separate plastic and cardboard from its product packaging and send it to recycling centres. And in the office, they separate cardboard, paper and aluminium for recycling, and send waste to a local power station to use as fuel. The company also participates in the Cycle to Work scheme.
“Our responsibility to the environment includes being compliant with the Consumer Information Obligation. In order to meet this, we provide
information detailing recycling advice and guidance for our customers, including how and where to recycle, a guide to recycling symbols and top recycling tips.
“The overall aim is to ensure that our customers are aware of their recycling responsibilities and have the correct information to become more environmentally friendly in the home and work-place, all of which is focused around the traditional waste hierarchy principles of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.”
To help tackle climate change, a portion of Furniture And Choice’s proceeds goes to planting trees. So far, the business has planted 139,060 trees and has lofty ambitions to grow this initiative. “Our goal is to plant 500,000 trees,” the company said. “We started planting trees with Ecologi and we’re continuing to offset our carbon footprint by teaming up with Treeapp, a UK-based B Corp Certified company that plants trees to offset carbon around the world. They’ve planted over 2.4 million trees worldwide in 2023 and are planning to double their impact over the next year. It’s great to be a part of this scheme.”
Sleepeezee, a pioneer in luxury bedding solutions, has announced its sustainability achievements for the year 2023.
Through a combination of innovative products and steadfast commitment to environmental responsibility, Sleepeezee has significantly reduced its carbon footprint and solidified its position as a leader in sustainable manufacturing within the bedding industry.
Key highlights of Sleepeezee’s sustainability achievements for 2023 include:
• Sleepeezee achieved an impressive 6.68% reduction in absolute carbon emissions compared to the previous year at its [location] facility.
• At the market level, Sleepeezee recorded a commendable 3.00% reduction in absolute carbon emissions.
• Demonstrating its dedication to sustainability across its operations, Sleepeezee achieved a noteworthy 6.85% reduction in TCO2e (Total Carbon Dioxide Equivalent) emissions per £m turnover within the market.
• On a broader scale, Sleepeezee achieved an 3.18% reduction in TCO2e emissions per £m turnover within the market.
These achievements were made possible through strategic initiatives, including the installation of newer, more efficient gas heaters for manufacturing areas and the adoption of a new, more efficient air compressor to power air tools throughout the factory. These projects not only contributed to significant reductions in carbon emissions but also improved efficiency and productivity.
In addition to its 2023 accomplishments, Sleepeezee has made remarkable progress in its long-term sustainability goals since 2018:
• Absolute Carbon Reduction since 2018: 30.07% reduction (location) / 49.89% reduction (market).
• TCO2e / £m Turnover Reduction since 2018: 52.39% reduction (location) / 65.88% reduction (market).
Our commitment to reducing our environmental footprint is ingrained in everything we do, from our manufacturing processes to product design.
”Since 2018, Sleepeezee has aimed to reduce factory carbon emissions by 5% every year from its baseline year as part of its commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions. Remarkably, using the location-based method, Sleepeezee is 5 years ahead of schedule, whilst using the market-based method, they are 8 years ahead of schedule.
Furthermore, Sleepeezee is proud to have received the Planet mark Milestone Award for 5 consecutive years in recognition of its consistent efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
In addition to its sustainability achievements, Sleepeezee remains committed to a more sustainable future through product innovation. The Centurial range, launched last year, features comfort layers that are free from glue, showcasing Sleepeezee’s dedication to designing products that are easily recyclable and environmentally friendly.
Looking forward to 2024 and beyond, Sleepeezee is committed to an annual 5% reduction in carbon emissions, with their focus for 2024 being to improve energy efficiency in their buildings. The recent installation of a fast-acting door in the spring area has reduced energy wastage, keeping the factory feeling warmer and contributing to lower energy use.
Sleepeezee is also hoping to install dock shelters around its loading bay doors to better insulate the building and keep more of the warm air inside the factory. Furthermore, electric vehicles have also started to be phased in to reduce fuel in their company car fleet.
“We are thrilled to celebrate another year of significant sustainability achievements at Sleepeezee,” said Steve Warren, Managing Director at Sleepeezee. “Our commitment to reducing our environmental footprint is ingrained in everything we do, from our manufacturing processes to product design. These milestones reflect our ongoing dedication to sustainability and our mission to lead the way towards a more sustainable future for the bedding industry.”
For more information about Sleepeezee’s sustainability initiatives and its range of luxury bedding products, visit www.sleepeezee.com.
This month we’re asking retailers: How has business been so far this year?
Land of Beds
Despite the challenging economic conditions, we’ve been pleasantly surprised by our start to 2024. Average order values are up on a year-onyear basis and so are customer numbers. With inflation now down to 2% and unemployment levels stabilising at encouragingly low rates, we’re feeling cautiously optimistic about the remainder of the year. However, given the cyclical and frequently volatile nature of our industry, we’re refraining from making bold predictions. Instead, we’re adopting a pragmatic, stepby-step approach while remaining vigilant, as circumstances can shift rapidly, as the industry has witnessed firsthand over the past 24 months.
In general, tough! It feels as though the postcovid bubble has finally popped and things are back to ‘normality’. We have probably gotten used to the luxury of people just wanting to walk in and spend, however with more uncertainty in the air, that really has died down. We’re hoping to push on for the latter part of this year and see this bounce back!
I don’t think you could print my answer! But looking forward to a bit of mad spending when Labour gets in. Always helps for a while to get things going again!
Business so far this year has been good on the whole, the start was very good it then went quiet around March but it’s picked up again since. I think the political uncertainty of a General Election has been hanging in the air for a few months, this tends to subconsciously get people to sit on their hands with buying bigger ticket items. At least now we know we are having a General Election. Once this is out of the way customers will soon forget & get on with things again. Just need England to win the Euros now to get the feel good factor really going, I won’t be putting any money on it though!
The start to 2024 was steady, before we saw a marked upturn in early spring. Later spring was more subdued but still ahead of 2023. Since late May and the election being called however, we’ve seen a significant slowdown in footfall. Overall, we’re trading up YTD and exceeding our ambitious sales targets. I’m expecting a continued malaise until the election, perhaps followed by a small bounce in the summer, but nothing that will deliver marked upturn in demand levels.
We’re happy to report a strong first half of the year. This success stems from a combination of factors: continued organic growth, rising brand awareness, and the continued impact of our new showroom launched in November 2023. Additionally, expanding our product portfolio and our investment into new marketing channels in Q1 have driven additional traffic and contributed to customer growth.
One thing you can say is that business has not returned to ‘normal’, in fact can anyone in our sector, or any sector of business, remember what ‘normal’ is! For us, this year has been mixed, but to use generalisation; turnover is up, overheads are stable with our sales contribution up also. If I was to point to our biggest concerns so far this year, it would be the decline in footfall and the decline in consistency of quality of furniture being produced/delivered from suppliers. Erratic footfall can contribute to difficulties in planning and cashflow, and quality fluctuations do lead to customer dissatisfaction and lowering of expectations in the products we are selling for both sales staff and customers alike. On a more positive note, during the last 6 months we have invested heavily in the infrastructure of the company with showroom refurbishments, and an upgrade on our online presence. I feel confident that even with the turbulence that the next 6 months may bring, we as a company, are healthy and fit for purpose.
Business was performing well until approximately 11 weeks ago. The main problem is footfall. Our conversation rate is good when people do visit, we need to increase the number of customers visiting. This raises the question of how to best market the business. Currently, we advertise on the radio, which I intend to continue with as I want to be in people’s minds when they think of buying furniture. Our summer sale begins on July 1st. Although we have advertised on television in previous years, I believe it may not be a cost-effective approach this year. Instead, I am looking at a direct mail marketing campaign, as several fellow Minerva member retailers have reported positive results when using this method. I am convinced that ceasing advertising altogether is not the solution. Instead, we need to adopt a more careful and strategic approach regarding our advertising. While our performance is behind last year’s, I am confident that with 15 weeks remaining of my financial year, we can turn this around, although it will be challenging.
I would say that customers are taking longer to decide and even making more than one visit - people are being a lot more cautious. We always find before an election, things slow down, and also when the football is on! So, in retail terms, at least we get rid of the two slowing events in one go!
Regarding business this year – 2024 is a little behind last year to date, currently about 3% down. We plan to make this up in the second half of the year, and hope that the election result does not impact on this.
Business has been excellent so far this year. Our factory has been exceptionally busy with an increase in bespoke, made-to-measure fitted items, reflecting a strong demand for our customised products. One of the highlights of the year was our participation in the Ideal Home Show Scotland. The event was a tremendous success, allowing us to showcase our offerings to a wide audience. We not only secured a significant amount of new business but also had the pleasure of reconnecting with many of our long-time customers. This event provided us with valuable insights into current market trends and customer preferences, which will help us continue to innovate and meet the needs of our clientele. Overall, the positive response and increased activity underscore the growing recognition and trust in the Nimbus Beds brand. We’re excited about the opportunities ahead and remain committed to delivering high-quality, bespoke solutions to our customers.
Ireland’s leading furniture and homewares suppliers will be exhibiting at the IFHS 2024, as the industry prepares to come together for the 10th-anniversary of the show.
The 2024 exhibitor list features a diverse array of industry leaders such as Wiemann, Buoyant Upholstery and Lebus. Other notable brands including Scatter Box and World Furniture are returning this year along with an impressive array of first time exhibitors like Sealy UK & Ireland and Cófra, introducing their exciting new product designs.
These exhibitors prove that exhibiting at the IFHS is a direct investment in the stability of the Irish furniture sector. The latest trends and timeless classics from these industry leaders on display, solidifies IFHS 2024 as a must-visit tradeshow for every furniture and homewares business. For more information and to view the full exhibitor list, visit the IFHS website https://www.ifhs-tradeshow.ie/exhibitors//1
IFHS 2024 is thrilled to welcome back Amanda Bone as the head judge for this year’s Irish Furniture and Homewares Awards. Amanda is an architect, educator, and broadcaster. As a presenter on the RTE Television programme Home of the Year she champions creativity, individuality, and clever design. Her presence as head judge has enhanced the award’s significance, solidifying its status as a platform that recognise the enormous efforts made by exhibitors. Amanda’s dedication to promoting excellence in the furniture and homewares sector aligns perfectly with the Irish Furniture and Homewares show commitment to showcasing the very best in the industry.
This year the IFHS is marking a significant milestone as it commemorates 10 years in business. Since the beginning the IFHS has continuously reinvested back into the event, creating a dynamic platform that not only showcases the latest trends in furniture but also propels the entire Irish industry forward.
2024’s show is about creating an environment that unites industry professionals at all levels, forging connections, and catalysing collaborations. This all while celebrating the 10 year journey that brought us here as. Standing as a testament to the enduring strength and creativity of the industry, and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.
Exhibitors and attendees will have the opportunity to join in the celebrations on the opening day, Sunday the 25th of August. The celebration is not just a reflection on the past, but a pledge to the future. IFHS 2024 reaffirms its unwavering commitment to showcasing the excellence, innovation with the Irish Furniture Industry.
Attend The IFHS 2024, where passion meets innovation, and the Irish furniture industry takes centre stage. www.ifhs-tradeshow.ie/exhibitors//1
Henrik Pontoppidan, Director of S2U Design, talks about the VIFA Show in Ho Chi Minh City and how it is going from strength to strength.
Visiting any trade show abroad is an investment, not only due to travel expenses but also the time away from the office, which requires careful planning.
In this month’s Letter from Vietnam, I aim to share information, tips, and hints to help you get the best results from your next visit to the VIFA EXPO in Saigon. Therefore, I had an insightful meeting with a representative of Lien Minh Company, the organizers, to provide everything you need to know to make your visit enjoyable and highly productive.
HAWA (Handicraft and Wood Industry Association of Ho Chi Minh City) is a large, government-endorsed, non-profit business association representing members of the wood and furniture industry in Ho Chi Minh City. It has been around since well before the first modest VIFA Exhibition in 2008.
VIFA, standing for ‘Vietnam International Furniture & Home Accessories Fair,’ is the trademark of the commercial organizer, Lien Minh Company. Founded in 2007 by some HAWA members as a privately-owned enterprise, its purpose was to organize an international trade show for furniture—the VIFA EXPO— which has now become a ‘must-visit’ event for anyone globally interested in the Vietnam furniture industry.
Due to the COVID pandemic, a new company called HAWA Development Corporation was established by some board members of Lien Minh Company to organize future exhibitions. However,
Lien Minh Company persisted and planned the traditional VIFA show in their wellknown style, leading to the confusion of two shows in February and March 2024.
While no HAWA show has been advertised for 2025 yet, VIFA has already used the 2024 VIFA show as a launch pad for the 2025 event, scheduled for March 5-8, 2025. They announced it would be the biggest VIFA show ever. The 2025 show has outgrown the traditional halls of the Saigon Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC) in District 7, even with large purpose-built air-conditioned tents on adjacent land.
To meet the substantial demand for space, an additional venue, Sky Expo Vietnam Center in District 12, about 20 km from SECC, was booked. Though it may seem inconvenient for visitors who wish to visit suppliers in both venues, VIFA has organized regular shuttle buses that travel through Saigon’s city center. The trip takes about an hour and can serve as an intriguing sightseeing tour for first-time visitors.
If you can’t wait until March 2025, consider visiting VIFA ASEAN at SECC from August
27-30, 2024. This new show, organized by the same team, emerged due to increased activity and demand. The VIFA ASEAN Show and the main VIFA EXPO are comparable to The Furniture Show in January at the NEC and the Manchester Furniture Show in August.
When I ran OAKEA, a Hereford-based e-commerce and retail business, for 15 years, I always aimed to plan my trade show visits in advance to maximize the investment. However, with about 50 shows visited, my systematic planning often fell through due to other priorities. The visits, while enjoyable and enlightening, often ended up being too spontaneous. In hindsight, I always wished I had taken the time to plan better. Sound familiar?
If you plan to visit the biggest VIFA show ever, feel free to reach out. Provide the basics of what you want to achieve from your visit, the products you’re looking for, and the supplier attributes important to your company. We can create a plan for you. With our extensive network and cooperation with Lien Minh Company, we can access their vast exhibitor database. Before the show, we can visit your shortlisted suppliers on your behalf and provide feedback on their strengths and capabilities, ensuring they match your requirements.
In short, we can help you prepare for your visit, so you achieve the best results while you focus on your daily business activities.
For any comment, or question relating to the content of this article, or general sourcing activities in Vietnam please don’t hesitate to drop me a line.
Email: henrik@s2udesign.com
www.s2udesign.com
Tel +44 1432 851 824
Paul Wray, Managing Director of Furntec Ltd and Modern Outlook Furniture, shares an insight into vetting, experience and his knowledge of the Chinese furniture landscape.
Choosing a specialism in business may seem limiting but in many cases having a niche offers many benefits. Sometimes I receive inquiries which are outside of my area of expertise, and here’s why I don’t deviate from it:
In China there are 50,000+ furniture manufacturers each with varying ethics and standards.
I work incredibly hard to discover and vet new manufacturers.
In addition to this, I spend a considerable amount of time maintaining relationships with existing manufacturers to ensure our clients receive quality product, on time and in full.
Working in product development and manufacturing in the furniture industry for decades means I have seen almost every mistake that can be made.
I understand which areas need special attention, I understand realistic lead times, I understand what can go wrong in transit.
Understanding what can go wrong, means knowledge of prevention, which is where I add value to my clients.
Having a good general knowledge of the industry is vital to securing the best pricing and service for customers.
I’m able to advise my clients on cost savings without compromise and where money can be spent effectively to meet their business goals.
I personally choose to stick to my area of expertise because it means we can GUARANTEE a certain level of service and quality.
It means we can tap into knowledge and experience which is industry specific.
While sticking to a niche can seem limiting, it means you can utilise your time best to add the most value to your clients.
Modern Outlook Furniture assists businesses of all sizes in procurement from China at any stage of your project. If you would like a no obligation conversation about how we can assist you and help you avoid any costly issues or nasty surprises, please do get in touch.
paulw@modernoutlook.cn www.linkedin.com/in/paul-wray-79403935/
Housing Units has completed a 5-year retail site development plan, one year ahead of schedule launching 5 new exciting retail concepts.
The plan included creating new departments, introducing new brands and improving existing areas to further enhance the destination store’s offering of furniture and furnishings.
Established in 1947, Housing Units is one of the UK’s leading furniture and furnishings retailers. The company boasts a 5-acre site with 120,000 square feet of retail space, over 60,000 of which is dedicated to furniture. Additionally, an adjacent 5-acre site houses a 100,000 square-foot distribution centre, allowing many product ranges to be readily available from stock.
The site development plan was completed a year ahead of schedule due to the forced closures during COVID-19, allowing the business to create several new departments while the store was closed for the first time in its 77-year history.
“This development has solidified our position as the leading home furnishings retailer in the UK’s mid to high sector. We seized the opportunity presented by the pandemic to accelerate our plans. The five new developments have not only reinforced our goal of offering the best selection of furniture and furnishings in the Northwest but possibly in the entire UK,” said Nick Fox, CEO of Housing Units.
The store attracts visitors from across the country. With the addition of the Wickentree Restaurant, which includes a private dining room, and the Café 1947, Housing Units is truly a destination store.
The department features an incredibly modern style, making shopping for bedroom furnishings at Housing Units easy and stimulating. Inspired by international travels, it incorporates destination department design with inspiring contemporary lifestyle styling and decoration. Italian flair and carefully selected lighting create a relaxed environment for customers to browse, be inspired, and imagine the products in their own homes. A bespoke lighting system has been installed to create specific moods in each area, ensuring the perfect ambiance.
Merchandising was a key focus of the design brief. A tasteful distinction between good, better, and best products is achieved using a variety of materials, including soft and hard flooring, luxurious Venetian plaster finishes, panelled wall details, column features, and a signature catwalk with feature lighting that makes a dramatic first impression.
Modern Living is a cool and edgy concept featuring carefully selected furniture and accessories with smaller homes in mind and suited to multifunctional living spaces. From sofas to functional dining tables, Modern Living features a wide selection of fresh, fun furniture for playful personalities.
Products are selected with city-living in mind, often smaller in scale and multifunctional. Whether designing an apartment, downsizing, or a first home, the department has modern furniture to decorate every room in fantastic lifestyle settings.
Modern Living also carries a range of decorative accessories, mirrors and art, rugs, lighting, soft furnishings, bed linens and scents for the home. Carefully selected for every room it is a simple one stop shop for urban living.
The refurbishment of the Emporium furniture department expanded our collection, increasing the furniture offering to over 60,000 square feet. The purpose-built gallery showcases luxury lifestyle settings, featuring collections from UK and international brands, ensuring the perfect piece for the home. From sofas and chairs to dining furniture, customers can explore the finest selections from around the world. A key feature of this area was the removal of the low ceiling, creating a sense of light and space.
This development has solidified our position as the leading home furnishings retailer in the UK’s mid to high sector. ”
Eichholtz, a renowned Dutch brand known for luxury design furniture, lighting, and accessories, is celebrated globally. Housing Units opened its Eichholtz brand store in 2023, featuring seven stunning room sets over 1600 square feet, offering the best selection in the UK.
The most recent and final phase of the development plan was completed in 2024, with 1800 sq ft dedicated to contemporary European furniture brands such as Venjakob, Himolla, Bontempi, and Calia. The space exemplifies excellence in standards and a consistent aesthetic, featuring walnut columns and screens to present the products in a clean and sophisticated manner.
Housing Units – known for its top-hatted doormen - was established in 1947. It is a family-owned furnishings retailer based in Failsworth to the north of Manchester. It stocks 30,000 high-quality lines across a range of departments in two buildings and prides itself on its unique style of customer service, the quality and value of its goods and the shopping experience it provides.
Heated seats and a new easy-to-clean fabric option will be unveiled by La-ZBoy UK at Manchester Furniture Show (MFS). The world-renowned recliner brand will showcase nine collections on its stand, including three new ranges –Bella, Douglas and Broadley. Both Bella and Douglas have the option of heated seats, power headrests and lumbar support, while Broadley is the latest UKmanufactured product to be released. MFS will also be the first opportunity retailers and buyers have to check out a new fabric collection called i-Clean. This innovative performance fabric creates a protective barrier to repel dirt and liquids and prevent them from staining.
www.la-z-boy.co.uk
DUXIANA and Bang & Olufsen (B&O) has launched a statement headboard constructed in solid wood and upholstery, with premium features including B&O sound. It is further complemented by composite stone side tables, positioned behind a super king bed. The product is exclusivity available through the DUXIANA retail channel and features three wood finishes, including oak or walnut, with a number of further customisable elements. Furthermore, the headboard is equipped with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as enduring battery life and wireless charging capabilities. Integrating stateof-the-art home automation technology, this unified system is poised to redefine the home entertainment experience. Kevin explained: “From the adaptive RoomSense technology, which tailors playback to suit the environment, to the effortless streaming capabilities via Airplay or Chromecast, the potential for personalisation and expansion is almost limitless. www.duxiana.co.uk
With years of expertise in the mobility sector, we are thrilled to announce the launch of our brand new Vivasleep® bed range. Proudly designed and developed in the UK, these beds offer unparalleled comfort and style. Why Choose Vivasleep®? Premium Bed Frames: A variety of designs to suit any décor. Tailored Mattresses: Choose from a selection customised for optimal comfort. Innovative Adjustable Mechanisms with a 47 Stone Weight Capacity. Bluetooth Speakers, LED Lighting, Mobile App Control. Lumbar Support. Vivasleep® beds combine aesthetic appeal with cuttingedge technology, driving sales and satisfaction in your store. www.spchairs.co.uk
Our range includes a variety of carefully crafted pieces. Each item is thoughtfully designed for both children and parents. We pay special attention to details such as ergonomics, versatility, and ease of use, ensuring that our furniture seamlessly integrates into your daily routine. From sturdy constructions and non-toxic materials to secure fastenings and smooth finishes, every aspect of our furniture is carefully engineered to provide a safe and stylish environment for your little one. Pictured here features Dallas - The minimalistic yet trendy design makes it perfect for every interior. You can add a personal touch by decorating it with colourful cushions, blankets or fairy lights. To make it extra special, you can add the canopy textile with butterflies. www.vipack.furniturebrochure.com
Mark Stewart, Managing Director at indoor and outdoor rattan furniture specialist Desser, talks about recent investments, future plans and senior updates within the business.
We are delighted to have brought onboard new customers with a huge presence in the market, such as Next. ”
“The rising costs of fuel and container prices are a challenge – but one that is being faced by so many businesses in our sector and beyond. The challenge is to try to balance the expenses we are faced with, avoiding passing on too much to the end customer, while still ensuring we provide an excellent product at an acceptable price – this is not always easy!
“However, there have been positive signs in the last few months, and we are delighted to have brought onboard new customers with a huge presence in the market, such as Next. We have just moved premises too, having been in the same offices for almost 50 years. Our new showroom, office and warehousing facility are modern, purpose built and provide everything that we need to further elevate the business in the coming years.”
Zac Cassidy, Sales Manager
Desser and Co have been trading since 1919, with the business now being run by the fourth-generation descendants of the founding family. Having started the business importing wicker baskets from Belgium, their product base has grown over the last century, as has the number of countries they import from. With factories in Indonesia, China and India, they produce their vast range of indoor rattan furniture and outdoor furniture and a facility in Manchester, which produces all their cushions and soft furnishings.
The business has continued to grow and, despite a slow start to the year – like many across the industry, they have seen positive shoots emerge. “As it has been across the industry, we have seen a slow start to the year, with the hike in container prices affecting costs for everyone and the economic depression impacting consumers’ confidence in considered purchases like ours,” Mark said.
Now situated at The Parkway Centre on Longbridge Road, Trafford Park, Manchester, the business has also expanded in other areas. This includes the appointment of Zac Cassidy as their new Sales Manager, who is “already making his mark in the industry”, Mark said, adding: “David Stewart, another member of the family, has been promoted to a director role within the business, having earned his place at the table over the last seven years. We have also launched new ranges for both our indoor and outdoor collections.”
In keeping with what’s new, Desser has invested in upholstered furniture as part of their indoor offering in time for the winter months, as well as a wider collection of outdoor furniture
for next season. Mark revealed that a new website is also in the pipeline:
“Although we have recently given our website a facelift, we are about to invest in a brand-new website to make the customer experience a better one, increase our exposure and develop our relationship with retail outlets.”
Other areas of importance at Desser are sustainability and keeping on top of current consumer behaviour.
“People are searching for the minimalist ‘scandic’ and ‘wicker’ look, which has led to a huge increase in sales of our wicker chairs, tables and storage items,” Mark added. “Also, the idea of bringing ‘the outside in’ seems to be a key trend this year, not just for conservatories, but also throughout the home.
“We also offer a sustainable product, as natural rattan grows around trees in Indonesia at a rapid rate. This means it is cropped often to ensure the successful growth of the trees. Our packages go out to customers in recycled cardboard and bags too.
“We have a range of recycled fabrics, and are looking at moving to use recycled inners for our cushions – as long as the comfort is not compromised! Obviously, all of our day-to-day rubbish is sorted and recycled too. We take being a sustainable business very seriously as we know consumers are looking for greener alternatives.”
As the business continues to grow, Desser is looking to expand within the retail sector and is “actively” looking for partners. “We are looking to grow our exposure in all forms of retail shops, and are looking for outlets that are interested in stocking our goods and the concept that we offer,” Mark said.
“There are no bulk stock commitments required and we finance, stock, advertise, dispatch, deliver direct to the consumer and service everything, thus taking all the strain away for the stockist. If you’re interested in working with us, please do get in touch.”
Here are some of the latest furnishing industry jobs.
(Correct as of 21 June 2024)
We are looking for agents to cover the following areas: North East; North West; Yorkshire. If you are interested, then please email your CV to orders@kozeesleep-beds.co.uk
Type: Self-employed. Salary: Excellent earning potential - typically £70,000 - £90,000+. Spacemaker is the South East’s leading manufacturer of bespoke bedroom, living and home office furniture. With significant investment in our growth plan and re-brand complete, we need to further strengthen our leading team of sales professionals. From our highly successful targeted marketing plan, you’ll be supplied with qualified leads and have the flexibility to manage your diary and time management plan. Utilising the latest CRM and CAD design tools, we’ll give you all the support you need to maximise your potential. To apply please email your CV and tell us why you think you would be suitable for this role. We’d love to hear from you. Email us at careers@spacemakerfurniture.co.uk
An exciting opportunity to work with a leading designer importer and distributor of furniture, home decorations, Lighting, kitchenware and bathroom accessories in the Midlands and South West. Based in Glasgow and established for over 35 years, Premier Housewares supply blue chip household name retailers, furniture and giftware stores, and the country’s leading interior designers. To manage and develop existing Accounts with a view to deliver growth with existing customers and also to pursue opportunities with target accounts. Salary: £40k on target earnings plus bonuses. Email info@premierhousewares.co.uk
We are looking for a qualified Sales administrator to join our sales team and help us achieve our goals. You will serve as a point of contact for customers with queries about products, orders and deliveries and provide support for sales representatives. The primary focus in your initial period of employment will be handling incoming queries into our sales office and producing quotations. Our ideal candidate is goal-oriented and has a deep knowledge of customer service best practices. If you have exceptional organizational skills and draw energy from being part of a team, we would like to meet you. Ultimately, you should be able to contribute to high quality customer service.
Email Jacqui@johnmillerupholstery.com
The Designer Rooms is a furniture retailer located in Livingston, Scotland. We offer a wide range of high-quality furniture including sofas, dining sets, bedroom furniture, and accessories such as artwork, mirrors, and ornaments. This is a full-time on-site role for a Salesperson at our Livingston showroom. The Salesperson will be responsible for assisting customers, providing product information, guiding them through the purchase process, and ensuring customer satisfaction. Additionally, the Salesperson will be responsible for achieving sales targets, maintaining a clean and organized showroom, and providing excellent customer service. Email customerservices@thedesignerrooms.com
Could you be our next Territory Manager? We’re looking for enthusiastic and committed individuals to join our fantastic sales team. With two positions open for the below territories, don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to join an award-winning, British manufacturer of tufted carpets. Click here for more information and to applyhttps://lnkd.in/eEa2pZ5Y
Keiran Hewkin, founder and CEO of sofa-in-a-box brand Swyft, talks about their recent ownership transition and what it means for the business moving forward.
The acquisition offers a great opportunity for Swyft, and we have a great base to build upon, so both sides are excited to get to work. ”
Swyft has seen huge growth since it launched in December 2019, with a run rate of £24m. The online furniture delivery company recently secured a £10m with Sleep Brands Limited to accelerate further growth and fund its global expansion.
The new partnership delivers an opportunity for “broader confidence across the category”, signalling plans to expand outside the UK. “This new partnership gives Swyft the ability to leverage a global network of suppliers and customers,” Keiran Hewkin, founder of Swyft said. “With their experience supplying brands around the world and Swyft’s successful concept and industry-leading next day delivery we have a great base to build upon.”
Sleep Brands Limited, the company on the other side of the deal, is an SPV owned by Gian Fazio, who is mainly active on the furniture components market in the USA and contract manufacturing in Europe, both in bedding and upholstery. The group of companies owned by Gian Fazio’s family employs over 2,000 staff.
Adding Swyft to its group follows the acquisition of Dormeo UK, which has been present as a mattress brand in the UK for over 10 years and is headquartered in High Wycombe. The company, which was purchased as part of a distress sale in February 2023, is heading for revenues of £30m.
For Swyft, Keiran will remain at the helm with the business while confirming that there are no senior changes following the acquisition. The investment will be used to launch into international markets, with an aim of Germany by the end of 2024, followed by at least two additional European territories in early 2025.
“The acquisition has been in progress for the past few months,” Keiran said. “It offers a fantastic opportunity for Swyft to scale much faster in the UK and expand into international markets more quickly. We are still in discussions about global expansion plans, but we are likely to launch the full product portfolio in a major European market in the Autumn 2024, followed by further launches in 2025.
“The acquisition will provide customers with a wider and more consistent choice of next-day sofas, with the rest of the product portfolio available on a 7-day lead time. The entire portfolio will be held in inventory and can be dispatched as customers order.
“This also rapidly expands our product capabilities, allowing us to offer new shapes, materials, and sizes that we couldn’t before. This will further appeal to Swyft’s designconscious but time-poor customers, making it more convenient and faster to furnish their homes with stylish and modern designs.”
On consumer demand, Keiran revealed that they are seeing more certain areas that
are trending, while for the industry, AI adoption and sustainability are also notable movements. “We’re seeing increased adoption of AI technology across many areas of the industry, from design and customer support to marketing and logistics.
“In terms of design trends, curved, organic-shaped furniture and natural materials, underlining comfort, and a soft minimal aesthetic are popular. Sustainability continues to drive innovation. There is an emphasis on natural materials like wood and organic textiles, which promote eco-friendly living environments.”
For now, Swyft says that despite the market being a “challenging environment”, the business has seen a 16% year-on-year increase in revenues since the start of the calendar year, (to the end of April), and expects to continue this momentum moving forward.
Looking to the future, Keiran added that there are many plans underway, although none include a partnership with Dormeo. He continued: “Dormeo and Swyft remain seperate businesses. There will be close collaboration and opportunities to learn from each other, but no product initiatives are planned at this time.
“However, there is a lot happening at the moment. Our aim is to initially launch in one international territory before expanding to additional markets. Additionally, we will introduce complementary product ranges, including hard furniture, occasional chairs, and home accessories.
“The acquisition offers a great opportunity for Swyft, and we have a great base to build upon, so both sides are excited to get to work. All things like this take a huge amount of effort to get done, but we won’t be hanging around patting ourselves on the back.”
www.swyfthome.com
Amthal Karim –Head of Design at Furniture And Choice –
shares her monthly overview of on-trend styles and interior looks currently inspiring furniture buyers in the latest ‘What’s fashionable in furniture’ insight.
Let’s talk about curves. Whether it’s a bubble-shaped sofa, a round dining set or a wavy coffee table organic shapes in furniture design started as a trend but are fast becoming mainstream.
A curved sofa is not revolutionary, and neither is a round dining table - so why are customers craving organic-inspired furniture? Introducing curves into a room breaks up harsh lines and invites softness.
This interior trend transforms any home into a designer-worthy space in an instant by contrasting soft, fluid shapes with straight, boxy elements.
The balance and boldness created by arranging a black, box frame coffee table against a chic, curved sofa instantly makes a space feel luxurious and professionally styled.
However, the obsession with curves in interiors is not just about visual appeal because this is where biophilic design contributes to function as well.
Curved furniture creates a convivial space and can help us to feel calmer too. A round dining table fits more chairs around it and a cocoon-shaped sofa allows you to lounge, relax and chat more easily than a traditional sofa design.
Choosing a curved sofa has become easier since the trend started with curves now being incorporated into every style of sofa you can imagine. We’ve noticed demand for modular sofas with curved sections, deep-sit sofas with bubble shaped bases and even recliner sofas with curved backs.
Furniture companies are becoming more innovative in sofa design and combining traditional sofa elements with curves and waves to create new designs.
In terms of colour and material – textured fabric enhances curved shapes which is why bouclé upholstery works particularly well for this look.
Curved, one-piece sofas with a single seat base and foam sculptured back are trending. Neutral tones such as cream or grey combined with a sinuous silhouette to make a sofa feel particularly timeless whilst opting for velvet creates a luxurious, designer feel.
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Furniture companies are becoming more innovative in sofa design and combining traditional sofa elements with curves and waves to create new designs.
And what about dining furniture? Curved shapes in dining furniture are more exciting than living simply because you can have fun mixing and matching chair shapes and colours.
Retro design inspiration has stirred a microtrend for dining chairs that look like elegant armchairs – sculptural curves with cut-outs and upholstered frame and seat. What began as indulgent 80s maximalism has revived a modern day desire for the art of lounging.
The January Furniture Show (JFS) team is celebrating a major win after being named Best Furniture Trade Show for the 2024 Edition, by the Big Furniture Group Awards, as voted by the furnishings industry.
On the heels of this prestigious accolade and a recordbreaking number of exhibitors rebooking on-site, JFS is poised for even greater success in 2025 with Hall 1 already sold out.
The 2024 show introduced new premium experiences like the Champagne Bar, Festival Food Court, Happy Hour networking event, and the Women in Furniture Network’s Speed Networking evening. These additions elevated the overall visitor and exhibitor experience, reflecting the high calibre of buyers and brands in attendance.
JFS 2024 saw a 6% surge in visitor attendance, including substantial growth in contract buyers, distributors, and department store attendees. A remarkable 70% of exhibitors reported closed sales, with top brands like ALEAL, A.L.F. UNO S.P.A, Alpha Designs, Alstons, Baker Furniture, Bontempi, Buoyant Upholstery, Himolla, Ego Italiano, Furninova, Tetrad and Whitemeadow Furniture drawing high-quality buyers. Independent, major retailers and contract buyers in attendance ranged from; Arighi Bianchi, Atkinson Group, Barker and Stonehouse, Caxton Group, DFS, Fenwick, Furniture Village, Housing Units, John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Next, ScS, Stokers to Stollers and Wayfair.
“We attend JFS to meet terrific suppliers and find new products and trends that will help us stay ahead of the curve,” said Peter Harrison, Executive Chairman of Furniture Village.
Kim Sprott, Quality Manager at DFS, praised the exceptional networking opportunities, stating, “I’ve seen lots of new brands we haven’t seen before, and JFS is the perfect place to discover the year’s upcoming trends.”
Following this success, JFS 2025 is shaping up to be another blockbuster event. With Hall 1 already sold out, the show floor has expanded to accommodate top brands like At the Helm, Actona Group A/S, ALF, Ashley Manor, Bentley Designs, Hooker Furnishings, Max Furn, Nicoletti Home and Willis & Gambier. The 2025 edition will feature
The JFS team is delighted to win this award, which highlights the crucial role that the show plays in the furniture industry.
”the return of popular features like the Champagne Bar and Festival Food Hall, as well as an enhanced VIP offering with even more networking events and opportunities to be announced soon.
Zoë Bonser, Portfolio Director at Clarion Retail added, “The JFS team is delighted to win this award, which highlights the crucial role that the show plays in the furniture industry.
“We look forward to continuing to deliver the biggest and best furniture show for our customers, visitors and partners over the coming months. We look forward to seeing you there!”
Catch up with the industry at the Manchester Furniture Show from 10-11 July 2024, and join the excitement at JFS 2025 in Birmingham. Register for MFS and learn more about JFS at
At Maze, we are continuously evolving to better serve our trade customers, and we are excited to announce significant changes in how we collaborate with our partners.
These changes are designed to enhance your experience and provide unique opportunities to create your own exclusive ranges in partnership with Maze.
Recently, we introduced our new initiative focused on empowering our trade customers to design exclusive collections tailored to their brand’s identity. We recognise the importance of standing out in a competitive market, and we are committed to providing the tools and support necessary to achieve this.
This bespoke service means you can offer your customers something truly unique products that are designed specifically for your brand, reflecting your vision and values.
Whether it’s a distinct colour scheme, custom fabrics, or unique design elements, we are here to bring your ideas to fruition. Our team will work closely with you from concept to completion, ensuring that every detail aligns with your brand’s identity and meets your customers’ expectations.
We invite you to visit us at SOLEX (9th-11th July 2024) and book your appointment for a showroom consultation. Let us show you how Maze can help you create exclusive, standout products that elevate your brand and delight your customers.
Our stand will feature the latest innovations and design concepts, offering a glimpse into the future of outdoor living spaces. The SOLEX trade show will allow us to connect with existing partners but also create new connections with emerging businesses to spread the Maze brand across the UK.
Following SOLEX, our showroom will be open for personal, in-depth consultations. We understand that each customer has unique needs, and we are committed to providing a personalised experience. Our calendar is already filling up, so we encourage you to book your appointment soon to ensure
you get the dedicated time you need to explore all the possibilities.
At Maze, we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of design and innovation. We were the first company to introduce all-weather outdoor fabric furniture to the UK, revolutionising the market and setting new standards for quality and style. From our initial basic designs, we have expanded into a comprehensive range of stunning lines, each available in a variety of colours to suit any taste and preference.
Our commitment to innovation doesn’t stop at aesthetics. We continuously seek to enhance functionality, durability, and comfort, ensuring that our products not only look good but also stand the test of time. Our extensive research and development efforts are driven by a passion for pushing boundaries and creating products that inspire and delight.
We pride ourselves on being at the forefront of design and innovation. ”
To learn more about our new trade partner initiatives, schedule a showroom visit, or discuss design ideas, please contact us on 0344 846 0240. Alternatively, you can email enquiries@maze.co.uk. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to partner with the industry leader in design and innovation. We look forward to creating something extraordinary together.
Adam Hankinson
Adam Hankinson, Managing Director at Furniture Sales Solutions, talks about the
magnificent 7.
Few readers will remember Yule Brinner and his motley band of master gunslingers, expert marksmen, hired to train villagers to protect, nay liberate, their besieged village.
Like the magnificent 7 there are hero questions in sales that when used in conversation in a deliberate and intentional manner help the customer “tick” all the necessary boxes in their mind to go ahead with the order in the end.
Firstly, understand that any considered purchase requires exactly that - consideration. Before we make any major purchase, we check in our mind our criteria, take for example a holiday: you’ll need to know where, when, how you’ll get there, who with, travel arrangements, amenities, catering arrangements, accommodation, location, proximity of restaurants, bars, beaches, attractions, budget etc.
Similarly, if you were buying a new laptop your list of requirements and must haves might include memory, speed, weight, operating system, screen size, screen definition, additional features, cost, finance, will it do what you need it to-the list goes on.
The same is true when sofa shopping.
Combination, sizes, access to property, colour, comfort, practicality, functionality, quality, value for money, finance, brand, guarantee, delivery time, who will deliver, how much for delivery etc.
Each of the examples above will change in their specific needs and wants depending upon the requirements of your customer.
The magnificent 7 are a series of assumptive questions that we ask for confirmation of when we already know the answer is yes.
As we chat with the customer one of the first things we establish is “is it leather or fabric you’re thinking?”
“Fabric….ok great so it’s fabric..” nodding…
First “yes”.
As we chat some more we discuss their current combination of seats and new requirements, eventually agreeing that it’s a 3 seater and a 2 seater….
“So you’re happy with the 3 and the 2 seaters then..?” nodding.
“Yes, they’re good”
Second “yes”.
The conversation goes on naturally, we build rapport asking other lifestyle questions and delving deeper into the customers must haves-the none negotiable elements that are most important to them. As we chat we gain further agreement confirming that they’re happy with standard backs, like the dark feet option and love the biscuit
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coloured aqua clean fabric option. That’s the 3rd,4th and 5th yes nailed down.
We can feel that we’re getting nearer to complete satisfaction for the customer and the final “ok we’re happy to go ahead.”
“You said you wanted delivery in September- these sofas are made to order for you and would arrive in the 3rd week of September-does that work for you?”
“Perfect.” 6th yes.
“Ok great”
“We discussed using our interest free option so your payment would be around £190 a month, after your deposit, and that would start in October. Does that sound good?”
“Yes, that’s great, how much deposit?”
7th yes.
“Anything over £500 how would you like to pay that cash, card or bacs?”
“Debit card please.”
“Great.”
Making any big decision requires the journey of making a number of smaller decisions first.
It’s easier to make these micro decisions because they feel separate from the full commitment of eventually going aheadyou can take the time to think each decision through in isolation, confirming each in a calm, clear way.
Try consciously breaking down the choices your customers have to make and discussing each element in isolation and getting agreement as you go- it’s like closing the doors of a corridor as you head to the exit.
In current trading times we have time to spend with each customer- spend it with your trusted friends - the magnificent 7 - they’ll serve you very well - don’t you agree?
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