Big Bites

Emma delivers record revenues

Mattress brand Emma Sleep has reported record 2022 revenues of US$948m (€873m) and a year-onyear revenue growth rate of 35%, while marking a fifth consecutive year of profitability. Emma’s fastest growing markets were all located outside of Europe. In Asia-Pacific, Australia grew its revenues by 103%. In North America, the strongest performer was Mexico with revenues by 117%. In South America, Brazil recorded a 62% increase in revenues, while in Europe, the Italian market grew its revenues by 80%..

UK sales grow 25% at Herman Miller

The UK division of US office furniture manufacturer Herman Miller has reported a growth in sales as turnover surpassed £130m. According to its latest filed accounts for the year ended 28 May 2022, total sales rose 15.2% to £134.5m from £116.6m in 2021. Pre-tax profit resulted at £22.2m, slightly down from £23.3m recorded in the previous year. UK and Ireland sales were up 24.7% to £54.5m from £43.7m

Dreams appoints new CCO and first Head of People

Bed retailer Dreams has announced two new appointments with Emma Long as its new Chief Customer Officer and Shelly Dickinson as the business’ first Head of People. Emma joins from the DFS Group, where she spent the last five years working at Executive level, while Shelly will be responsible for spearheading Dreams’ People-First strategy.

Irish furniture business to expand

Irish furniture business Bespoke Sofa plans to open at the former CinemaWorld site in Douglas, Cork, which was demolished in 2020. The new store will become the company’s third, adding to its existing sites in Dublin and Galway, and is expected to open during April 2023.

Sleep.8 opens eighth store

Sleep smart brand Sleep.8 has announced the opening of its new store at Lakeside Retail Park. The store in West Thurrock is the largest square footage Sleep.8 store to date and also the first in their new store design optimised for retail parks, improving upon previous models to maximise the customer journey due to the plentiful floor space.

Vita Group introduces acoustic testing technology

The Vita Group, one of Europe’s providers of flexible polyurethane (PU) foam, has taken its R&D capabilities to the next level with the introduction of advanced acoustic testing technology. Middleton-based Vitec, part of The Vita Group has invested in the installation of an Alpha Cabin, which provides indepth data on the acoustic insulation and noise absorption properties of foam products. This will help further formulate materials and composites with optimum noise reduction levels for end users in a range of market sectors.

Very extends Everyday range

Digital retailer, The Very Group, has expanded its Everyday own brand collection with more than 900 new fashion and home products, following strong customer demand since it launched in summer 2022. The expansion includes 400 new home products that will be added across home accessories, bedroom furniture, textiles, dining and garden.

Vispring appointments

Luxury British bedmaker Vispring has announced the appointment of Thomas Staddon as its new Operations Director. Following the announcement of Martin Gill’s appointment as Vispring’s new Managing Director, Thomas has also taken over the helm of the company’s Plymouth factory from Chris Harrison. Thomas has extensive experience in both production and operations

Sofa-in-a-box brand secures investment

Sofa-in-a-box brand Swyft has announced an investment round with Channel 4 Ventures and BOOST&Co. The new investment will allow Swyft to feature on screens of millions of customers with adverts planned to run on the brand throughout 2023. The investment follows Swyft’s successful sales growth, rising from £16m to £22m, with further growth expected during 2023.

HSL announces MD Designate

Yorkshire based furniture manufacturer and retailer, HSL, has announced that its CEO, Guy Critchlow, has now left the business for pastures new. In late January, HSL appointed Venessa Hodgson as Managing Director Designate. The board is delighted to announce this promotion, and is extremely proud to recognise Venessa as the first female head of the business.

Spinks achieves Global Accreditation

Yorkshire-based Spinks, a spring components supplier to the mattress and furniture industries, has secured an internationally renowned Cradle to Cradle Bronze accreditation for its pocket spring products, making it the first such supplier to achieve this standard. The Cradle to Cradle (C2C) accreditation ensures products are safe, sustainable and ethically sourced and has been awarded to Spinks following a rigorous, 18-month third-party product certification programme.