18 minute read
PRODUCTS
SHOW AND TELL
As a Royal Warrant holder, Sleepeezee is renowned for its superior quality beds and mattresses, and customer service. Now, having worked with partners and suppliers in the UK and abroad for over 96 years, the business has opened a new showroom in Rochester, Kent, alongside a new and improved website.
www.sleepeezee.com
The showroom, which took four months to complete, has been created to enhance the experience of Sleepeezee’s partners, and to provide them with a professional space in which to see, touch and feel the many ranges of beds and mattresses Sleepeezee has to offer.
The showroom not only displays all of Sleepeezee’s retail collections, but also its dedicated export and contract hospitality ranges.
Clive Parry, retail sales director, says: “We are excited about the new showroom, which the team have worked very hard on in recent months. Featuring new graphics and branding as well as a modern meeting area, it creates the perfect environment for us to meet with new and existing partners and to present our ranges to them.
“We have also invested heavily into developing a new company website, by evaluating how consumers interact with us and looking at how best to engage with our customers online. It has involved a lot of research and careful consideration – to make it the easy-to-navigate, informative site we are proud to now offer.”
Consumers can also access technical details about the many ranges available, and then easily locate a retailer close to them and see what they have on display to try, as well as regular new content on sleep-related matters, including how to choose the best mattress and how to get the best night’s sleep.
To make an appointment to visit Sleepeezee’s new showroom, contact Clive on 07990 591581 or visit the new website
After a hard day’s work LEAVE THE REST TO US
HEALTHY DECISION
The recently launched Women’s Health Men’s Health retail collection made a successful first appearance at the 2021 Bed Show last month …
As one of the most trusted voices in health and wellness, Women’s Health and Men’s Health have created a mattress range that not only offers an impressive level of comfort, but is also shown to improve sleep, thanks to the inclusion of M-Tex Health Technology.
The latest innovation from the Mammoth Group, M-Tex is a combination of carefully selected comfort materials and award-winning health technologies designed to enhance sleep quality and improve recovery – ideal for those who want to lead active lives.
Combining household favourites like pocket springs and memory foam with HD Health Foam derived from UK healthcare, M-Tex is designed to support body weight, relieve pressure, aid circulation and keep the skin cool and comfortable – and the addition of soft CoolPlus heat- and moisturewicking fabric ensures that the sleep environment remains dry and hygienic through the night. For consumers, M-Tex represents a mark of genuine quality, which tells them that their Women’s Health Men’s Health mattress has been rigorously tested and shown to improve sleep, states the supplier.
According to recent research by publishing giant Hearst UK – the parent company of Women’s Health and Men’s Health – 83% of people are more aware of the importance of good health in 2021 as they emerge from the pandemic. Similarly, in 2021, 78% of people made health and general wellbeing one of their resolutions for the future.
With their reach and reputation in the health and wellness space, Women’s Health and Men’s Health are well placed to encourage the public to invest in high-quality sleep.
For stockist information on the Women’s Health and Men’s Health collection, contact sales@mammothuk. com
CORE PRODUCTS
www.coreproducts.co.uk
The new Options bedside cabinet collection offers models in white, grey or midnight painted finishes
Core Products offers a vast array of flatpacked furniture, shelving and storage products, available from its UK warehouse for quick delivery to the store or direct to the customer.
As one of the pioneers of direct-to-home delivery, Core has designed each product for easy home assembly by the endcustomer. The supplier’s continued investment in technology also allows trade customers easy access to online ordering, stock availability, images, product and assembly information, along with a dedicated parts-ordering system to ensure any customer issues are quickly and easily resolved.
HIGHGROVE BEDS
www.highgrovebeds.co.uk
Aston
Despite the challenges facing the UK bed industry, Highgrove invested a further £500,000 in a new 25,000ft2 storage facility at its Liversedge site last year, to ensure the business had sufficient spring stocks to meet demand.
“We have now firmly bedded our three main brands into the marketplace: HG at the entry level; our established flagship Highgrove brand taking up the centre ground; and Sanctum targeting the premium, hand-tailored sector,” says Highgrove’s head of marketing, Shane Harding.
YOUR 2022 SALES SUCCESS STRATEGY
5 ESSENTIAL WAYS TO MAXIMISE YOUR SALES AND PROFIT
• ADVERTISING – Most advertising does not work very well. If yours isn’t, stop wasting your money now. Don’t blame the media, blame your message. Re-design your advertising campaigns using a benefits-orientated-style. Call Greenwood for effective copywriting know-how.
• PRODUCT OFFER – Be ruthless. If a product or collection is not pulling its weight after being given a fair chance, then clear it and replace it with a better performing one. Test and measure the profitgenerating potential of your entire range during a Greenwood Sale. • SELLING SKILLS - Get good at selling. Most retailers don’t employ a proper retail sales process. The most successful ones do. Invest time and money in quality sales know-how. Call Greenwood to arrange an effective sales training course for your team. • COMPETITION – Check your competition to find out what they are offering. Avoid all-out price wars. Out-perform your competition on the most relevant beneficial points including choice, quality, value and service. Call Greenwood to mystery shop your competitors. • PROMOTION – Promote your business effectively. Every good retailer from Aldi to Harrod’s does. Consider holding a Greenwood Sales Promotion to increase sales, turn stock into cash and win future market share, while protecting your profit at the same time. Call Greenwood!
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT GREENWOOD SALES...
Learn all about the new super-effective Greenwood Digital Sales Campaign. Call me on 07771 700247 to discuss the exciting possibilities for your next big sales event without obligation or, send an e mail enquiry with your contact details and I’ll call you… We are booking Greenwood Sales right now across the UK and Ireland for 2022 on a first come first served basis. The best launch dates go quickly.
BOOKING NOW FOR 2022 CALL BERNARD EATON ON 07771 700247
GREENWOOD RETAIL LTD
Your Leading Experts in Retail Sales Promotion sales@greenwoodretail.com www.greenwoodretail.com
EASY LIVING
Sofa in a Box is the debut collection in Gallery Direct’s new Design Project series, which was conceived to create products that provide solutions to everyday problems, with each Design Project looking at a specific issue and delivering products to help overcome it …
www.gallerydirect.co.uk
For many properties, the delivery of a sofa can be tricky and problematic. Narrow doorways, tight corners and awkward staircases all make it difficult to get a conventional sofa into place.
To solve this problem, Gallery developed its Sofa in a Box collection. Launched at last month’s Autumn Fair, the range of luxury sofas, armchairs and sofabed offers six models to suit different styles of interior. Each model is available in a choice of fabrics, offering 65 options in total.
James Hudson, commercial director, says: “We wanted to offer customers a range of sofas and chairs that are easy to deliver to any room in any home. However, we were determined not to compromise on the style, quality and comfort. We have therefore combined exclusive designs with premium materials and a practical solution for easy delivery.
“A great deal of thought and time has gone in to developing the range,” continues James, “so we were delighted that the project was incredibly well received at Autumn Fair.”
The products are handmade in Gallery’s UK factory by its highly skilled and experienced team, paying great attention to detail. Each is delivered in a box. The parts can be unboxed and assembled, ready to use in under five minutes, with no tools required, thanks to the easy lock-in mechanism which features a tapered design with hard nylon edges to keep the seat rigid once built. The packaging can then be recycled.
All sofa and chair models feature pocket-sprung seat bases to add an extra layer of comfort, and the sofabed model has a fully sprung pocket platform, offering comfort for both sitting and sleeping. The seat cushions feature feather, fibre or foam wraps, depending on the model.
Model 1 is a Chesterfield-style threeseater sofa, offering a traditional look with its rolltop arms, deep buttoning
Model 1 Chesterfield, fresh out of the box
and carved wooden feet. It is available in an exclusive natural-waxed aniline leather, as well as a choice of textured fabrics and luxurious velvets. There is also an option of a mixed scatterback style, with the sofa and seat cushions upholstered in leather with four fabric cushions, and a reversible cushion, with leather on one side and fabric on the other, for the scatterback.
Easy to place and boasting a simple style, the Model 2 Everyday design is suitable for a wide range of interiors. It features sleek, sloped arms and dark wooden feet, and is available as a twoseater, three-seater and armchair. All are offered in a choice of six fabrics – three textured and three velvets.
Model 3, Townhouse, is modern in design and sleek in style, oozing elegance and sophistication. It is available as a two-seater and threeseater, each with side bolster cushions to complete the look. Both versions are offered in a selection of six luxurious velvets.
For those who prefer a Scandi feel, Model 4 is ideal. The streamlined contemporary design features simple, tapered wooden legs and slightly rounded arms to create a stylish look. It is available as a two-seater and three-seater as well as an armchair, in a choice of four fabrics, chosen to complement the style.
Unique in style and design, the Model 5 Sofabed offers “practicality in a box”, states Gallery. This durable sofa can be turned into a practical and comfortable 120cm bed in seconds, in one simple movement. It is offered in four fabrics.
Last, but by no means least, is Model 6, Contemporary. This range has a completely modern style, with statement stitching and unique metal legs. It features a two-seater and a three-seater, as well as an accompanying footstool, in a choice of four leather-look options.
To find out more about this innovative new collection, contact Gallery’s sales team on 01795 439159 or sales@gallerydirect.co.uk, or visit the supplier’s website
Model 1 Chesterfield
Model 3 Townhouse
Model 5 Sofabed Model 4 Scandi
Model 5 Sofabed
Brooklyn
TREND INTERIORS
www.trendinteriors.co.uk
As part of Trend Interiors’ bedroom portfolio, the Home Office collection offers either complete projects or additions to existing bedrooms. Incorporated are various space-saving configurations, including base units, two- and threedrawer filing units, printer tray units, drawer tidies and worktops. Depending on the price group there is a choice of either 13, 12 or nine colours and finishes.
Trend Interiors is part of the Mereway Group, a British manufacturer with over 30 years’ experience of creating high-quality kitchens.
CORE PRODUCTS
www.coreproducts.co.uk
Core Products offers a wide and varied selection of flatpacked home office furniture, which the supplier says has really captured customers’ attention over the past year as so many have been working from home. This was recognised as Core scooped Furniture News’ Readers’ Choice Award for Best Home Office Furniture Supplier 2021.
Every piece in Core Products’ home office ranges is developed so it looks good, with hardwearing finishes, while also being functional, with a variety of desk and shelving designs. A varied selection of home study and home office chairs is also available.
Suitable for use in any room, Core’s ranges will make the most of any space, and all are held in stock in the UK for quick delivery, either to the store or direct to the customer’s home.
L-shaped desk with wall storage, with under-cabinet lighting plus shelving
THE RETAIL WORLD IS CHANGING – AND SO ARE WE
www.hitachicapital.co.uk/retail-finance Over the last 18 months, we’ve experienced an unprecedented amount of change. Furniture retail, especially, has experienced a rollercoaster period, with supply chain disruptions coupled with a seismic shift in buying behaviour which has transformed the industry.
But it’s not just the high street that is repositioning itself. Hitachi Capital Consumer Finance – one of the UK’s leading providers of retail PoS finance – has announced that it is embarking on a major rebrand, as it sets its sights on rapid expansion, accelerating investment in its retail systems.
The rebrand to Novuna Consumer Finance, which will be fully implemented by March 2022, follows the merger of the business’ parent company with Mitsubishi UFJ Lease and Finance Company earlier this year. This was a significant move for the business, and means it is now part of one of the world’s largest and most diversified financial groups.
Vincent Reboul, MD of Hitachi Capital Consumer Finance, explains the thinking behind the rebrand: “Novuna comes from the Latin words ‘novo’ (new) and ‘una’ (together), which captures the essence of our business and how we work with our retailers, creating innovative solutions together and supporting our customers through rapid change.
“It’s a bold, fresh brand that resonates with the changes we are seeing not just in retail, but in society as a whole, and reflects our digital transformation programme which is enabling us to create unique customer experiences and deliver efficiencies across all sectors.”
With competition in retail intensifying, having the right PoS credit offering is a sensible move. Providing a fast, seamless integration, 24/7 retail offering with improved credit decisioning functionality, is what the business sees as its core strength, which will be brought to life with the new brand.
The full rebrand won’t take place until March 2022, with the products and services currently offered remaining the same, alongside the account management teams and contacts – but in the longer term, this is far more than a change of name. It represents how the business has evolved and its ambitions to accelerate growth
SATRA supporting you
SATRA Technology has launched a new furniture and floor coverings membership package, specifically tailored to meet the needs of these industries.
Membership provides businesses with a range of benefits such as bespoke technical support and advice through our technical team, helping businesses to understand current legislation, influence new standards and develop product specifications.
Also included are testing discounts, 20% of the annual subscription value returned in the form of vouchers and access to SATRA’s new online Furniture & Floor Covering Hub, a go-to repository for the latest industry news, technical information on standards and regulatory requirements, as well as industry focussed features such as polls. Find out more about membership by visiting furnishings.satra.com
www.satra.com furniture@satra.com Tel: +44 (0)1536 410 000
ROAD WARRIOR
Furniture fulfilment specialist Executive Home Delivery, operated by Brian Adam’s Transport, offers home and retail deliveries to Scotland and Northern England, as well as UK-wide furniture logistics, including trunking and warehousing services.
www.executivehomedelivery.co.uk
Thanks to many years of industry experience, Executive Home Delivery has developed a detailed understanding of its clients’ needs, and consequently offers an array of services to ensure that any delivery can be handled within its own network, reducing the need for additional logistics partners.
The company’s white-glove home delivery service is executed via a modern fleet of 12- and 3.5-tonne vehicles crewed by highly trained, conscientious staff. All deliveries are electronically tracked, ensuring full traceability of orders throughout their journey.
“All planning, routing and WMS is carried out on our systems, so we can see everything at the touch of a button, says MD Brian Adam. “Our system updates in real-time, too, which means that photos taken on delivery are uploaded back to our office and to clients to view if needed. This means any claims for missing or damaged products can be investigated instantly.”
Executive Home Delivery understands that when it is chosen as a business’ delivery partner, it is representing that business, and therefore puts great emphasis on ensuring each delivery is carried out to the highest standard.
The business also has a fleet of articulated vehicles and trailers dedicated to delivering goods direct from manufacturers to furniture retailers. Again, its team is highly
Brian Adam
trained – not only in customer care, but in the manual handling of furniture, ensuring deliveries are made with the same care and attention offered on home delivery items.
“Every item of furniture we handle is treated with the care it deserves,” says Brian. “We have a saying that we live by here – it may be your 40th delivery of the week, but it could be the customer’s first in 10 years.”
The company’s trunking services are available nationwide, and it can collect and deliver goods from anywhere in the UK, and its warehouse has the capacity to hold stock on behalf of manufacturers, importers and retailers, ready for distribution
Rainer Kalesse
Renowned interior architect and designer, Rainer Kalesse, and Välinge Innovation, are teaming up to create a unique, ready-for-production Threespine furniture collection.
“What fascinates me about Threespine is that it works without tools, it’s simple and really intuitive,“ says Rainer. “With our collection, I want to inspire the furniture industry to break new ground.”
Rainer spent over 20 years at the helm of Nolte-Küchen’s design department before starting his design firm, Rainer Kalesse Design-Management, in 2017. The designer is excited about the potential that Threespine brings to the industry, stating: “Threespine brings a whole new dimension to flatpack furniture construction. It’s now possible to combine high quality and good design with a simple, safe, and sustainable solution.”
The unique, patented Threespine click joint means furniture can be assembled without tools or fittings, and up to 8–10 times faster than furniture with traditional fittings, says Välinge. The technology is also flexible enough to realise any design vision, as it is suitable for all types of materials and construction — from flatpack and fine furniture to fully fitted kitchens.
“Designers and creators understand the possibilities of Threespine, so our collaboration with Rainer is a fantastic new direction for us,” says Jonas Banestig, senior key account manager of furniture at Välinge Innovation. “We’re really looking forward to being able to offer retailers and producers a modern, finished-concept furniture collection using our easy-assembly technology”
VÄLINGE INNOVATION
www.threespine.com
The Furniture Makers’ Company the furnishing industry’s charity
IT’S TIME TO STEP 2 IT
Step 2 It is the exciting new fundraising campaign by industry charity The Furniture Makers’ Company.
The Furniture Makers’ Company is launching its largest ever fundraising campaign in May, asking the furnishing industry to ‘Step 2 It’ and help raise £250,000 to support people from the trade who have been impacted by COVID-19.
Step 2 It aims to inspire companies and individuals to organise sports-based fundraisers between May 2021 – April 2022 in aid of the charity, encouraging friends, family and co-workers to join in the fun. What’s more – thanks to a benefactor, every single penny you raise will be matched, effectively doubling your donation.
Last year our charity awarded a record number of financial grants to people from the sector whose lives and livelihoods were disrupted by the pandemic. Now we need your help to raise funds so we can keep supporting the industry.
Have fun, raise money, support lives, Step 2 It
Claim your fundraising toolkit: www.furnituremakers.org.uk/step2it
