Big Bites

Minerva appoints new Group Chief Executive

Furniture buying group Minerva has announced the appointment of Jim Orr as its new Group Chief Executive. Jim, who moves from Furniture Village where he was in the role of Buying Director, will join the group in mid-January and will succeed long serving Roy Beagent, who will retire in May 2023. Jim has also held other senior roles in the furniture industry, including Buyer at bed retailer Dreams and Marketing and Buying Director at cabinet supplier Devonshire.

Loaf’s first Scottish store

Furniture retailer Loaf has confirmed that its latest and largest new Shack will open on 9 February 2023 in Edinburgh, its first Loaf showroom to open in Scotland. Loaf’s ninth 9,100sqft Shack will be situated in Straiton Retail Park.

JYSK sees UK sales rise

Danish furniture retailer JYSK has reported a growth in turnover for the year ended 31 August 2022, with total sales rising 17% to £38.3m from £32.9m in 2021. Gross profit increased from £17.6m to £20.3m, while pre-tax profit resulted at £144,000, down from £2.9m recorded the previous year.

Alpha Designs appoints Sales Director

Upholstery manufacturer Alpha Designs Upholstery Limited has appointed Nichola Bell as its new Sales Director, replacing Barry Webb who has retired. Nichola moves from Westbridge Furniture where she spent 14 years at the company. “Well, they say “out with the old and in with the new”, which is exactly what I’m doing this year. After 14 years, it’s time for a new challenge, so I’m excited to be joining Alpha Designs as Sales Director.”

Dunelm opens new stores

Home furnishings retailer Dunelm has confirmed the opening of its new stores in London and Romford. Situated in Feltham’s The Centre, West London, the opening has created around 42 new jobs. The new Romford store is based at Eastern Avenue. Both opened during December 2022.

Swyft’s new Senior Buyer

Sofa-in-a-box business Swyft has announced the appointment of Elizabeth Hothi as its new Senior Buyer. Lizzie said: “I’m excited to join Swyft managing all fabric developments and influencing overall product development. I’ve been in the upholstery and fabric industry for 12 years now.”

Sofa retailer opens in Inverness

Upholstery retailer Sofology has opened its first Highland store in Inverness. The new store is situated at Inverness Retail and Business Park, taking the vacant unit left by clothing company Outfit. The store officially opened in December, a week later than originally planned, and features 72 room layouts spread out over two floors.

SATRA duo promoted

Testing house SATRA has announced that following Geoff Bindleys recent retirement, Johnny Worthington has been promoted to Head of furniture, and Phil Weal has been promoted to Head of floor coverings and flammability.

Sales rise at Oak Furnitureland

H&M Hardwood furniture retailer Oak Furnitureland has reported a growth in sales and a return to profit. According to its latest filed accounts for the year ended 30 June 2022, total sales rose 10% to £275.2m from £251m in 2021. Pre-tax profit resulted at £484,000, significantly improving from a loss of £22.9m recorded the previous year.

Furniture Village opens in Colchester

Family-run furniture retailer, Furniture Village, has opened a brand-new 17,800sq ft store in Colchester’s Stane Retail Park, taking its store portfolio to 55. Charlie Harrison, Commercial Director at Furniture Village, said: “We’ve created nine new jobs within the sales consultant’s team and can’t wait to welcome customers, new and old, to the new store.”

N Brown settles legal claim

Online fashion and homewares retailer group N Brown has announced it has reached an agreement to settle the ongoing legal dispute with Allianz Insurance Plc. The Settlement relates to a claim issued against JD Williams & Company Limited (JDW), a subsidiary of the Company, by Allianz in January 2020 and JDW’s counterclaims in that litigation. The Dispute related to significant amounts of redress paid to customers by JDW and the Insurer in respect of certain historic insurance products, including payment protection insurance. JDW has settled to pay a sum of £49.5m.