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NEWS
IKEA INTRODUCES BUY BACK IKEA has launched its Buy Back service in the UK, which encourages customers to sell back furniture they no longer need, in return for vouchers. The furniture will be resold within IKEA’s Circular Hubs (previously Bargain Corner) – products returned as good as new will be bought for 50% of their original price, while items with minor scratches will be bought for 40%. Furniture that is well used with several scratches will be bought for 30%. Anyone wishing to sell back their IKEA furniture can submit items for consideration by filling out an online offer request. The tool will automatically generate a preliminary offer and customers will be invited to bring the fully assembled product and offer to their nearest Returns & Exchanges desk, where they will receive an IKEA voucher. The voucher will have no expiry date, encouraging customers to only purchase new items when they need something. Peter Jelkeby, country retail manager and chief sustainability officer, IKEA UK & Ireland, says: “Households are connected to around 60% of global greenhouse gas emissions, consuming around a third of the energy and 10% of the water used globally. Therefore, small actions taken within them can make a significant difference, and that’s why
BoConcept has opened a 5300ft2 “digital experience concept store” in St David’s Cardiff, offering a complimentary bespoke interior design service which can present 3D visuals of BoConcept’s furniture in customers’ own homes
IKEA is so committed to making sustainable living more affordable, attractive and accessible. As one of the biggest brands in the world, we recognise our unique opportunity to help lead that change. “Through Buy Back we hope to make circular consumption mainstream – making it easier for customers to acquire, care for and pass on products in circular ways.” In tandem, IKEA is introducing Pre-Loved Labels to its secondhand items, allowing customers to learn about an item’s past before buying it. IKEA has also launched a nationwide collaboration with online re-commerce platform Gumtree to advertise and promote its recovered products.
HARROGATE TO HOST THIS YEAR’S MANCHESTER FURNITURE SHOW Exhibition organiser Clarion Events reports that the Manchester Furniture Show will go ahead this year, but will take place in Harrogate, not Manchester Central. The show will be hosted at the Harrogate Convention Centre (HCC) and the DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate from 18th-21st July, co-located with the Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. Clarion says the move will give exhibitors an opportunity to do business with over 10,000 additional buyers, and buyers the chance to explore over 650 brands.
Portfolio director Zoë Bonser says: “We are delighted that we are able to run the furniture industry’s first and largest in-person event for buyers and suppliers to unite and do business in over a year. After such uncertainty, we are positive that this is the opportunity the industry has been waiting for, and with 87% of buyers saying they would attend the physical show in July, we are expecting a strong return. Clarion has confirmed that the show will have its own entrances with a separate registration process, and will be situated across four halls.
WHITEMEADOW DRIVES INDUSTRY RECRUITMENT THROUGH NEW CAREERS HUB Whitemeadow Furniture has launched a new online Careers Hub which aims to educate and attract young people and those wanting a career change into the industry, and to give an insight into the various roles available within the upholstery trade. MD Ian Oscroft comments: “We employ over 650 people at present but are still needing a range of people to fill various roles, especially upholsterers and sewing machinists. This has been an exceptionally challenging 12-month period, but it has encouraged us to focus our attention on ensuring that we are employing and retaining highquality members of staff who are proud to work for the company and who are passionate about what they do.
“The Careers Hub is a further demonstration of our commitment to not only fill the skills gap in our industry but to ensure that we have a workforce that believes in our vision and values so that we can continue to be a leading supplier to our many valued customers.” Whitemeadow launched its Sewing School in 2019, and has so far trained 18 full-time sewing machinists. Whitemeadow will also launch its first Upholstery School this year – both schools will be based at the company’s new Langham Park site in South Normanton, Derbyshire. Those who complete either course will obtain a Modern Upholsterer Level 2 qualification and the offer of a full-time role with the company.
The Lighting Industry Association (LIA) has appointed Matt Sturgess as CEO, replacing interim CEO, Paul Crisp. Matt recently served as the commercial director of Sylvania Lighting and as MD at Simmonsigns Vitra has opened a 140m2 standalone retail space in Harrods, from which the Swiss manufacturer is offering home office bestsellers plus classic and contemporary furniture and accessories for every room Furniture Village has appointed Mike Broughton, its IT and business development director, to the board of directors. A digital transformation and retail expert, Mike’s career highlights include transformative roles at William Hill, Asda Walmart, Dixons Carphone, FSA and Barclays Bank JYSK has launched an employer branding campaign to help recruit store managers as it looks to grow its global estate from 3000 to 5000 Wayfair reports total net revenue worldwide of $3.5b (up $1.1b, +49.2% YoY) for Q1, ended 31st March, 2021. US net revenue was $2.8b (up $0.8 billion, +42.8% YoY), while international net revenue was $0.7b (up $0.3b, +85% YoY)
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