Interiors Monthly July 2020

JULY 2020

Trends AW 2020

Experiences Pandemic

Back to business

WHITEMEADOW

WHITEMEADOW

DRIVEN TO LEAD. PROUD TO IMPRESS. W W W.W H I T E M E A D O W. C O M | 016 2 3 5 5 5 6 6 0

EDITOR’S COMMENT

Living with coronavirus Shopping has returned but in a very different way – and confirmed how vital online is to succeed in 2020 As I write this, general retailing is about to re-open in England at the weekend. Many of you will have been open for a few weeks now and have been quick to embrace new ideas such as appointment-only opening and video shopping. Who would have thought, just a few months ago, that sales staff would be walking about stores with a tablet or phone showing products to customers at home?

One thing that has emerged very clearly is that you must have a good online presence. Many retailers are still relying on simply having a Facebook page and that no longer cuts it. And that also means an ability to sell online. Imagine if you had to close your store again for a prolonged period: how would you sell then if you hadn’t sorted out your online presence?

During shutdown, Jacquie Dunton, Sweetpea & Willow co-founder told me that business was good thanks to its strong media channels and it was able to keep customers up to date every day. It’s that sort of connection that is key: especially when at the moment the business is only seeing a maximum of eight customers a day at its showroom.

Retailers have said that demand has been strong and I’ve been sent countless consumer surveys that claim consumers are itching to replace the sofa/carpet/curtains/bed or anything else that they’ve been looking at for the past few months. But a lot of shoppers will be reluctant to visit stores until they are entirely convinced that it is safe to do so. And people will still be concerned about their future employment so are likely to hang on to their cash for the time being. Shopping habits are also likely to change, with traditional weekend peaks levelling out during the week as people look for less busy times.

The other thing everyone has learned is just how important retail and delivery staff are.

Thanks to everyone who voted in the Interiors Monthly Awards 2020. I look forward to revealing the winners in the next issue. Keep safe.

INTERIORS MONTHLY JULY 2020

INSIDE THIS ISSUE NEWS 4

Pre-pack deal for Oak Furnitureland

6

Sturrock takes the reins at Tapi

10

Latest bed flammability results

12

Graham Waldron: 1930-2020

FEATURES 14

New products

17

Service

18

Experiences Our diarists return, back to business, never alone, navigating the return, agility, store revamp, persona matters, summer staple, forward thinking, stepping up, rising to the challenge, carrying on, back to work

51

Beds and bedroom Integrity matters, haven for wellbeing

54

Retail AW 2020 trends

58

LVT Stone quintet, making an impact

62

Carpet Helping clean the seas

66

Preview IHGF Online

Editor: Andrew Kidd T: 01273 930 029 E: akidd@interiorsmonthly.co.uk Back to business: Whitemeadow leads the charge for British upholstery manufacturing Visit: www.whitemeadow.com

Advertising: Joanne Paull T: 01732 441 130 E: jpaull@interiorsmonthly.co.uk

Representative in India: Amarjeet Singh Gianni T: 0091 98390 35458 E: as_gianni@yahoo.co.in

Published by Interiors Media Limited Minerva House, Kinnings Row, Bordyke, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1NP T: 01732 441 130 F: 01732 362 919 E: enquiries@interiorsmonthly.co.uk Registered in England no. 6397722 Print: Knockout Print Design by Truprint Media © Interiors Media Limited ISSN 1756-2236

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

3

NEWS

Pre-pack administration for Oak Furnitureland Oak Furnitureland has been bought by an investment management firm for an undisclosed sum in a pre-pack administration deal.

Davidson Kempner Capital Management bought the chain following a sale process undertaken by Deloitte. The deal includes new funding provided by Davidson Kempner’s affiliated asset-lending platform Breal Zeta Commercial Finance, in support of the management’s business plan.

The chain’s 105 stores and warehouses re-opened on 17 June. Alex Fisher, chief executive continues to lead the company, and its 1,491 employees have transferred as part of the acquisition. Oak Furnitureland says the pre-pack deal was pursued after it had been affected by a challenging

retail environment coupled with the adverse trading conditions imposed by the coronavirus pandemic.

‘The deal puts Oak Furnitureland on a stronger financial footing, enabling us to drive forward our clear plan for growth. We are a fantastic business with a loyal customer base and an omnichannel retail presence, and we are looking forward to working with our partners to ensure a successful future,’ says Fisher.

‘We have been working closely with the management team under difficult market conditions to try and find a funding solution and the deal is a positive one which secures the future of the business,’ says Rob Harding, Deloitte joint administrator.

Lee Longlands: ‘devastating financial impact’ Bed Show cancelled Six-store furniture and flooring chain Lee Longlands has gone into administration, with the company blaming the coronavirus shutdown.

The company, which has stores in Birmingham, Leamington Spa, Kidderminster, Abingdon, Derby and Cheltenham, has appointed Duff & Phelps as administrator.

‘Lee Longlands is a household name across the Midlands and has a fantastic reputation for quality and service. It is a long-standing profitable business and that the appointment of administrators has been necessary demonstrates the devastating financial impact this pandemic will leave in its wake,’ says Matt Ingram, joint administrator.

‘This is a firm with a sound financial proposition. Being unable to trade for almost three months has severely

disrupted its working capital cycle, but working with management and with the support of the company’s suppliers, we will be focusing on restructuring its cash flow and exiting the administration period as soon as possible.’

The stores have re-opened and customers awaiting deliveries are being told their orders will be fulfilled. The company is booking delivery dates and will comply with social distancing rules.

‘For almost 120 years our family business and our employees have put our customers at the heart of everything we do. That will not change. We are very much open for business as usual and our customers can be assured we will continue to give them the highest levels of service as we restore our short-term finances and get back to work,’ says Robert Lee, Lee Longlands md.

This year’s Bed Show, planned for 22-23 September, has been cancelled.

‘After careful consideration it is with great regret that we announce the postponement of the Bed Show until September 2021. It’s been a tough decision to make but feedback from our members highlighted that this was the right outcome – we don’t want to compromise the event or anyone’s safety,’ says Jessica Alexander, National Bed Federation executive director.

The show, which is the only bedspecific exhibition in the UK, will return on 21-22 September 2021 as originally planned, at the Telford International Centre. The Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony will also return next year.

‘We will be working very hard to make sure our comeback in 2021 is something really special,’ says Alexander.

Rimadesio opts for Oxford for second showroom Four months after opening its flagship London store, Italian furniture brand Rimadesio has unveiled a second showroom in England.

The 1,200sqft showroom near Oxford has been developed in partnership with stockist Kitchen Architecture.

Situated at Brasenose Farm – a 17th century renovated farmstead on Oxford’s

4

Interiors Monthly July 2020

ring road – the showroom (left) claims a rich architectural heritage. Three redeveloped agricultural buildings pay homage to the original working farm, local materials and the traditional elements of stone, wood and metal.

The company says the new showroom reflects the growing success of the brand in the UK.

NEC 24-27 JAN 2021

Sell the Room Everything you need: LIVING | DINING

UPHOLSTERY | CABINET | BEDS | INTERIOR ACCESSORIES

LIGHTING | FLOORING | FABRICS | SOFT FURNISHINGS

Register your interest at januaryfurnitureshow.com

NEWS

Sturrock takes the reins at Tapi Former Eve Sleep chief executive James Sturrock has taken the same role at flooring chain Tapi as part of a management reshuffle.

The chain’s founder Martin Harris has become md of retail and vice-chairman.

Lord Harris now has an official role as a director, responsible for buying and property, while Will Barker, a major investor in the chain, has succeeded Sir Harry Djanogly as chairman.

The chain’s latest fundraising round from shareholders raised almost £10m.

Companies House documents show that 5,716,993 shares were issued between 24 February and 14 April, increasing the total to 42,568,271. This raised £9,567,951.50, with prices ranging from £1 a share to £1.70.

The chain has shareholder approval to issue a further 1,653,457 shares at £1.70 a share.

FV names Singh as sleep ambassador Furniture Village has named Dr Ranj Singh as its first sleep ambassador and centre of its latest TV advertising campaign.

Singh features in the chain’s Sleep Well, Live Well campaign, which aired on 13 June. The campaign has been designed to raise awareness about the impact that sleep can have on every aspect of our wellbeing, both physical and mental.

‘We are delighted to be working with Dr Ranj as part of our mission to help the nation get a better night’s sleep.

As an NHS doctor, Dr Ranj knows first hand the impact sleep has on our physical health and mental wellbeing, which makes him a perfect partner for our Sleep Well, Live Well campaign,’ says Charlie Harrison, Furniture Village commercial director.

‘By combining our team’s expertise with Dr Ranj’s medical knowledge, we’ll not only be able to offer our customers a richer, more rounded experience, but

Dr Ranj Singh: first-hand experience

we’ll also be helping to raise national awareness of the importance of sleep.’

Singh was previously an ambassador for bed manufacturer Sleepeezee.

Design London, the re-invented 100% Design exhibition, has been cancelled for 2020.

The show had been due to make its debut on 16-19 September in Greenwich, London.

The organiser, Media 10, believes that postponing to next year will enable it to ‘deliver a launch show that does not compromise what was originally set out for it to achieve’.

‘The show will be held at Magazine London as planned. It has commissioned exciting installations and will be collaborating with celebrated designers – delivering a must-see event during London Design Festival 2021,’ it says. The revised date is 22-25 September.

Interiors Monthly July 2020

The organiser of The Flooring Show says it will switch the event to a different venue in Harrogate if the Convention Centre remains a Nightingale hospital.

The Yorkshire Event Centre, on the edge of the town, will host the show if the HCC is unavailable.

‘We can assure the industry that The Flooring Show will be going ahead in Harrogate from 20-22 September. After the challenges of lockdown, we are very much looking forward to welcoming everyone to the show,’ says Alex Butler, Ocean Media event director.

Dunelm trials Edit store Dunelm has opened a concept highstreet store with a localised product mix.

The Edit store in Crawley, West Sussex aims to bring Dunelm highlights picked by its design team and local customer focus groups, to create a ‘Crawley Edit’ store format on the high street. The chain will continue with the localised content approach as it opens more Edit stores.

The new store features dedicated live, eat and sleep zones as well as roomsets.

The extended range available online is introduced through displays, interactive digital content and augmented reality, where shoppers can see how wallpaper, curtains and blinds will look in the home.

Emma hits 1m milestone

Design London launch postponed

6

Alternative option

Mattress company Emma has sold its millionth mattress ahead of schedule and raised its sales forecast for 2020 by 20%.

‘We had reckoned to sell the one millionth Emma at some point in 2020, but we have now reached this milestone much earlier than expected,’ says Dennis Schmoltzi, Emma co-ceo.

The company has appointed former Amazon operations manager Santosh Marrivagu to head its UK and Ireland operation. He succeeds Benjamin Quiroga-Rivera, who takes charge of boosting sales in Asia.

‘Our business in the UK has grown tremendously. Emma Mattress increased its revenue by more than 150% in April and May in the UK,’ says Marrivagu.

As with many online retailers, the lockdown spurred online sales for Emma.

‘In view of all the effects described, we are increasing our sales target for 2020 by 20%, from €200m to €240m,’ says Schmoltzi.

Inspired by chalky limestone.

Designed to be down in no time.

Excellent acoustics Installs over most hard floors Preserves existing floors Quick & easy to install Suitable for new builds and extensions

New to the Korlok range, these five stone designs have been inspired by the understated colour and chalkiness found in natural limestone, whilst featuring all the benefits of rigid core. With an integrated foam backing, our Korlok stones offer effective sound absorption, reducing noise transfer by 21dB, without the need for separate underlay. Featuring K-Core technology and 5GÂŽ click-locking mechanism, these extra-large tiles, minimise upheaval and are quick and easy to install.

karndean.com/discoverkorlok

Featured floor: Cotswold Stone RKT2405

A UK brand since 1964

Follow us @sednacarpet Share your #sednacarpet

NEWS

Almost a third of bed products fail latest flammability testing Almost a third of mattresses, divans and headboards failed flammability tests in the National Bed Federation’s latest due diligence random testing.

A range of 44 products were tested, 21 from NBF members and 23 from non-members. Each product was subject to relevant flammability tests, then cut open and specifications checked against marketing claims.

It showed around two-thirds of both member and nonmember products passed the flammability tests. But while the remaining NBF products were classed as borderline failures, non-member products were clearer cut.

‘Borderline NBF products included fail tests on mattresses which could not be repeated, while those on headboards had used compliant production materials along with test histories and evidence of purchasing the correct materials from suppliers. The remaining non-NBF member product

failures were more clear cut, with issues such as match test failures on headboard cover materials and match test failures when tested to BS 7177 low hazard domestic use,’ says Tristine Hargreaves, NBF technical manager.

The overall flammability pass rate is comparable with the first batch of tests last summer.

On trade descriptions, major issues were identified on 11 non-members’ products and two from members, both shown to be isolated cases when investigated further.

The 11 major issues identified on non-member products included overstating of spring counts and claiming the presence of filling materials that were not present at all or not present in the quantity described.

‘In some cases, there were failings for flammability and trade descriptions on the same product, which combined together do raise concerns,’ says Hargreaves.

PPE triumph for Millbrook’s expanding team Millbrook Beds completed production of 50,000 nonsterile gowns for the NHS in just four weeks, after taking on 40 new staff.

The factory in Totton, Hampshire has been completely re-organised to create a safe working environment, ensuring social distancing and health and safety measures including the installation of 50 new sewing machines and employing of 40 new skilled machinists.

The gowns are delivered daily to local hospitals.

‘We’re delighted to be able

The hard-working Millbrook team

to put our skilled craftsmen and women to work creating these essential items of PPE,’ says Mark Croll, Millbrook Beds md. ‘On the first day four weeks ago, we produced just

150 gowns. We are now producing an amazing 5,000 per day, alongside our extremely busy mattress and upholstery manufacturing.

‘Gearing up to this has

been a massive challenge, and an incredible team effort.

We are very proud of everyone involved and they deserve great credit for all they have done in achieving this amazing milestone, including giving up their Saturdays and working six days per week to ensure we deliver a constant daily supply.

‘There is an amazing buzz all across our factory at being able to help and do our bit.’

The company is continuing to recruit machinists to produce more essential PPE to keep up with the demand.

Brave new world Danish furniture and accessories supplier ferm Living has opened its first showroom, as part of its head office. The 4,840sqt space occupies the ground floor of its central Copenhagen headquarters.

‘Nestled between picturesque canals, quirky houseboats and the untamed freetown Christiania, the upper floors of the wholly renovated 18th-century building accommodate the operational and creative staff, including our team of designers, who are experimenting with new ideas and creating new collections only steps away from end consumers,’ says Trine Andersen, ferm Living founder and creative director.

‘This is a thrilling milestone for ferm Living. It has always been a dream and a goal for us to have a space in which we can welcome the public into our universe.

To be able to do that in such a beautiful, historic location in the heart of our beloved hometown is very exciting for us.’

10

Interiors Monthly July 2020

DEFY THE PANDEMIC It’s been an unprecedented disaster, a catastrophe, a cataclysm, whatever you call it, it’s been the same for almost everyone involved in the furnishings industry and so, now, all we can do is put our energy into business recovery.

There will be the Great Retail Rebound – as history has shown, following every previous economic crash.

A window is opening now and through late summer and autumn providing you with a one-shot opportunity to get back much of what you have lost during this last quarter.

One sure way to maximise any sales opportunity is to hold a professionally planned Greenwood Sale in your store.

We have modified our sales promotion plans to ensure the safety of both your customers and staff without compromising sales potential or government guidelines.

REALISE THE OPTIMUM POTENTIAL OF YOUR NEXT BIG SALES EVENT… Why not find out more about Greenwood Sales? With the best launch dates going fast, call us now and we can explain the exciting options and possibilities for a truly recordbreaking sales event, without obligation.

BOOKING NOW – CALL 01565 650101

NEWS

Graham Waldron: 1930–2020 Graham Waldron, MCD founder and former Headlam Group chairman died on 27 May. He established his relationships and reputation in the flooring industry as the buyer for the Gainsborough Group in the 1960s and 1970s. In 1977 he founded MCD, which became the market leader and most progressive distributor of floorcoverings into the 1980s.

He was instrumental as chairman in developing Headlam into the leading flooring distributor in the UK

and Europe. He was chairman from 1991 to 1999 and 2006 to 2013, serving as a director for 22 years.

Always a gentleman, and a mentor for many in the industry and beyond, his hobbies included business and football. He was a meticulous follower of the stock market and a longstanding, loyal and active supporter of West Bromwich Albion.

He is survived by his wife Doris, two daughters, seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Expansion back on Wren Kitchens is to resume its store expansion rollout with the aim of reaching more than 100 branches by the end of the year.

The rollout was halted by the pandemic with openings in Worcester, Wolverhampton, Peterborough and Wakefield postponed.These stores will now open in July and August, bringing the total to 96.

The identity of the 100th store is yet to be decided

but it will be one of the eight scheduled for Autumn/Winter 2020 in Mansfield, Altrincham, Oldham, Northampton, Kings Lynn, Durham, Carlisle and Greenwich.

‘We are delighted to be recommencing our showroom rollout programme. It’s great to have good news to announce at this time and be able to say to our customers in these towns and cities that a Wren showroom is on its

way,’ says the company.

‘We are now considering further premium locations for showroom openings in 2021.’

Sealy’s Cumbria factory faces closure Bed manufacturer Silentnight Group is undertaking a consultation with staff at the Sealy factory in Aspatria, Cumbria after it proposed closing the facility.

‘Following an in-depth review of the business, we are regrettably proposing the closure of our Aspatria facility, where Sealy products are made under license. The UK bed market has been

challenging for a number of years and the profitability of the Aspatria site has progressively declined. The impact of the pandemic, coupled with uncertainties regarding some of the site’s major customers, has substantially exacerbated this situation,’ says Adrian Fawcett, Silentnight Group chairman.

‘Our priority now is to support all employees

affected. Silentnight Group fully intends to represent the brand in the future and options regarding the manufacture of Sealy products and fulfilment of the current order book are being explored. Future focus will continue to be on driving the brand forward with a highquality, differentiated product and a refreshed trade and consumer positioning.’

Quarterly rents: retailers pay less than in March Retailers paid their landlords less than 15% of the rent due on quarter day last month. This was a drop of more than a quarter.

According to online commercial property management company Re-Leased, landlords received 13.8% of what they were due in June, down from 19.8% the previous quarter.

Re-Leased calculated the figures based on more than 10,000 commercial properties and

12

Interiors Monthly July 2020

35,000 leases on its UK platform.

‘June quarter gives us the first real indicator of the severity of the crisis and quantifies the pressure both landlords and tenants are under,’ says Tom Wallace, Re-Leased chief executive.

‘Looking ahead, we expect there will be more pressure to come. Vacancy rates, rental values, lease terms are all going to see noticeable shifts over the next six months.’

The showrooms average 15,000sqft, display more than 50 full-size kitchens and employ 20 people.

Domotex reshuffle Domotex is to reshuffle its layout again in an effort to reduce the distances between product sectors.

The Framing Trends section of the Hannover show, which occupied an entire hall, has been replaced with Flooring Parks design areas in Halls 11 and 12.

As a result, hand-made rugs and carpets will occupy Halls 2, 3 (including the Carpet Design Awards), 4 (with mats) and 9; machine made carpets and rugs will occupy Halls 5, 6 and 7; Hall 11 will host textile floorcoverings, fibres, yarns and machinery, while Hall 12 will host LVT, laminate, wood and outdoor flooring alongside application and installation technology.

Oak Hamburg Carver Jet Hopsack Seat

Oak Loire Chair Natural Hopsack

NEW PRODUCTS

1

4

2

5

3

1 As retailers return to opening, Abingdon Flooring is continuing to scale up its operations, supporting retailers with the continued sampling of its USA Collection and re-launches of three bestselling ranges: the StainFree Rustique collection together with Lasting Romance and Deep Feelings from the Love Story brand. The USA Collection has eye-catching lecterns, as well as a wall unit update.

Visit: www.abingdonflooring.co.uk 2 Wiemann’s new range Nizza offers a stylish and interesting mix of sliding and hinged doors plus drawers combined, creating a total bedroom solution. The up-to-date VIP range offers sleek good

14

Interiors Monthly July 2020

looks and clever design. The combination of sliding and hinged doors plus drawers maximises space in an on-trend look perfect for any bedroom.

Visit: www.wiemannuk.co.uk 3 The latest addition to Balta Carpets’ Nature collection of outdoor-safe woven carpets, Nature Rainbow is made from a weatherproof and UV-resistant Weathersafe mono-filament yarn that can withstand outside use all year round without degradation. Yet it is still soft enough to be enjoyed indoors, and with a yarn that’s also bleach cleanable, it’s wonderfully easy to care for too.

Visit: www.naturecarpet.com

4 Louis de Poortere will be donating rugs from its 2020 collection to Design Havens for Heroes, helping the charity to transform rooms within NHS workers’ homes into spaces focused on delivering rest and calm.

Louis de Poortere is participating to thank NHS staff for their amazing resolve and dedication during the pandemic.

Visit: www.louisdepoortere.com 5 The inspiration behind Muuto’s In Situ modular sofa is for a design that can be tailored to the individual space and taste of its user yet, with its modular elements hidden through the subtle detailing of its steel frame, still offer deep comfort.  Visit: www.muuto.com

Never Short

Full Width - Guaranteed At Penthouse we never cut corners, which is why we guarantee that every woollen carpet you order from us will be delivered exactly to your requirements. We understand that minimising costly waste on installations is paramount to maintaining that competitive edge; it’s better for the environment too.

Why compromise… choose a Penthouse Carpet.

For samples and further information call 01706 639 866 or visit penthousecarpets.co.uk image for illustration purposes only

Style • Colour • Comfort

NEW PRODUCTS

6

7

8

6 Granorte’s DESIGNTrend is a floor that combines the latest technology with cork’s natural, sustainable and renewable status.

Through direct digital print and a textured Weartop finish, DESIGNTrend brings the look and feel of wood with the ease of LVT without the need for cutting down trees or using plastics.

Visit: www.granorte.co.uk 7 Désirée’s minimalist Ludwig has a 9cm thick cushion with buttoning at 24cm intervals, on a matt bronze base. The cover is removable. The 30cm backrest and cushion can be placed wherever the user wants depending on how they are using it.

Visit: www.gruppoeuromobil.com

9

8 Developed by Floorwise as a solution to tackle a wide array of poor condition subfloors, Pro-Screed Gold is a bag-and-bottle style latex polymer smoothing and levelling compound. It can be used on top of wood, ceramic tile, concrete and screed subfloors, even those with old adhesive residue. No primer is needed and it has a walk-on time of 90 minutes.

Visit www.floorwise.co.uk 9 Leonis is Balta Carpets’ super-soft polypropylene brand and now includes Newport (pictured), a Saxony style that makes its intentions clear thanks to an impressive 2,000g per sqm pile.

With 12 colour options including pastel lavenders and heather greens, Newport covers classic and contemporary interior styles, adding a premium look and feel with all the benefits of Leonis bleach-cleanable yarn.

Tel: 00 32 5662 2211 10 Abingdon Flooring has appointed Joe King, who was sales director at sister company Millennium Weavers, as Midlands East regional manager. He will be responsible for key accounts in wholesale and independent retail throughout the region and the five Abingdon sales representatives in the area. King’s first job in the flooring industry was with Abingdon in 1996. www.abingdonflooring.co.uk

16

Interiors Monthly July 2020

10

SERVICE

Richard Renouf

Identity matters

Being accountable is more important than ever I’ve been giving out more business cards than usual over the past few weeks. Not to try to drum up more business, but because as the lockdown has moved through the phases of relaxation I’ve wanted customers to be reassured that this masked alien visiting them for a socially distanced inspection is not only human but also willing to be held accountable if at some stage the coronavirus pandemic reaches their home.

It means I’m more likely to get the kind of phone call that came this evening from a flooring fitter who not only disagreed with my conclusions about his work but also denied that the photographs I had included in the report were of his work. Yes, it was the right house and the right rooms, but he always left expansion gaps, he insisted, so that couldn’t have been him.

It also means I might have to selfisolate if I get ‘the call’ from Test and Trace, but this would also mean I was minimising the risk of passing on the virus to other customers, which is far more important to me than maximising my income.

But I was taken by surprise recently when a customer deliberately misled me about the company who had carried out her flooring installation. A retired solicitor, she told me the company was going to pay my bill for her inspection.

I never heard from the company to confirm that, so before I left to visit her I told her by text that I would only do the inspection if she accepted the bill herself. She appeared to agree, but six months later I hadn’t received payment.

When I threatened to take things further, someone from ‘the company’ called me to explain how they were being put under pressure to pay for the inspection of work that they did not do. It was a previous company director

Customers must know how to contact the masked visitor

who was involved but the company had gone into liquidation and they had only offered to help as a gesture of goodwill (and because she was using her status in a bullying way and they weren’t aware of their legal position).

Legal action brought a very prompt settlement from the consumer. I doubt that her local judges would have been impressed if the matter had been disputed.

During my years in retail management it was difficult to get any of the selfemployed contractors to do this. Even when the consumer paid them directly, they were reluctant to provide a receipt – unless it was from a duplicate book kept in the van and devoid of any personal information about themselves.

The reasons why they wanted to remain anonymous could only be

guessed at. They didn’t want call-backs?

They wanted to be creative with the tax service? Felt that if they were engaged on behalf of a retail company, complaints would be dealt with by someone else?

Whatever it may have been, the reality was that many customers were immediately suspicious when anything went wrong, and complaints became far more difficult to deal with.

Identity is more important than ever in these challenging times. Leaving our personal details so that there’s a record is a life-saving precaution, and failure to do this could put others as well as ourselves at serious risk. It makes good business sense, too.

Visit: www.richard-renouf.com Richard Renouf is an independent furnishings consultant

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

17

EXPERIENCES

In it together

Responses to the impact of coronavirus THE MANUFACTURER Core Products Social distancing directly affected the business as we were forced to close for a period while clarification of Government guidelines and implementation of safe working practices were established in our distribution centre. This was a difficult time for us as customers were still wanting goods and we could not service them.

What we have seen Is customers with active online platforms or social communication routes encouraging their own customers to use these, causing a huge spike in sales. Others not only closed their shops but suspended their websites, and it created situations where consumers were buying not on price but on availability from retailers still trading. I feel the lesson we all have to learn from this is the need to remain customer-accessible at all times, even if only by ecommerce trading routes.

Thankfully our delivery partners have managed to operate, customers have become less focused on must-have-nextday, which has helped, and they understand the need for to-the-home not in-the-home delivery. This has been a positive thing for everyone in the distribution chain as it has allowed the system to level any peak days

while still meeting customer expectations.

Core Products now sees the biggest issue as supply. In the UK, stories abound of production issues due to factories being ready to return but not having a sufficient start-up order base to enable efficient manufacturing. This is occurring throughout the world, of course, and is impacting on availability. We also have the scenario where factory output is affected by workplace social distancing, so obtaining enough stock is becoming a serious issue. Realistically we are entering a period where demand will exceed supply and, like the supermarkets, we will have to adapt to a more limited selection of product options for a while.

Our agents have had to rethink the way they work – staying in touch with customers has been challenging but achievable. Some have used the time to learn new skills relevant to changing customer needs, such as the requirements for retailers selling online.

Spending time working with retailers who wanted to develop their websites has kept many busy and generated sales for all. These skills will be very relevant in the future.

We appreciate the need to attend exhibitions, but until visitor confidence is

sufficient to visit shows we all have a real challenge ahead, particularly how to apply social distancing. No shows have taken place yet to enable any theory to be tested, but it may be we have to rely on communications and publications more until we can enjoy the buzz of exhibitions again.

In the face of adversity lies opportunity and those retailers who were prepared with an effective ecommerce trading platform do seem to have achieved remarkable sales over the past months. We are pleased to say we played a part in ensuring their consumers were still able to buy our products.

Mike Rowley, Core Products ceo

THE SALES AGENT Malcolm Nix Furniture Associates Ten weeks into lockdown, the country is slowly opening up and although the definition of ‘non-essential retail’ seems to differ throughout the UK, the re-opening of furniture stores is very welcome.

In the last few weeks Gradi Living has been preparing for retail activity to re-commence, understanding that normal trading activity is still some way off. We have prepared a communication update in the form of a newsletter covering expected lead times, product updates and launching a post-lockdown promotion to enable our stockists to have a strong offer to tempt consumers into buying decisions.

Understanding that some retailers will not be ready for face-to-face meetings with suppliers we have been honing our Zoom

18

Interiors Monthly July 2020

meeting skills and preparing presentation documents that can be easily shared and viewed during virtual meetings, which will be increasingly common for the time being.

Our factory returned to work in mid-May and the first consignments of upholstery are being delivered. As businesses slowly return, communications are starting up and outstanding payments are beginning to come through. Talking with customers who have already opened their doors, they seem to have adjusted to trading under the restrictions without too much difficulty and early indications are that business has been strong as those visiting are generally there to buy rather than look.

On a personal note, my need for a visit to the barber became too great and I had to

resort to allowing my wife to do her worst using the dog grooming set – which has left me wondering which breed the style she went for would most suit.

Huge savings on fuel over the last three months have been offset with the cost of enforced DIY and garden projects. The list seems to still be growing by the week, so a return to work is most welcome!

We are planning to be at the rescheduled North Point show at the end of September and are working on how to execute showvan activity while complying with all the necessary safeguarding. If the current restrictions remain in place, it is difficult to see how this will be possible. We can but try.

Malcom Nix, Malcolm Nix Furniture Associates owner

EXPERIENCES THE RETAILERS Fludes Carpets A lot has happened in the last 12 weeks, albeit in flooring retail quite the opposite is true. By the time this piece is published, we will know how things are turning out.

In the first few weeks of the lockdown, the focus was on ensuring we could access all of the Government financial support.

The removal of business rates and the receipt of business grants were dealt with simply and promptly, which was reassuring when checking the weekly cash flow. Our landlords had been very supportive and we had reduced our outgoings as far as we were able.

We decided to furlough the majority of our staff and the wait for the Government portal details and clear advice on how things would work out seemed very drawn out. Actually, the process was relatively easy and the funds arrived on schedule. Overall a very good performance from the local authorities and HMRC. The next issue was to think about what to do when we returned to work and whether we should bring all of our staff back at once or stagger things over a number of furlough windows. The initial indication was that the return might be on 1 June, and the growing information from our suppliers seemed to support that.

The confirmation that re-opening would be two weeks later meant a rethink. This called for a fair deal of paperwork in advising staff of the furlough situation, but people were pleased to know that everything was in hand and that they still had a job. In the end, we decided that we would bring in the managers and

estimators first, and in a couple of stores, an extra salesperson.

We also felt that many customers might feel uncomfortable surrounded by other shoppers. Our response was to open to the ‘general public’ from 11am to 3.30pm, with pre-bookable appointments between 9am and 11am and 3.30pm to 5pm. Each store would have a cap on numbers of customers depending on its size. On 1 June we ramped up our social media with news of the opening times and the option of an exclusive appointment.

On all of our advertisements, social media and on the website, we publicise our 0800 out-of-hours number. This is our ‘virtual office’, which receives enquiries and forwards customer requests and information to us by text and email. From the last week of May, we received a substantial number of enquiries which were acknowledged by the virtual office, advising the customer that they would be contacted on 15 June. The significant level of interest at this stage was very encouraging.

Interpretations seemed to vary as to when flooring retailers (or houseware shops) were allowed to open. Certainly from mid-May the wholesalers appeared to be extremely busy, reportedly with some fitters queuing for up to an hour to collect their carpets.

Some of the larger flooring retailers opened for appointments only and it was tempting to jump the gun and join them. We took the decision to wait until 15 June. Our expectation was that the people who had contacted us would wait and in the main would be genuine customers who would

proceed to purchase quite promptly.

To allow us to open safely, we conducted a COVID-19 risk assessment in each of our stores and trained the staff in good practice and awareness of the risks that might occur, and the remedies.

We did the same assessment for our estimators and fitting staff, with appropriate instructions and information for the customers. Sourcing the right type and amount of PPE proved to be a time consuming task, but eventually everything fell into place for 15 June.

As I said at the start, not a lot has happened in the last 12 weeks…

Andy Laird, Fludes Carpets md

for staff and clients but we couldn’t get it in the UK without being charged a fortune. I have a good friend who lives in Beijing who has been selling medical supplies there for the past five years – he knew the best factories and we had gloves and masks air-freighted over in time for our opening.

We are providing all clients who visit the showroom with gloves and masks as we feel this offers them and us better protection.

And of course we provide the same to our staff and installers.

It’s only been two days but we are seeing positive signs with clients booking measures, and we have taken a number of good orders. We do however still have a number of staff on furlough, which might

be the case until the end of July, but let’s see. We have been purchasing a new warehouse, which was agreed in January and all the finances were in place, athough I did get nervous during lockdown and thought we should possibly pull out.

However, nothing ventured nothing gained, so the warehouse should be ours in a few weeks and we will no longer be paying rent.

We have kept all the staff up to date with the finances of the company and this year unfortunately there will be no pay rises or bonus. We all believe we will pull through this within 12-18 months and be a bigger, stronger and even better-run company in the future. Onwards and upwards.

Taro Strowgger, Floor Coverings owner

PPE is available for staff and customers

Floor Coverings Well, it’s now 2 June and we have been opened for two days with half our fitters and showroom staff back to work. These first few days have been very different, only seeing clients by appointment in our fantastic showroom. To be honest, it gives the client a better service as you don’t have to rush to move on to the next client. It’s all very controlled and calmer.

We did finally on 15 May (nearly eight weeks in) get our Government-backed loan approved but touch wood we haven’t used it yet as we had a number of supply-only Amtico, Karndean and Quick-Step orders that came through during lockdown and that helped our cash flow.

We have spent close to £6,000 on PPE

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

19

WOULD YOU LIKE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE SHOP-IN-SHOP BY AW? Please contact your local Area Sales Manager for more details.

• A bundle of successful concepts & innovations: iSense®, Invictus®, Vivendi®, Sedna® & StainAway®.

• Multiple modules can be tailored individually to the concept of your store • Customers can stroll around the collections, presented in clear displays, in a relaxed atmosphere.

• A dynamic overall solution for successful carpet sales.

www.carpetyourlife.co.uk

EXPERIENCES Goucho

Hattie

Back to business

Whitemeadow has examined all aspects of its operations Like everyone, Whitemeadow has faced numerous challenges that before this year would have been unthinkable.

‘We’ve had to look carefully at every aspect of our business and make changes to our processes to allow us to operate in the circumstances while still delivering the very best in product design and customer service, which our customers have come to expect from us as standard,’ says Daniel Oscroft, Whitemeadow sales director.

‘In addition we have been working closely with our customers, employees and key suppliers to ensure we were in a position to resume operations as soon as possible. Like many other businesses, we have had to make many changes to

our working practices and environments, and I would like to thank everyone for their compliance and understanding in these unusual times. I am delighted to say we have returned to an extremely healthy order book and limited manufacturing commenced from late May, with our design and development department returning shortly after that.’

Throughout the crisis, Whitemeadow designers have used their time at home to explore their creativity even further and the company is excited and eager to share their ideas. It has continuously engaged with its customers through social media and email campaigns to ensure they have been kept up to date with developments. The Whitemeadow

sales and marketing teams have developed strategies to keep customers engaged, informed and inspired as the company moves through to the second part of the year. With new designs, new fabrics and fresh lookbooks launching in the coming months, Whitemeadow is prepared to inspire and support customers through the times ahead.

‘We have no doubt that the remaining part of 2020 will be difficult for both retailers and manufacturers, but we are confident that with our excellent and experienced teams, we can meet any challenges head on and we are looking to the future with positivity and enthusiasm,’ says Oscroft.

Visit: www.whitemeadow.com Sweeny

22

Interiors Monthly July 2020

Sq M

EXPERIENCES Colorado

The group provided free signage to members

Never alone

Metro Group supported its members throughout lockdown

It was Monday 23 March, when the Government announced the lockdown that would close non-essential stores, that the seriousness of the crisis really struck home. The Metro Group took an immediate decision to do everything possible to support its members.

The first step was to suspend any payments due to the group, to help retailers who would now have no source of income for the foreseeable future.

The second step was to ensure that communication was not just maintained but increased – from the group to the retailers and also among the retailers themselves.

‘In a crisis it is vital to work together.

Members were not alone – everyone was going through the same unprecedented experience. The ability to share questions, concerns and advice as well as generally support each other was vital,’ says Steve Depport, Metro

24

Interiors Monthly July 2020

Group operations manager.

A free accountancy and business advice service was set up for members to ask any questions they might have,

and within hours of every new piece of Government guidance or legislation being published, a summary of the relevant key points was produced and

Perspex screens being installed at Calverts in Taunton, a Metro Group member

EXPERIENCES

Another installation underway at Norman Furnishings, Dumfries

shared with Metro Group members.

‘Communication with the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy and the Ministry for Housing & Local Government meant we were able to share advice and guidance directly from the Government. The Ministry for Housing & Local Government was the lead authority on all the new guidelines, so was the prime source of accurate,

definitive advice,’ says Depport.

‘Based on this, the merchandising service produced a complete set of COVID-19 signage for every store in the group. This included hanging graphics, floor signs, swing cards, window/door posters, sanitiser station display cards, fitting and delivery cards and a pavement sign. The signs contained the necessary social distancing and hygiene advice to

comply with the guidelines but in a form that would reassure customers that their safety was a priority for the retailer.

Every member received a pack of these signs for every store, worth £200, free of charge in advance of stores opening.’

In addition, further supplies of any items in the free pack could also be purchased by members, along with bespoke items. These included clear acrylic barrier screens for desks. Perspex for this type of screens is currently in very short supply, but acting well in advance of stores being given the go-ahead to open meant all members were able to get what they needed.

Risk assessments, health and safety guidance and working practices advice has all been generated and shared throughout the group membership.

COVID-19 awareness training has been made available for everyone.

‘At a time when it would have been very easy to close up and wait for lockdown to end, we have demonstrated one of the greatest benefits of group membership: you are never on your own.

There is always advice, guidance and support on hand, whatever the situation.

The Metro Group has worked harder than ever during the crisis to support its retail members. Ask yourself, would any of this support have helped you? If so, get in touch about membership,’ says Depport.

‘Hopefully, we will never go through anything like this again, but the benefits of group support are always there – increased profit, Carpet1st exclusive ranges and the bespoke marketing that no other group can provide.’

Visit: www.carpet1st.co.uk

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

25

EXPERIENCES

Eternity Amaryliis

Satino Cascade

Navigating the return With new store layouts range and service will have to deliver Flooring stores across the country are having to find new ways of welcoming customers and while some will have been able to accommodate safe distancing in existing layouts, others are needing to consider layout more closely. This may well mean less area to display products and so every range, for the near future at least, will need to work harder.

Balta Carpets has been focused on working hard to make sure collections in its StainSafe, Leonis and Satino brands are in line with the latest interior trends and customer demands, including the introduction of new styles. Satino has also received a new look for existing POS, reflecting the growing acceptance of polyamide carpets as a choice for family homes.

The Belgian manufacturer has also kept up the pace in development, ensuring retailers can offer carpets that offer a unique set of benefits.

Made from Imprel Finesse SD, where colour is an intrinsic part of the fibre, Eternity’s Primrose and Amaryllis bring the softness and resilience of polyamide along with lifetime stainresistance and fade-resistance.

Bleach-cleanable, Eternity represents a new generation of carpet designed to draw the attention of homeowners wanting luxury and practicality.

26

Interiors Monthly July 2020

Eternity is displayed on a striking lectern that really makes the most of its small footprint. Alongside a palette of 17 colours including deep pastels and sophisticated naturals, Eternity is a collection geared to a new generation of carpet purchasers.

Of course, while delivering a strong message in store is now more important than ever, there is also an increased demand for retailers to be flexible in servicing their customers. From fitting that approaches ‘on demand’ levels of speed through to longer times with specific requirements, retailers still need to accommodate a wide variety of needs.

Fortunately, Balta’s awardwinning service can help. With the fast and reliable supply of cut lengths, backed by the manufacturing flexibility of Europe’s largest carpet manufacturer, retailers can be confident that with Balta at their side, they will be able to navigate

a new way of operating through carpets and service that deliver on customer demands.

Tel: 00 32 5662 2211

Eternity lecturn

We’re here to support you.

At Balta carpets we’ve been working hard to make sure that we’re here to support your return to opening. We’re stocked and ready to go with our great value carpets, including additions to all our favourite brands.

From StainSafe® and Leonis® to Satino® and the brand-new Eternity, we’ve great performing carpets made in Europe to meet every budget and all with the leading service that comes from Europe’s largest carpet manufacturer.

Newport is the latest addition to the Leonis® family of soft and strong carpets.

A heavyweight and enduring 1/8th saxony in 12 on-trend colours for today’s homes. www.leoniscarpet.com

Provincetown is the latest style to grace our famous StainSafe® collection of bleach cleanable carpets. With a 20 year StainSafe promise, Provincetown delivers an enduring carpet in family homes. www.stain-safe.com

New look Satino update coming to existing displays

Eternity is made for modern homes featuring elegant and luxurious nylon saxony carpets. With a lifetime of stain-resistance, lightfast and hardwearing, this is softness to last. www.eternity-carpet.com

Along with new colour palettes for Satino® styles, we’ve created a brand-new look that brings focus on the incredible softness and leading resilience of every Satino® carpet. www.satinocarpets.com

baltacarpets.com

EXPERIENCES New sanitiser products have been developed

The Ava mattress has an anti-bacterial and anti-viral treatment

POS can be used to reassure customers

Agility A timely investment has been vital ‘If businesses had done a SWOT planning analysis in December 2019, none – save for Bill Gates of course – would have put global pandemic under ‘threats’. And if they had, how many would have put enhanced product range, new customers and businesssaving revenue under opportunities?’ asks Paul Aiston, Staingard md.

‘It was as a result of our agility and flexibility as a business, our strong sense of purpose, our brilliant hard-working team, the support of our fantastic and loyal customers and suppliers and, as Cilla Black would have said, “a lorra, lorra luck”, that we have prevailed against a silent deadly enemy that has threatened our very existence, let alone the survival of our businesses.

‘On 25 March, just as the doors on our business and many thousands of others closed, the first machines arrived as part of a substantial investment in production and packaging machinery equipment. Two days later we received the call from one of our suppliers asking if we could provide support in the production and packaging of a nonalcoholic hand sanitiser for a large Government establishment. Our new

28

Interiors Monthly July 2020

machinery swung into action, we brought our production team back in off furlough, put on extra shifts, and we haven’t stopped production yet. We were lucky to have had that opportunity, even though it did not replace all of our lost income. On the back of that we have developed an extensive range of great quality, cost-effective sanitiser solutions.

‘We’ve developed products that act as standalone sanitiser products for hard surfaces, fabrics and beds, and of course hand sanitiser. Hand sanitiser comes in an alcohol-based product and a nonalcohol water-based product. The hard surface and fabric sanitisers not only have extensive and quick anti-bacterial and anti-viral kill rates but they remain persistent on the surface thereby providing extended protection.

‘We have recently developed and are about to launch cleaners and protectors for fabric, leather and carpet that provide all the benefits of the Staingard fabric and leather products that have led the market for over two decades but also have extended antibacterial and anti-viral properties.

‘In a market where profiteering has led to simple commodities being sold

for outrageous prices we have managed to maintain competitive prices and continuity of supply. Our customers across the country are delighted with the range of products, the packaging options and the great service we have provided,’ adds Aiston.

‘There is no doubt that people’s heightened sense of the need for enhanced hygiene is going to drive ongoing demand for some time and we will be here to continue the supply of the required products alongside our range of furniture care products.

‘It is worth mentioning that two years ago we launched a mattress in a box that was unique in many ways. It was the first turnable boxed mattress and featured two sleep surfaces with different foams and, crucially, fabrics that had been treated with an antibacterial and anti-viral additive.

Customers in the main loved the product but failed to recognise the benefits of the treatment. They do now – and in fact we have sold out of the mattress and have been inundated with customers expressing renewed interest in our suddenly very relevant product.’

Visit: www.staingard.co.uk

Thank You...

...to all our customers for their support throughout these difficult times. As a company we’ve adapted to our customers needs for continued hygiene and protection for their staff and customers. So Staingard’s great range of Furniture care products now features our Sanitiser products that are here to help you meet the new hygiene requirements.

STAINGARD SANITISER+ FOR HANDS Alcohol & Non-Alcohol Hand Sanitiser that kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, designed to prevent the spread of infection and disease caused by hand contact.

CONTAINS A SUPER STRENGTH SANITISER

KILLS

99.9% OF BACTERIA & VIRUSES

ANTI-BACTERIAL SPRAY CLEANER LONG LASTING PROTECTION FOR ALL SURFACES Once on the surface the protection continues to prevent re-infection

5L

Instructions for use: Spray directly onto the surface to be treated and distribute evenly with a clean slightly damp cloth. Can also be applied by dampening a clean dry cloth directly with the product. Allow to dry. No rinsing required. This product is not harmful to humans or the environment but you should avoid contact with your eyes. Flush liberally with water if contact with eyes is experienced.

Not to be ingested. Keep out of reach of children. Active Ingredient: Cationic Quaternary Ammonium Compound.

Produced in the UK

by Staingard Ltd. Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not ingest. If product is ingested then seek medical advice.

Keep away from eyes. If product gets into eyes rinse thoroughly with water.

For further information call 01244 888 658. www.staingard.co.uk

STAINGARD SANITISER+ FOR HARD SURFACES Spray+ Sanitiser is a powerful sanitiser product for hard surfaces that kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses.

CONTAINS A SUPER STRENGTH SANITISER

KILLS

99.9% OF BACTERIA & VIRUSES

HYGIENE CONTROL FABRIC SPRAY LONG LASTING PROTECTION FOR ALL FABRIC SURFACES

FOR INCREASED PROTECTION

STAINGARD SANITISER+ LEATHER PROTECTION CREAM Get double the protection with Staingards renowned leather protector now with the anti microbial benefits of Staingard Sanitiser. Leather stays looking great but also hygienic.

STAINGARD SANITISER+ FOR FABRICS Spray+ Sanitiser is a powerful sanitiser product specially designed for use on fabrics that kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses.

STAINGARD SANITISER+ LEATHER GENTLE CLEANER Get double the benefit with Staingards renowned soft leather cleaner now with the anti microbial benefits of Staingard Sanitiser.

Leather is effectively cleaned but also hygienic.

For further information on our range of sanitiser products or to place an order, please contact Staingard Ltd on 01244 888 658 or email sales@staingard.co.uk

It’s business as usual on all our other great products...

EXPERIENCES

New look

Westminster six-seater sofa and single seaters with Westminster Button footstool in Jack’dN Brok’n leather

Timothy Oulton revamped its flagship store during lockdown Timothy Oulton has refitted its Bluebird building flagship store on London’s King’s Road. The 7,200sqft store received the makeover to highlight the brand’s 2020 collection. The store, photographed

before social distancing POS was put in place, re-opened on 15 June with staff hygiene-and-safety trained and wearing face masks where appropriate. Hard surfaces and high traffic areas will be

The Nest sofa from Timothy Oulton’s Noble Souls collection now comes in a fixed design and features coverings coloured with natural vegetable dyes from the root of the maca plant

30

Interiors Monthly July 2020

frequently cleaned. Hand sanitiser is available at the entrance. Shoppers can also view the store by video call if they prefer not to visit in person.

Visit: www.timothyoulton.com

The new Shaggy chair is covered with Timothy Oulton’s statement Yeti finish – a long haired sheepskin

EXPERIENCES

The new Slouchy motion chair sits low to the ground and offers wide, relaxing proportions

The Shabby bed takes its design from the sofa, with a sloped bedhead with Shabby’s signature wide channel-stitching

Kimono chairs in Acid Jungle velvet and Rex dining table

The new Frozen lighting range, shown here as a 70cm pearly quartz pendant, is made from natural calcite crystals and offers simple shapes with almost no visible frame

The Pudgie sofa comes in one, two and threeseater options. It features an ergonomic design, combining pocket springs with supportive foam and features wrapped cushions.

Timothy Oulton has introduced dining chairs to its Noble Souls Collection for the first time. The Kape design features a low profile and compact arms.

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

31

EXPERIENCES

Persona matters

What does your website say about your business?

The pandemic has made getting it right online more important than ever ‘Coronavirus has reinforced the need for retailers to have an incredible online presence. We know that 70% plus of consumers begin their purchase journey searching online for information, not only about products but about the retailer they will eventually purchase them from – and coronavirus has spiked that to well over 90%. Yes, product, price and promotions are and will always be part of the mix, but many retailers forget about their brand persona online,’ says Jesse Akre, RetailSystem president.

WHO: Do you have that key soundbite about who you are listed online? Not what you sell, or your hours, or your location, but the very essence of who you are as a leading business in your community? We have been in business for over 100 years is a start. What great things do you do? What do you stand for?

What is your customer methodology?

How do you treat your team? How do you fulfil your social responsibility?

Make the intangible tangible.

WHAT: What is your value proposition?

Be concise. This often revolves around price, experience, trust, policies or

32

Interiors Monthly July 2020

products. Many people will make it part of their ‘Who’ but in my opinion that misses the mark. Here is a perfect example: Bringing great products from great manufacturers at great prices.

‘What’ should be a statement you can proclaim and stand behind.

WHEN: Maybe the easiest, as well as the easiest to miss. You have store hours; are they readily available on your website? How about live chat? Have you ever visited a website with live chat and found it offline during business hours?

How about a customer service number that goes to voicemail during published business hours? How about customer service email? Are you actively monitoring your social comments and conversations? ‘When’ is when you are open – open and active on all fronts.

Social media is always open. Consumers want an answer now. We don’t want to call back. We ‘chat’ for a reason. Make sure your when is when.

WHERE: Yes, store locations. A map.

Postal addresses present and correct.

Have you checked and re-checked your businesses addresses and all the places they are listed?

WHY: The most difficult to convey via the written word. This is the core values every business must have. Don’t say you give back with zero evidence to support that statement. It is not a marketing message, it’s not a ploy – though to many it is both of those (unfortunately).

A ‘Why’ must follow the actual doing something good and doing it for some time. For example, 2% of profits are donated to a local charity. How long have you been doing this? Can you back it up? If you have been contributing that 2% for years because you believe it’s the right thing to do, mention it. Don’t brag about it. The ‘Why’ will be a natural reflection of you and your values. Let it speak for itself – yet look for subtle ways to call it out. Remember, it’s not what you say you are: it’s what others say you are. ‘Why’ is in there somewhere. What is it?

As a retailer you must convey as much about you as you do your products.

Who? What? When? Where? Why? If you look at your website – would ‘consumer you’ feel comfortable and confident and compelled to buy from ‘retailer you’?

Visit: www.retailsystem.com

Smart software for furniture retailers

Improve and grow your furniture business from the palm of your hand With no equipment to install, maintain or update, the award-winning software from RetailSystem allows access to your retail business via any internet connected device.

• RetailSystem works for businessess of any size—from single location to multi-store operations • Control all areas of your furniture and bed business, from buying and stock control to sales and customer service

Tried, tested and trusted by more than 850 retailers

Awarded ‘Best Software Supplier to the Furniture and Bed Industry’ for 11 consecutive years 2009-2019 www.retailsystem.com/uk/

0131 440 7607

info@retailsystem.com

Client

RetailSystem

Artworker

Calum

Director

Glen Turner

Modification Date

21/11/19 9:17am

File Name

T5066 Full Page Ad 210x297mm

Proof Stage

PRINT

Finished Size

210 x 297mm

Artwork %

100%

Bleed

3mm

RECRUITMENT If you are looking to recruit staff for your furniture and flooring stores... then INTERIORS MONTHLY offers a great package!

Our online package is just, £175. Your advert will appear in our jobs section on the website until the position is filled, or you ask us to remove. Our weekly newsletter, which is mailed every Thursday to 12,500+ industry professionals, also includes a list of these latest jobs.

If you have both online and quarter page recruitment advert in our magazine, the cost will only be £250!

Costs for larger recruitment adverts are available upon request.

Please contact Jarrod on E: jbird@interiorsmonthly.co.uk T: 01565 631 397

L

iving the dream ... ...on Cloud 9

The Brand Leader

Lorem ipsum

INdoor

Proudly made in the UK.

www.underlay.com

t: 01536 200502

EXPERIENCES

The show will return in 2021

Returning

The summer staple will be back next year ‘July without the Manchester Furniture Show feels like summer without the proverbial swallow, and I know our visitors, exhibitors, organising team and venue staff will find it hard as the memories of busy days and (possibly slightly hazy) evenings start to flood back. However, like many of the traditional cornerstones of the furniture year, we’ll be back,’ says Cleere Scamell, Clarion Events event director.

‘It’s been a tough few months for everyone, yet retail is coming back to life and the world of interiors is benefitting from a resurge in demand. Many of us have spent months sitting increasingly uncomfortably on ageing upholstery, looking at tired interiors and sleeping on beds well past their sell-by date. My

Expect a re-booted edition of the show next year

36

Interiors Monthly July 2020

family and I certainly have, and now, like many consumers, we are putting home to the top of our spending priority list.

‘While we all miss the show, the decision to reschedule Manchester Furniture Show to 18-20 July 2021 has proven to be the right choice. The enduring presence of a Nightingale hospital at the Manchester Central venue provides a fall-back facility for the NHS over the coming few weeks and I know that everyone involved with the event fully supports this move.

‘The 2020 show would have marked a genuine re-boot of what has become a landmark event in the buying calendar.

However, with an extra year to plan for the 2021 edition and substantial additional investment in the show, I’m

happy to say that work has already begun at a strong pace.

‘For next year we look forward to welcoming our friends, both regular and new – including a number of brands who haven’t shown with us for a while. In addition we will be adding many more key retailers to the mix, all with the purpose of delivering the strongest ever edition of the summer’s most important meeting point for the furniture trade.

‘While plans for January Furniture Show, the annual meeting point for our entire sector, surge forward, I’m certain we will all allow ourselves a few wistful moments to remember good times in Manchester. We look forward to seeing you in 2021 to create many more.’

Visit: www.manchesterfurnitureshow.com

Manchester Central is currently home to a Nightingale hospital

Theflooringshow.com TheFlooringShow

FlooringShow

Image courtesy of BerryAlloc®

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN tHEFLOORINGSHOW.COM New Product Launches Demonstration Zones Design Trends

The flooring show 20-22 september 2020 harrogate

PRIMO PLUS One of Cormar Carpet Company’s most loved and popular ranges, ‘Primo Plus’ has been given a new look with the addition of some exciting on-trend new colours ready for the Spring/Summer season.

Perfect for high traffic, domestic areas of the home such as the living and dining room as well as the stairs. Primo Plus has been refreshed in 9 stunning new shades, with the 9 best selling colours also being retained. And to widen the choice, all plain 18 shades are also available in the heavier weight Primo Ultra.

Made using a durable 2-Ply, bleach cleanable 100% Excellon Polypropylene yarn, the range is both pet and family friendly.

The collection is available in 4 and 5 metre widths and will be delivered via the Cormar nationwide delivery fleet.

www.cormarcarpets.co.uk portal.cormarcarpets.co.uk

EXPERIENCES

Forward thinking

Keith Morgan, Hugh Mackay sales director

Hugh Mackay is up and running again

40

volunteering during business closures, as well as the NHS workers, the postmen and women, the supermarket staff and all the wider essential teams out there for keeping us all going.

‘To those who have a family member or a partner who is one of the heroes during the lockdown, then thank you, every one of you, from me and all at Hugh Mackay and Thomas Witter. Your efforts have enabled us to get to where we are today.

‘Operationally we are now up and running. If you would like to speak to a member of staff, please email: info@ hughmackay.co.uk and we will get back to you as soon as possible. For more information on our plans visit our website – or follow our social media for the latest news.’

Visit: www.hughmackay.co.uk

‘As the Government relaxes the lockdown guidelines, we have been taking every precaution to ensure our team and those we work alongside are safe and healthy in the transition back to work. We’ve created new processes and issued our teams with the necessary PPE and guidance to help us start fulfilling orders again. Please bear with us as we work towards getting back to our full capacity, in a safe environment,’ says Keith Morgan, Hugh Mackay sales director.

‘We have developed the online Visualise platform which retailers and

customers can utilise from the comfort of home. The customer selects or takes a photo of their room and even puts the carpet in the image before visiting the store, meaning less time is taken in the selection process, reducing risk.

Give it a try online to see how easy it is.

‘I am sure keeping our very young occupied, our junior schoolchildren engaged in fun and our teens educated will have kept the majority of us exceptionally busy and tested to the limit during lockdown. For me, I have painted and stained everything imaginable, and the grass has never been cut so many times!

‘I would like to thank our customers for their patience and support through these challenging times. I would also like to thank all those who have supported the essential workers by

The group has changed its working practices

Visualise allows shoppers to see what their room would look like with a new carpet

Interiors Monthly July 2020

EXPERIENCES

Stepping up Interfloor has been making sure retailers get deliveries After experiencing a strong start to the year, Interfloor like all companies in the interiors industry then had to cope throughout March, April and May with all the uncertainties and concerns brought about by coronavirus. But with retailers now open and consumer demand strong, the business is looking forwards to a busy next six months.

Europe’s largest manufacturer of underlay and flooring accessories was quick to respond when the UK Government advised all non-essential businesses they should close to stop the spread of the virus back in March. And the Interfloor team has been equally quick to ramp up its operations as soon as demand looked likely to return, building up stock and implementing new health and safety measures to ensure it could cope with that demand as soon as those first green shoots of recovery emerged.

Keen to deal efficiently with pent-up demand for its underlay and accessories from the Tredaire, Duralay, Gripperrods and Stikatak brands, the team has worked diligently to ensure customers

received their deliveries quickly.

‘Taking our logistics operation in-house at the start of the year has proved an absolute game-changer for Interfloor during these unprecedented events. The change has allowed us to be more agile in responding to customers’ needs and more integrated across our whole supply chain,’ says John Cooper, Interfloor ceo.

‘Safeguarding the team and our customers has been a priority. Early on we implemented new health and safety measures to ensure our workplaces remained low risk. Everyone has responded well and we’ve had some very positive feedback from customers who appreciate our efforts to get back to ‘business as usual’ as soon as possible.

We’ve coped well to meet demand and strong trading since mid-May.’ With a worldwide customer base, Interfloor has also continued to supply major export projects throughout lockdown. Its British-manufactured brands are sold to retailers, flooring contractors and distributors in more than 70 countries. This was facilitated

by changes to the way Interfloor operates its manufacturing site, including staggered shift start times and the creation of new safe walkways, with clear markings and one-way systems around the site to ensure people could socially distance in all areas. More rest areas and rescheduled break times have been introduced, and workstations clearly marked. PPE equipment and personal hand sanitiser have been provided and additional cleaning supplies made available for wiping down shared equipment and rest areas.

‘Maintaining high levels of hygiene has been crucial in professionally managing the spread of the virus. We temperature-check everyone on entering the site each day; all our employees have been working according to social distancing where possible, and we’ve given both employees and visitors ample time and opportunity to increase hand-washing routines when on site.

Everyone has adapted well and I’d like to thank them for their rigorous application of our new protocols,’ says Cooper.

Visit: www.interfloor.com

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

41

CHELSEA Bedroom, Living & Dining Our Chelsea collection finished in beautiful high gloss will grace any size bedroom.

The large wardrobes have plenty of internal space with hanging rails, plus full length central mirror doors.

PEPE Living & bedroom A stylish yet practical collection of storage solutions designed for the bedroom, Pepe’s range of drawer units are also perfect for other rooms of the house.

Available in classic white for a subtle look, or choose high gloss white drawer fronts combined with oak panels for a real ”wow” factor.

OSLO Bedroom, Living & Dining Retro Scandinavian Style!

Choose white with oak accents for a light mid-century aesthetic, or swap out the oak for matte black and create a bold look.

SHOES Shoe cabinets The NEW Shoes collection provides as much or as little storage as you require without dominating your space. With a wide range of shapes finishes and sizes you are guaranteed to find a style to suit your requirements.

Our fully extendable drawers will give you optimum storage to keep your hall clutter free all year round.

Call us today or log onto our website today for some fantastic prices. In stock ready for direct home delivery without a MOQ!

Just call us: 02380 517067 and let’s see how we can support you. info@furniture-to-go.co.uk | www.furniture-to-go.co.uk

TOGETHER WIITH

EXPERIENCES

Rising to the challenge The NBF has been hard at work during shutdown The Sleep Council and The Sleep Charity produced the Sleep Manifesto

The NBF offices may have been closed since mid-March, its Spring Forum and many face-to-face activities cancelled or postponed – but that doesn’t mean it hasn’t been busy behind the scenes over the past three months, like everyone else, becoming adept at Teams and Zoom video calls and meetings.

It even managed to hold its AGM and executive board elections remotely for the first time in its 108-year history.

Back in March, the NBF reacted quickly to lockdown, creating a special

44

Interiors Monthly July 2020

The new Retail Champions scheme will be introduced

coronavirus hub on its website with useful links to advice and guidance for both manufacturers and retailers from a wide variety of sources. The facility is

listed on the Government’s own website as a source of sector-specific support and has been visited more than 1,000 times.

Staying connected became even more important when the world came to a standstill so the federation stepped up its member communications, ensuring members were aware of all relevant official Government guidance and information relating to their businesses.

Over a 12-week period from 23 March it sent out almost 40 news updates to its key database. In ‘normal’ times this number would have been 10 or 12.

Together with the other trade association members of the British Furniture Confederation, the NBF has regularly provided feedback about its members’ situation and concerns to the Government – including facilitating an inquiry and report produced by the All Party Parliamentary Group for Furniture, pushing for more support such as the extension of the furlough scheme, of business rates relief to manufacturers forced to shut down and schemes to drive demand as the economy slowly comes back to life. We know this work has had an impact, for instance on the content of the Government’s Safer Working Guidelines for both retail and manufacturing.

The NBF also decided to offer retailers and their sales staff free access to the online Sales Academy training courses for April and May – and was delighted to see the offer snapped up by more than 350 individuals, all no doubt using their spare time for a bit of self-improvement to come back stronger.

During lockdown the NBF has been busy working on an array of new initiatives, which will be rolled out over the coming months. These include: • a new category of Associate Membership for UK-based bed manufacturers just starting out; • the establishment of a new Suppliers Council so its supplier members can

EXPERIENCES

Pre-shutdown workshop

have a platform to help refine and improve membership benefits across the supply chain; • the new Retail Champions scheme which will see a complete new suite of POS material featuring its new branding and which for the first time will include retail listings on the NBF website (which receives more than 50,000 visits a month) with the facility for the consumer to search by postcode for their nearest NBF Retail Champion; • the merger of The Sleep Council with the award-winning Sleep Charity, which will ensure its future role in the industry and help to drive one of the biggest health and wellbeing issues. The NBF will continue to play a role in the newly formed charity to ensure the bed message remains a given within the overall approach to sleep health; • the preparation of a game-changing document outlining Eco Design Principles for Mattresses – the first of its kind for a specific product type – due to be published shortly; • planning for an autumn promotion for the trade to get behind, which is designed to support recovery for both

retailers and UK manufacturers.

While some projects have had to be postponed, others have carried on.

British, European and international standards meetings have been active – and well attended – online so it’s been important to be present and ensure the NBF’s views are heard.

Meetings and workshops with Zero Waste Scotland on plans for an Extended

Producer Responsibility scheme for mattresses have also continued.

Life may have temporarily slowed and challenging months undoubtedly lie ahead. But the NBF is here to support and encourage its members, to carry on doing the right thing, both in addressing immediate challenges and looking to the future.

Visit: www.bedfed.org.uk

Members of the NBF team

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

45

Helping make the world

Ball & Young manufacture all their Cloud 9 from recycled material resulting in a major

A closed and capped landfill site can take tens of years to be deemed as safe from leaching liquids and gases. l Many thousand tonnes of PU have gone into Cloud 9 products avoiding landfill. l Cloud 9 underlays are made from recycled material which is also recycle-able. l

The Brand Leader

a better place...

9 range and other ranges of PU underlays step to avoiding landfill.

EXPERIENCES

Carrying on Gallery Direct soon developed a strategy and managed to maintain deliveries After a good start to the year, the markets changed incredibly quickly as the coronavirus pandemic hit, and businesses had to react to deal with this unprecedented situation. The team at Gallery Direct, led by Peter Delaney, Gallery Direct md, sprang into action to implement a positive strategy to guide it through these difficult trading times.

‘At the start of the crisis, we held meetings involving all the senior team.

We were keen to carry on trading as long as we were confident that we could do so safely, and therefore a great deal of consideration was given to how we could achieve this.

‘Of the core team who carried on working throughout, as many as possible worked from home and new operating procedures were put in place for those who couldn’t, to help ensure the safety of our staff and customers.

We’ve worked hard to meet our customers’ needs, and I’m pleased to say that we have fared better than expected,’ says Delaney.

‘This achievement is due to the strong partnerships we have with our suppliers, combined with hard work on the logistics and transport side in particular.

The fantastic response by our operational and transport teams has been key to our success. During the peak of the crisis,

Huntington dining table and benches

48

Interiors Monthly July 2020

Madrid sideboard in Walnut

we still managed to maintain one-man doorstep deliveries, and we are now back to two-man teams, using fixed pairs of drivers working together, wearing appropriate PPE, to reduce interaction between different team members.

‘Online sales for customers have strengthened further as they switched from “bricks to clicks” during the lockdown. However, we are delighted to see our old friends re-open their shops.

We are working really hard with our clients, supporting them as much as

we can, and working flexibly together to keep our collections in stores.’

As well as keeping sales and customer support going, there has also been a lot of work behind the scenes, as Gallery Direct continues to plan for the future.

The team has been building a new interactive website for several months, and this work has carried on during the pandemic and is now in the final stages. The website will be of real benefit to customers, providing them with much more information about individual products as well as easy ordering and tracking.

New product development has also continued. A soft launch is planned for Autumn to add some freshness to the range, followed by a full launch in January, which will feature products across all Gallery Direct’s categories and some new looks.

‘I would like to thank all our loyal customers and suppliers for their continued support, especially through these difficult times, as well as the Gallery Direct team who have worked tremendously hard to keep things going.

‘The second quarter of 2020 has proved to be a real challenge, but we have risen to it and now look forward to the rest of the year,’ says Delaney.

Visit: www.gallerydirect.co.uk

NEW FOR 2020

WO R K I N G F R O M HOME MADE EASIER With working from home set to become

www.gallerydirect.co.uk | 01795 439159

the new norm, there’s never been a better time for a home office refresh. Create a productive workspace with our range of desks and seating, plus wall dÊcor, lighting & accessories to add the finishing touches.

Venosa Swivel Chair, 5059413329685.

Overall W750 D790 H990mm

Parton Desk Silver, 5059413329692.

Overall W1400 D700 H750mm

Rosefield Rug Natural, 5056315906709.

Overall W1600 H2300mm

EXPERIENCES USA Collection Platinum

Back to work

Abingdon Flooring has resumed its new product development roll-out

As retailers return to opening, Abingdon Flooring is continuing to scale up operations, supporting retailers with the continued sampling of its USA Collection, re-launches of three bestselling cut-length ranges, a new roll line and the introduction of new styles to its SoftStep cushon vinyl.

Abingdon Flooring is now liaising with retailers to ensure the sampling of its new USA Collection is rolled out to all carrying stores across the UK, ensuring that all of its customers can benefit from the appeal of the range. Developed to provide a luxury option for family homes, this is expected to be a key addition that will draw high levels of interest.

With three qualities in Miami, New York and Dallas, the USA Collection brings a soft StainFree carpet presented on eye-catching lecterns, as well as a wall unit update, helping retailers to capitalise on the continued demand for carpets that offer a luxury look and feel without sacrificing practicality.

The British manufacturer will also be carrying out sampling updates of its StainFree Rustique collection, as well as Lasting Romance and Deep Feelings from the Love Story brand. With a new fleece backing and five new trend-led colours across its three weights, Rustique has been reinvigorated to bring even

50

Interiors Monthly July 2020

better value. Colour updates ensure the polyester styles of Lasting Romance and Deep Feelings continue to hold sway with homeowners wanting super-soft carpet.

For retailers keen to maximise the value of roll lengths in store, Olympus is Abingdon’s latest addition. Delivering seven popular colours, this soft, strong StainFree carpet is made even more comfortable thanks to its fleece backing, also making the carpet easier to fit.

The SoftStep collection of cushion vinyl is also seeing a sampling update with three new ranges in I-Tex, Fab-Tex and Grey-Tex superseding Tex-Max, Tex-Star and Tex-Pro. The new collections still deliver SoftStep’s easy fitting, comfort and maintenance, but with new decors

including stunning Parisian tile designs, herringbone parquet looks and striking contemporary stones.

‘We’re delighted that many stores are open once again and we’re here to support our retailers with carpets that deliver impressive quality and value. By continuing our sampling roll-out in a way that is safe and adheres to guidelines, we can make sure that stores are ready to tackle any pent-up demand. We’ll be working closely with our retailers to make sure that we carry out their updates in a way that works best for them and which keeps everyone protected,’ says Martin Peace, Abingdon Flooring sales director.

Visit: www.abingdonflooring.co.uk Deep Feelings Silver Cloud

BEDS AND BEDROOM

All Hypnos mattresses can be recycled

Comfort with integrity For over a decade, Hypnos has been on a sustainable journey In recent years, the impact that brands have had on the environment has never been more closely scrutinised, with up to 80% of consumers saying they felt it was important that companies created products that were environmentally conscious, according to a Business News Daily survey in June 2019.

British bedmaker Hypnos is leading the way when it comes to truly sustainable sleep, creating sleep solutions that retailers and the interiors industry can use as an example for offering their customers true comfort with integrity.

For over a decade, the company has been on a sustainable journey that has involved every area of the business and has culminated in this year’s prestigious accolade – The Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development. Only given to companies that can demonstrate the very highest environmental standards in all of their practices, this was the brand’s second Queen’s Award following its first for international trade in 2017.

It is Hypnos’ many sustainable efforts that have allowed the business to create

beds that are stylish and comfortable but are also made with integrity, thanks to practices such as sourcing traceable materials and a robust carbon reduction programme. This focus on carbon reduction and off-setting saw the business become the world’s first carbon-neutral bedmaker, and it is the only bedmaker to have retained carbonneutral status over the last 10 years.

All Hypnos’ mattresses are made with 100% natural fibres such as horse hair, latex, cotton and wool and all of the timber in its divan bases is from sustainably managed forests that are both FSC and PEFC compliant. This means that not only is it handmade ethically and safely, but also free of chemical-based foams, ensuring the mattress is fully recyclable at the end of its life and never needs to go to landfill.

The latest step in Hypnos’ sustainable journey is its Origins Collection, a ground-breaking, industry-first partnership with Red Tractor, otherwise known for its work in assuring ethical food standards. Origins brings a new level of traceability to the mattresses, thanks to the fact the wool used can be

traced all the way back to Red Tractor assured farms across the UK. ‘The Origins Collection in partnership with Red Tractor is something we’re delighted to be able to bring to the industry. We’re always looking to be as transparent and traceable as possible in showing the sources of the high-quality natural fibres that go into our mattresses, and Origins is the perfect example. It brings something genuinely new to the market,’ says Richard Naylor, Hypnos sustainable development director.

Visit: www.hypnosbeds.com

Wool can be traced back to Red Tractor assured farms

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

51

BEDS AND BEDROOM Bio-mbo

Rest, reflect, regenerate Cassina’s new bedroom collection centres on new research

A place of rest, reflection and regeneration, the bedroom is a magical space where dreams become reality.

When night falls it opens the door to meditation, it nurtures new ideas and recharges the body and soul to start a new day with vitality and harmony.

In-depth research has been carried out by Cassina LAB, a collaboration between the Cassina research and development centre and Poli.design at Milan Polytechnic, to promote wellbeing in the bedroom. The result is the integration of innovative air purification and sound absorption features to promote a good night’s sleep.

Thanks to the study, a wide range of mattresses are available to suit different sleep habits and measurements, combining ergonomics and aesthetics to accompany the culture of sleeping.

Eco-friendly materials, deriving from bio-renewable sources, have been integrated in the mattresses to ensure comfort and rest while mindful of the impact on the environment.

The collection is completed with a selection of curtains produced in partnership with Dedar and a new collection of Cassina bed linen.

Designed by Patricia Urquiola, Cassina art director, Bio-mbo is a haven for wellbeing. It has been designed as an

52

Interiors Monthly July 2020

independent interior, a little paradise within the bedroom that reinvents the concept of intimacy. The bed is characterised by a distinctive padded headboard and optional mobile side wings that create an independent alcove where one can retreat.

The quilted headboard and side wings incorporate handy pockets with leather straps to keep personal objects close. The quilting is also available on the exterior of the headboard so that Bio-mbo can be placed centrally in a room.

With the fabric headboard, an air sanitisation mechanism with zero emissions is available that reduces pollutants in the air: theBreath purifying fabric is the first patented technology for air purification that works without an energy source. It captures and

Rondos chests of drawers

disintegrates pollutants, favouring the natural circulation of clean air to create a healthy and safe habitat.

The headboard also features a sound-absorbing panel in Soundfil.

Ecological and recyclable, it is an hygienic and non-toxic sound-absorbing thermal insulator that contains and decreases the reverberation of surrounding sound frequencies.

The headboard, in high and low versions, is available with or without quilting and incorporated pockets and with or without side wings, for a total of eight configurations.

The bed is completed with an optional lamp and the Bio-mbo bedside table, featuring a curved, aluminium-plated side panel and single supporting leg, as well as the Rondos chest of drawers,

BEDS AND BEDROOM Stay

available in two sizes and characterised by the same distinctive rounded shape as the rest of the collection, to create a warm and informal sleeping area.

Acute is a design by Rodolfo Dordoni that combines and contrasts luxury materials such as leather, wood and marble to create a complete and sophisticated system to furnish the entire bedroom.

The stained light walnut or stained mocha ash wood headboard, available in a wide or fitted version, features cushions upholstered in fabric or leather from the Cassina collection, which can be adjusted in height with a leather band to create a comfortable back support.

The fabric-upholstered cushions can also be fitted with a theBreath insert.

The bed is available with two large, useful storage drawers with leather exterior upholstery. It also features illuminated niches to place books and objects as well as incorporated electric sockets and suspended bedside tables that extend directly from the frame with optional rotating drawers.

Individual accessories are also available to construct a complete bedroom setting. These include a wooden bench

that can be padded and upholstered in soft leather, and a side table with two levels, one with a rotating marble top and the other in wood or a lacquered top to match the bed and the bench.

In a new collaboration for Cassina, the Shanghai-based studio Neri&Hu, founded by Lyndon Neri and Rossana Hu, has designed the Stay collection of accessories to complete the sleeping area.

Created during this unique time of staying at home, Neri&Hu explores notions of domesticity, shelter and the inner sanctum with this debut collection.

Functionally, the collection is for the storage of domestic objects, so the name also refers to how clothes and objects ‘stay’ in their storage spaces, drawing a parallel to our current human condition.

The Stay collection is a tribute to our collective experience of sheltering (including objects) and, as the world around us feels unstable, the home is a resilient source of comfort and stability.

The Stay screen is characterised by its double finish: the interior is available in Canaletto walnut, ash wood stained mocha or stained black, while the exterior is lacquered in a choice of eight

colour variations. The screen is made up of three panels joined by gun metal or bronze hinges that allow the piece to fully close inwards.

Stay screen is perfect not only to create private partitions, but also to hang items thanks to the accessories that can be attached to the screws on the top of the panel. These consist of one high and one low gun metal or bronze hook, a long mirror with a pressed internal frame, and a round mirror, and can be teamed with a vanity table with the same pressed internal frame.

The Stay vanity table features a gun metal or bronze tubular structure and a wooden top with saddle leather inserts and a single solid wood drawer, lined with saddle leather, designed to hold jewellery and small items. Completing the combination, the Stay clothes stand in gun metal or bronze finish has been designed to hang a variety of garments.

It features luxury details in wood, for hanging clothes and placing small objects, and a low marble shelf for shoes and bags; this also acts as a counterweight for further stability.

Visit: www.cassina.com

The Acute collection

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

53

RETAIL

Season highlights Dunelm has identified four key AW trends. Visit: www.dunelm.com 1

2

3

RETREAT Natural in colours and textures, Retreat’s warm palette is inspired by earth colours and spices, inviting you to stay snug and cocoon yourself in comfort.

‘As our homes become our sanctuary, this collection inspires us to withdraw from the outside world and create a calm and cosy retreat, surrounded by the warmth of natural timber and tactile textiles,’ says Debbie Drake, Dunelm design director.

‘The Franco furniture collection brings traditional French cane up to date and makes a great focal point in any room. For a more modern industrial look there’s Greenwich, with its engineered timber doors. The black painted frames on both designs mean the collections work well together or on their own.’

4 1 Frey chair £279; Greenwich tall cabinet £229;

Yasmin table lamp £28; Jenson throw £10; Ryder rug from £35; Stockholm cushion £8; Global geo cushion £12 2 Frey two-seater sofa £449; Ethel beaded chandelier £99; Greenwich coffee table nest £139; Zigzag cotton cushion £12; Global enzo cushion £16; Global geo cushion £12; Stockholm cushion £8 in butterscotch; Grey casual bowl £5; Ryder rug from £35 3 Franco side table £69; Franco three-drawer chest £179; Dayo jardinere glass table lamp £28; Zen bubble glass tumbler £4; chunky jute rug from £35 4 Franco cabinet £199; Sala floor lamp £139; Retreat framed canvas £15

54

Interiors Monthly July 2020

RETAIL

1

2

3

4

RELUXED Casual comfort meets smart and sophisticated with the Reluxed trend. Invite soft grey blends with smoked glass and distressed textures for a laid-back luxe.

‘A smart and sophisticated look for the home that is not merely decorated but also carefully curated. The Reluxed collection provides all the right things to display in just the right places,’ says Drake.

1 Bellamy three-seater sofa £449; Regent geo

cushion £22; Clara velvet cushion £12; Delphi small sideboard £189; Delphi side table; Romano curtains from £40; Romano ceramic table lamp £42 2 Washington corner chaise £659; Madison coffee table £129; Clara velvet cushion in Ashley blue; £12; Reluxed circle cushion £12;

Regent geo cushion £22; Geo hexagon cushion £12: Siena rug from £39 3 Newbury bar stool in grey velvet £109; Palazzo smoked glass single pendant light £42; toaster £45; marble and wood salt and pepper shakers £15; marble and wood serving board £12; Reluxed 60cm clock £35 4 Bern grey ottoman bed frame from £549; Delphi two-drawer bedside unit £89; Romano silver curtains from £40; Leo pintuck duvet cover set from £24; Tanith duvet cover set from £32; Hotel 230 threadcount Egyptian cotton bedding range from £8; Tanith continental pillowcase £10; Tanith cushion £12; Indulgence silver shaggy rug from £25; Alister nine-light glass ceiling  fitting £155

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

55

RETAIL 1

WINTER WARM ‘There are so many reasons to stay home this season, with cosy designs for every style. As the evenings draw in, forget about the world outside and immerse yourself in comfort,’ says Emma Anthony, Dunelm textiles design manager.

‘Create a bedroom fit for a snow queen, with calming creams and dreamy pinks in beautiful sheepskin and plush faux fur. Throw on your best robe, grab a good book and treat yourself to a duvet day in soft sheets.

‘Seating gets the Teddy treatment in this super-tactile chair and stool. Create the perfect corner to daydream as the days get shorter, and store your blankets in our stylish baskets so they’re easy to throw over when you need a little extra comfort. Pile on the glamour by layering soft and luxurious faux furs, tactile furniture and squishy rugs for an indulgent night in. Our team of glitzy monkeys bring the fun and the drinks.’

1 Samira small sideboard £139; Harper drinks trolley £129; Fogarty soft touch duvet cover set from £16; faux sheepskin rug from £39 2 Teddy cocktail chair £99; Teddy footstool £35; Apartment round wall mirror £55; faux sheepskin rug from £39; tall clear glass storage vase £7; artificial pussy willlow stem £2.50 3 Torino bar stool (left) £35; Emilia bar stool £55.20; Amelia butterscotch throw £18; Acacia gold spice rack £12; Ombre storage basket £12 4 Sheldon two-seater sofa £495; Ezra peacock tassel shade £28; Monkey side table £149; Monkey canister £8; Eska faux fur throw £45; Clara velvet cushion in teal £12; Foil splatter cushion £10; Eska faux fur cushion £14; Ritz set of two glass coffee tables £199; Quad sheepskin rug £160

56

Interiors Monthly July 2020

2

3

4

RETAIL 1

2

3

4

ARTS & CRAFTS Return to a simpler way of life by ensuring everything in the home is either useful or pleasing to look at. The Arts & Crafts collection brings in an appreciation of textile artist and writer William Morris, championing beautiful and honest home furnishings.

2 Arkin chair £229; Caprice side table £79; small matt grey ceramic vase £8; Santos drum shade in ochre £18; Havisham eyelet curtain from £35; Havisham cushion £12; Clara velvet cushion in ochre £12; Eloise rug from £75

1 Mason oak slatted bedstead from £479; Harlam side table £129; Colleen glass table lamp £42; Harwich duvet cover set from £12; Easycare 100% cotton bedding range from £7; Stem velvet bedspread in ochre from £70; Stem velvet cushion in ochre £10; Chunky jute rug from £35; London pendant ceiling fitting £49; bee plaque £5

3 Rupert two-seater sofa £549; Clara velvet cushion in ink blue £20; Harewood cushion £25; Nesa gold and green velvet touch lamp £55 4 Oakville small sideboard £279: Hare bronze wall light £25; Dorma Brimstage cream artichoke lamp with linen shade £55

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

57

LVT Colorado

Stone quintet

Korlok by Karndean Designflooring, Metro Grey RKT2403

Five designs have been added to Korlok Karndean Designflooring is celebrating the understated tones found in natural limestone by introducing five new stone designs to its modern Korlok collection.

With the aim of offering quicker installation times and acoustic benefits, it is the first time the brand has added stones to its ‘click and lock’ rigid core portfolio. Warmer underfoot and easier to maintain than natural stone, the 18in x 24in tiles will be the perfect choice for large and open-plan spaces.

The new Korlok stone palette of five hues includes a range of silvery and warm mid-greys, muted and soft neutrals and honey colours. From the charcoal-grey tones of Volcanic Black to the elegant Frosted Stone with its chalky limestone effect, there’s a tone to suit traditional and contemporary interiors alike.

The collection also features Urban Grey and Metro Grey with contrasting warm, mid-grey colourways, and Cotswold Stone reminiscent of the

58

Interiors Monthly July 2020

dry-stone walls and honey-coloured cottages found in the Cotswolds. The designs are handcrafted to reflect the muted colours found in natural limestone and have been developed to include

subtle veining, delicate mottling and a chalky appearance for a realistic finish.

As it clicks and locks into place without the use of adhesive, Korlok features Karndean’s K-Core technology, meaning

Volcanic Black RKT2406

LVT

Above: Frosted Stone RKT2401.

Above right: Metro Grey RKT2403

it can be fitted over most existing subfloors, floorboards or ceramics.

K-Core also provides acoustic benefits by reducing sound transfer to rooms below by 21dB. ‘This is the first time we have introduced a stone in our Korlok collection, so it’s a very exciting time for us,’ says Stella Coyle, Karndean Designflooring national retail sales manager. ‘Our new limestone-inspired stones are perfect if you’re looking to create a neutral backdrop in your home.

Each design can be perfectly paired with a wide range of trends including Scandi, modern industrial and minimalist to name but a few.

‘It also means those faced with the challenge of an uneven subfloor or existing ceramic floor now have the option of a stone in a convenient rigid core design. We hope home designers love the soft tones of our new Korlok designs as much as we do.’

Visit: www.karndean.com

SUPPORTING DESIGN HAVENS FOR HEROES Karndean Designflooring has joined forces with interior designers throughout the UK in a bid to create havens for NHS workers on the frontline during the coronavirus crisis.

Design Havens for Heroes is a charity initiative founded by interior designer Francesca Rowan Plowden, which is centred around giving back to the NHS by offering the heroes of the pandemic a bespoke room makeover by a professional interior designer.

‘I wanted to offer something to help

Francesca Rowan Plowden

the cause and the NHS, but felt I had nothing to give, other than to stay at home,’ says Rowan Plowden. ‘I realised that our home was our haven, and it was keeping my family safe and cocooned while so many were risking their lives.

Later that night, I had the idea – I could help by creating havens for NHS workers for when this awful time is over.’

Others taking part include suppliers Farrow & Ball, Colefax and Fowler and Tom Dixon.

‘It is a pleasure to be involved in such a fantastic campaign to help the NHS frontline workers who are putting themselves at risk to save lives during this difficult time. Many NHS workers are sacrificing spending time at home with their loved ones and families. Francesca’s idea has allowed us to play a small part in helping to create a safe and relaxing environment for our heroes,’ says Paul Barratt, Karndean Designflooring md.

You can nominate accredited NHS keyworkers on Instagram by tagging @designhavensforheroes or email nominations@ designhavensforheroes.org.uk

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

59

LVT

Invictus display

Making a statement The Invictus LVT display stands out from the crowd The 3.9m display stand holds 37 sample boards measuring 58cm x 104cm, with one design per side to give shoppers a better sense of the design, and another five boards featuring product information, USPs and visuals. For a better look the boards can be placed in the centre of the stand under the light.

Each side has a QR code which can be scanned bringing up roomset images and product information.

At the heart of the display stand is the digital display screen. Here consumers can search by design, colour and room type or let their taste dictate to find their personal favourites through the Inspiration search, which guides users through four interior styles: Country Living, Contemporary Design, Townhouse and Urban.

If shoppers have been researching online beforehand at www.invictus.co.uk, they may have used the website’s room visualiser and created a Room ID. This they can enter on the screen to bring up

60

Interiors Monthly July 2020

Designers Parquet in Duchess

LVT details of what they are interested in.

The Invictus collection consists of three ranges. The dryback Optimus has five designs: Cottage Oak; Lovely Limestone; Seasons Oak; Snowdon Slate and Urban Living in a mixture of 178mm x 1,219mm and 305mm x 610mm planks and tiles with a 0.3mm wear layer.

The dryback Maximus has 10 designs: Belgian Bluestone; Concrete Crush; Designers Parquet; French Oak; Groovy Granite; Highland Oak; New England Oak; Norwegian Wood; Tropical Forest and Victorian Treasure. These are available in a mixture of seven sizes from 178mm x 1,219mm to 500mm x 500mm.

Maximus has a 0.55mm wear layer, making it especially suitable for heavy commercial use.

Maximus Click has a click fitting system for quicker fitting, and features a 0.55mm wear layer. It comes in four designs: French Oak; Highland Oak and Norwegian Wood in 178mm x 1,213mm planks and Groovy Granite in 298mm x 603mm tiles.

Tone-on-tone and contrasting feature strips are available, together with a range of matching scotias to cover expansion gaps and provide an elegant finish, while the Starter Pack includes Invictus PU Cleaner; Invictus Floor Mat to apply an extra matt, anti-slip protective finish and furniture gliders to reduce the risk of scratching.

As well as having space for samples, the display also has sample boxes of Invictus carpet.

The 180cm island display unit holds the same number of boards, but does not have the light or digital display screen.

Visit: www.carpetyourlife.com

Victorian Treasure in Charcoal

Snowdon Slate in Volcano

The island display

Lovely Limestone in Pearl

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

61

CARPET Colorado

There are two Sedna ranges in the UK: Yara (shown) and Varuna (below and opposite)

Making a difference The use of Econyl yarn is helping to clean the seas Sedna carpet is soft, luxurious and durable. It is made with Econyl regenerated nylon, a yarn made from

62

Interiors Monthly July 2020

recycled waste material such as old carpets and abandoned fishing nets collected from the bottom of the sea.

Sedna thus helps to save thousands of beautiful sea creatures like sea turtles, dolphins and seals that will no longer

CARPET

get stuck in this life-threatening waste.

It is estimated that 640,000 metric tons of fishing gear is lost or abandoned in our oceans each year, accounting for one-tenth of all marine litter. Each year, more than 100.000 sea animals are trapped and killed in those nets.

Carpet manufacturer Associated Weavers is aware of the important role it can play in the journey towards a more sustainable use of plastics. Along with Healthy Seas and Econyl it is on a mission to clean the seas of marine litter.

By collaborating with the fishing industry and farms and with the help of volunteer divers from Healthy Seas, ghost fishing nets are being collected worldwide. Then, along with other waste, including old carpets that otherwise end up in landfill, they are regenerated into nylon yarn through the Econyl process.

This yarn can be reused time and time again while maintaining its quality.

Sedna carpets use the manufacturer’s ECO FusionBac backing, which is made from recycled PET bottles and can also be recycled at the end of its life.

A dedicated POS unit is available and Associated Weavers has also invested in social media to help reach its target consumers and drive footfall.

Visit: www.sedna-carpet.co.uk

640,000 tons of fishing gear is lost or abandoned each year

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

63

PROTECTION

Good sense A small investment can prevent expensive damage

The months of lockdown have unleashed a frenzy of home makeovers. People are tackling all those projects they’ve always intended to do but never had the time for: new furniture, new flooring, new rooms. Adults need space to work from home, children need somewhere quiet to focus on schoolwork.

‘COVID-19 teaches us that we should be prepared with protection. Whether the trade installs new furniture or flooring – or customers redecorate their rooms – furniture and flooring need keeping apart. When they meet, the worst often happens. Flooring gets scratched, scraped, scarred, dented and chipped. Furniture gets weakened when pushed across a floor: carpet fibres anchor the feet and joints lurch to one side,’ says Gill Finch, Stroolmount md.

‘A single scratch can mean thousands of pounds in repairs and damage claims, an angry customer and an even angrier boss as the profit is down or wiped out altogether. Plus the extra paperwork and hassle of putting it right – and your next job’s delayed too. Even afterwards, it’s not forgotten: there’s the excess to

pay and the hike in insurance premiums for next year.

‘One scratch and so many problems that could so easily be avoided, thanks to simple protection from Stroolmount.

Our Protect & Care products safeguard your floor, your furniture, your back and your business. Since 2007 our specialist protection products have saved business thousands of pounds in repairs with solutions from as little as 1p.’

Stroolmount’s Protect & Care range knows all about keeping one element separate from another. The Self-adhesive Felt cushions the impact of furniture, preventing scratching on floors, while Quickclick Glides, Move-it Pads and Furni-glides allow heavy furniture to be moved smoothly across hard floors and carpets. Furni-glides are made from polytetrafluoroethylene, the best-known brand of which is Teflon, and the special Furni-glides for heavyweight recliner sofas and chairs make them easy to move and clean around.

‘Should the worst happen, our Furniture and Floor Repair Kits restore showroom good looks to solid woods, veneers, laminates and even vinyl, for a

fraction of the cost of French polishing.

‘Our Protect & Care products offer real benefits, real customer loyalty and real increases in vital sales. Or to show an exceptional level of care beyond

the sale by giving them away as promotional freebies. Add them to online ranges or include as add-on checkout options; give them away as promotional items and advertise a brand with ownlabel versions,’ says Finch.

Visit: www.stroolmount.co.uk

Stroolmount’s Protect & Care products protect floors

64

Interiors Monthly July 2020

D

ID

YOU HAVE

2020 VISION TO SEE THAT ITS

THEYEAROFPROTECTION?

Stroolmount Protect and Care specialists protection solutions for furniture and flooring.

Stroolmount.co.uk

www.stroolmount.co.uk • enquiries@stroolmount.co.uk

18th-20th July 2021

Stand A2

Stand B44

IHGF Delhi Fair Spring 2020, 13–18 July, Online

PREVIEW

66

Virtual show

1,500 leading exporters are set to enthuse

IHGF will take place online This year’s IHGF Delhi Fair Spring will take place online amid the coronavirus pandemic. The Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts will present the show in a virtual format composed with engaging onsite experiences. This is a platform to connect in real time during the event, which runs from 13-18 July at www.ihgfdelhifair.in. It is all set to enthuse with myriad designs, classic and innovative natural materials and sustainable concepts in both traditional and contemporary offerings, for inimitable made-in-India home, lifestyle, fashion and textiles.

Expect relevant and popular display lines thoughtfully developed and exhibited by credible manufacturers, exporters and artisans. The presented innovations are a result of consistent feedback, research and exploration of materials, crafts, forms and finishes.

This show is well suited for international buyers including importers, wholesalers, distributors, retail chains, merchandisers and interior designers.

IHGF Delhi Fair Spring 2020 Virtual is the extension of an exemplary international exhibition with focus on product origins and inspirations that many buyers would find only in India.

From products that exude the latest international design trends to those that boast of unique traditional

Interiors Monthly July 2020

workmanship and techniques, IHGF Delhi Fair offers it all. Get ready to find promising assortments of creations, varied in inspiration, processes and materials: art metalware; wood carvings; furniture and accessories; glassware; fashion jewellery and accessories; hand-printed textiles; embroidered goods; lace; toys; houseware; decorative gifts and general handicrafts; home textiles and home accessories; candles and incense; pottery; terracotta and ceramics; nautical instruments; Christmas and floral decorations; dry flowers and potpourri; handmade paper products; crafts made of leather, lacquer and marble are just some of them.

Natural fibres and sustainable materials make for exclusive focus and enjoy pride of place. Full of textural depth, rich construction and a plethora of colours, enhanced with interesting value additions, varied products add to the interesting presentation in an assortment of mediums including cotton, linen, hemp, wool, silk, jute, bamboo, kora grass, river reed and burlap. They mark their presence with various hues, geometric patterns, graphic designs and tone-on-tone effects, enhanced by embroidery, assorted printing techniques, batik, tie-dye and appliquĂŠ.

Theme pavilions, trend areas, webinars, craft demonstrations and presentations

all make attending the show online an immersive experience.

With a focus on sustainability, fair trade and innovations, IHGF Delhi Fair Spring 2020 will present more than 1,500 leading exporters. A choice of 2,000-plus products and over 300 trendspecific design developments covering the complete supply chain of home, lifestyle, fashion and textiles will spread out across the virtual space.

Visit: www.ihgfdelhifair.in

WE

Things don’t always follow the design

Life

There may be times you need

have in mind

CAN

often throw some curve balls

HELP

We will always be there for

YOU The Furniture Makers’ Company the furnishing industry’s charity

The Furniture Makers’ Company has been supporting the welfare of employees in the interiors and furnishing industry for more than 100 years. If you or someone you know is in need of financial support, let us help. Visit our website www.furnituremakers.org.uk/assistance or contact 020 7256 5558

This advertising space was generously donated by Interiors Monthly in support of The Furniture Makers’ Company’s welfare campaign.

The Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers’ Charitable Funds incorporating the Furnishing Trades Benevolent Association is a registered charity in England and Wales (no. 1015519) and a registered company (no. 02759359) in England and Wales

Kensington DeluxeÂŽ 25% Recycled Plastic Bottles

80% recycled for the ultimate feel good factor

55% Recycled Car Tyres Tredaire Kensington Deluxe is a unique combination underlay manufactured from post consumer waste (recycled PET plastic bottles and rubber crumb from car tyres).

The crumb/felt combination creates an underlay with superior wear and comfort properties.

Kensington Deluxe is the perfect choice for Wilton and Axminster style carpets. The PET felt backing means that carpets with stitched joins bed into the top felt layer and prevent wear along the join.

Best Underlay Manufacturer

interfloor.com 01706 238 810