15 minute read
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 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. 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
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)
John Lewis & Partners
Edinburgh, located in the new St James Quarter, has undergone a multi-million pound refurbishment, and now boasts a new range of services and experiences, including the retailer’s largestever World of Design hub
The Malaysian International Furniture
Fair (MIFF) has been postponed from September 2021 to 8-11th March, 2022. The third edition of MIFF’s online exhibition, MIFF Furniverse, will take place in August
Simba has recorded its highest-ever Q1 sales and profits. Sales jumped by +295% YoY in the UK, and Simba saw a +265% YoY leap in global sales over the period
Argos achieved sales growth of +10.9% YoY despite a severely depleted store network in the year ended 6th March 2021, while parent company Sainsbury’s achieved general merchandise sales growth of +8.3% and digital sales growth of +102%
The BFM says demand for furniture soared as shops and the wider economy reopened in April, when a member survey revealed a +40% rise in manufacturers reporting new orders, with 84% of respondents more confident about the general business situation than they were last October
Dunelm has revised its profit expectations for 2021 from £128-£134m to in excess of £148m (before tax), reflecting high sales growth since the lockdown was lifted
ACQUISITION TO FUEL BED-PROTECTION BRAND
Hollander Sleep Products, a leading North American manufacturer of synthetic and natural bedding products, has acquired furniture cover, bed protection and home decor specialist SureFit Home Décor Group – which includes Protect-A-Bed, an industry leader in bed and mattress protection.
According to Protect-A-Bed’s national sales manager, Paul Lake, the move creates an opportunity for the new Hollander Sleep & Décor company, ultimately forming an all-encompassing solutions provider with a dedicated a focus on innovation and quality.
“The merger is extremely exciting, as Protect-ABed are going to be in a position to offer complete bedding solutions for all of our retail partners,” explains Paul. “Hollander is the leading bed, pillow and mattress pad supplier in North America, under owned and licensed brands which include Beautyrest, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Chaps, Great Sleep, Healthy Home, I AM, Live Comfortably, Pacific Coast Feather, Renova and Restful Nights, we simply cannot wait to show our UK partners these exciting new product ranges and brands.”
Thomas Pinnau, CEO of Hollander Sleep & Décor, comments: “Together, our organisations’ products are sold in more than 20,000 retail, specialty, department store, off-price club and discount chain stores, and through ecommerce, across the US, Canada, the UK and other international markets worldwide. This combination creates an exciting opportunity for the new Hollander Sleep & Décor organisation and all of our partners, to strengthen our foothold across these complementary product categories, channels and markets – ultimately forming an all-encompassing solutions provider with a dedicated focus on innovation and quality for the betterment of all of our customers and partners.”
EVENT ORGANISER LAUNCHES ONLINE TRADING PLATFORM
Clarion Events, the organiser of exhibitions including January Furniture Show, Manchester Furniture Show, Home & Gift and Top Drawer, has launched Reveal, a trade ecommerce platform.
Powered by Treniq technology and designed to complement Clarion’s existing live show portfolio, Reveal promises to be “a hub of product discovery, easy ordering, inspiration and insight, 365 days a year – a rotating shop window highlighting the work of amazing lifestyle brands, big and small”, says the event organiser.
Portfolio director Zoë Bonser says: “Regardless of whether buyers are B2C or B2B, the past year has really changed how purchases are made, with 88% of our community telling us that, off the back of our award-winning virtual events, a trade marketplace would be useful to them. With that in mind, we’ve taken our time to do thorough research, run pilots, partner with the best tech in the industry, and build a platform that is not just a temporary alternative to live events, but an exciting, essential product for our buyers and brands to do business all year round. We can’t wait to share more in coming weeks.”
The first of Clarion Retail’s live events will be the co-location of Home & Gift and Manchester Furniture Show in Harrogate – read more on p10.
NBF POLL REVEALS SIGNIFICANT BED INDUSTRY CONCERNS
The bed industry is warning of further price rises and extended delivery times in the wake of reported daily increases and reduced availability of raw materials.
According to the National Bed Federation (NBF), bedmakers remain under huge pressure as a result of volatility in raw material costs and availability, as well as logistical issues around Brexit, plus disruption caused by Covid-19. Supplies, affected by what one manufacturer described as “daily increases”, are mainly from foam, steel/spring, timber and chipboard, and even fabrics.
Members reported that: foam continues to be on allocation, with further price increases being forecast (+40% so far); wire prices for springs continue to rise as steel remains in short supply in Europe (+30% increase so far); and timber has seen +20%-plus increases, with US building and DIY trades “sucking all the capacity” from wherever they can get it, along with demand for housing/garden furniture (including ‘lockdown bars’) far exceeding supply.
With foam manufacturers facing unprecedented increases in prices paid for key chemicals such as TDI, polyols, etc, one MD said the situation had been exacerbated by Europeans not driving or flying: “As many of these chemicals are biproducts of the oil industry, this means there are considerably less biproducts available, thereby driving prices ever higher.” Freight costs, fuel rises and an increase in paperwork and surcharges for Northern Ireland and European exports were also playing a role in price hikes, according to members.
RIP MARTIN GRIFFITHS, 1953-2021
Martin Griffiths, a well-known and respected figure in the mid-market furniture trade, passed away on 21st April, aged 67.
Martin held a number of high-profile positions across more than two decades, going from successful sales roles to founding a family business, Top Furniture, alongside his stepson David Edwards.
In 1990 Martin joined Windmill Pine, where he served as national sales and marketing manager until 1999, whereupon he took up a similar role at Topcraft Pine Furniture. In 2003 he was appointed the MD of high-volume flatpack furniture supplier Marada.
Before he left that role, Martin founded Top Furniture with David, which supplied stores (and a growing number of ecommerce sites) with goods from Europe and the Far East until 2010.
Martin was a true devotee of Furniture News and its predecessor, Pine News International, recalls publisher, Nigel Gearing: “I knew Martin for over 34 years, and I have to say that he was one of the last of ‘the old school’.
“We first met when he was in charge of sales at Windmill Pine. My overriding memory is of how he used to greet the arrival of Pine News International: ‘Right then Nigel, I’ll tell you now, that when the publication arrives, I grab my sandwiches, close the office door, then read it stem to stern … twice, muttering expletives about the competition! Then, invigorated by the feeling that we were holding our own within a booming industry, I felt set up for the month!’
“Such was his enthusiasm for the old pine trade, that it’s one that he remained in for the remainder of his working life.
“Martin will always be remembered for his quick wit, euphemisms and desire to enjoy his industry. Even after retirement, he would still attend the furniture shows ‘just to keep his eye in’, and it became our annual catch-up. I really don’t think they make ‘em like that anymore, so he will be sadly missed, and always part of my memories.”
FLA INTERNATIONAL HONOURS THE INDUSTRY’S LEADERS
Some of the international furniture and interiors industry’s top businesses and exceptional individuals were recognised at the International Furniture Leadership Awards 2020/21 (FLA International) and International Interior Design Awards 2020/21 (IDA International) joint award presentation ceremony, held virtually on 29th April.
In addition to the award winners, the international judging panel (including Furniture News’ Paul Farley) and the programme’s global partners, the ceremony was attended by the heads of top regional and national associations from around the world.
At the outset, the two programmes received over 60 international nominations from over two dozen countries – yet as the Covid-19 pandemic went on, almost half withdrew, with many quoting the disruption caused by the pandemic. At the end of the assessment exercise, the international judging panel arrived at the final number of 14 companies/ organisations and four individuals qualifying for the awards.
These outstanding companies and individuals come from retail, wholesale, manufacturing, interior design, interior fit-out and trade associations, and represent 16 countries from across APAC, the Middle East, Europe and North America.
The company award winners were: AA Corporation, Vietnam; Akase Co, Japan; Deesawat Industries Co, Thailand; Federmobili, Italy; Gagu Guide, South Korea; High Point Market Authority, US; IQI Concept, Malaysia; JCS Design Project, Malaysia; Matthew Lim Associates, Malaysia; Picket & Rail Holdings, Singapore; Royaloak Incorporation, India; Samin Furniture, Iran; Seki Furniture Co, Japan; and PT Home Center Indonesia (Informa).
Individual awards went to: Ali Ansar Ghumman, CFO, Trendline Furnishers, Pakistan; Arie Wissmann, CEO, Wissmann Holdings, Israel; and Shermaine Ong, group executive director, Singapore Furniture Industries Council (SFIC), Singapore.
The Global CEO of the Year Award (the programme’s highest accolade) went to Meutia Kumala, MD of PT Home Center Indonesia (Informa).
Held annually to celebrate excellence, FLA International and IDA International honour standout organisations, as well as individuals that display remarkable leadership. They are organised by FurnitureAndFurnishing.com, one of Asia’s leading B2B furniture import/export media platforms, are endorsed by International Alliance of Furnishing Publications (IAFP), an association comprising 18 of the world’s top furniture trade publications (including Furniture News), and are supported by CIFF Guangzhou. Sofa Club has seen a spike in sales since June 2020. The retailer has projected a further +25% YoY growth for the next 12 months
Sainsbury’s has appointed former John Lewis MD Paula Nickolds to its operating board to manage its £7.8b general merchandise and clothing business, including Sainsbury’s general merchandise, Argos, Habitat and Tu brands
Dunelm reports that Paula Vennells stepped down from her position as non-executive director on 25th April. Paula was the CEO of the Post Office from 2012-19, which is under scrutiny for its role in the wrongful convictions of numerous former postmasters
Next reports that fullprice sales in Q1 (ended 1st May) were down -1.5% on two years ago. The retailer’s previous central guidance assumed that Q1 would be down -10%, and this forecast was beaten by £75m. Consequently, Next has increased its central guidance for full year profit before tax by £20m, to £720m
The Vita Group won two awards at this year’s interzum fair, for its sustainable foam innovations Orbis and the VitaRest Origin pillow
Through EFIC
(the European Furniture Industries Confederation), the European furniture sector has expressed its concerns over the lack of a harmonised response across the EU to the pandemic, and has called for a co-ordinated response to store reopenings, vaccine roll-out, trading and goods movement, and international trade fairs
Strategy
More Sales Discovery call It starts with a 40-min Store visit We’ll also often come Sales training programme Guaranteed discovery call where we listen and offer initial advice free-of-charge. out for a half-day at no cost to show you where improvements can be made. Stores often hire us for a furniture sales programme that moves you towards best-
practice quickly.
Are you frustrated at your sales team’s lack of motivation m’s lack of motivation and enthusiasm? Worried that they’re not converting y’re not converting ARRANGE A CALL enough sales? Maybe they just don’t know the right ’t know the right questions to ask. And that’s where we come in.
At Furniture Sales Solutions, I’m here to share my wealth urniture Sales Solutions, I’m here to share my wealth of experience so that your sales team can grow their our sales team can grow their
Adam Hankinson Managing Director, Furniture Sales Solutions
Follow-up sales support
And we’re often asked to stay on board for longer-term sales support, to help make sure the changes stick.
How does it work?
I just want to say, having worked Discovery call Store visit Sales training with them in the past, you’ve signed the best in the industry. It starts with a 30-min discovery call where we listen and offer initial We’ll also often come out for a half-day at no cost to show you where programme Stores often hire us for a furniture sales advice free-of-charge. improvements can programme that moves Chris Leech, Director, Stokers be made. you towards bestpractice quickly.
