In Profile: Gallery Direct

Investing InTheFuture Left: Chris Lewis. Below: A colourful toucan, among the new accessories in the Curious + Chic collection. Below middle: Retreat brings the outdoors in. Bottom left: Orangery creates and oasis of calm.

Last summer, Chris Lewis joined Gallery Direct as head of sales & business development (Accessories), with his remit including identifying fast moving products and gaps in the market, as well as working with the product design and development teams to source and launch new lines to the market.

With a significant investment in the accessories side of the business, PG&H put Chris into the hot seat to find out more about what will be driving sales for the company this year.

As the saying goes, when the going gets tough, the tough get going, with Gallery Direct among the leading companies in the gift and home industry working hard to keep on top of the business during the pandemic. This has included maintaining stock levels, despite global supply chain issues, and investing across all product categories, to include accessories.

“We have re-invested and expanded our categories, adding a huge new selection of exciting accessories including Christmas,” confirms Chris Lewis, who joined the company last August, bringing with him a wealth of experience to the accessories category, having held a similar position with Parlane. (Prior to that, he ran the family’s furniture business for some 20 years). “We have also recently redeveloped our two showrooms in Kent and Yorkshire which heavily feature accessories and soft furnishing ranges,” he adds. “Plus, among the initiatives we have introduced for our accessory customers is drop shipping, with all of our new accessories in drop shipping packaging.”

Chris continues: “Even though we’re coming out of lockdown now, we know there is a significant opportunity, as customers are spending more time at home. They will be continuing to think about freshening up their rooms, whether with a full re-style or by simply adding different accessories to give a room a new look. Therefore, our new Spring/Summer accessories collection adds to our current range, focusing on design, quality and value for money.” The new accessories, along with all of Gallery Direct’s other new products, are featured in the company’s 2021 Lookbook, which was launched at the beginning of the year. In the absence of trade shows, the Lookbook can be viewed online as a flipbook, with individual products available for customers to order on Gallery’s website.

“It’s a fantastic document for the trade, with over 1,300 lines that have been added to our already extensive catalogue,” points out Chris. “It features over 570 accessories, including a vast array of faux plants and stems, an eclectic selection of vases, pots and planters, and a brand new tableware range.”

Among the key accessories trends is Curious + Chic. The concept embraces all

‘At Home’ Visits

Gallery Direct has large showrooms both at its head office in Sittingbourne, as well as in Leeds, with both showrooms open and Covid secure. “We are currently booking appointments for customers to visit, giving them the opportunity to view the products in person,” confirms Chris.

“Visitors can be assured that appropriate measures are in place, following Government guidelines, to help ensure their safety as well as the safety of our staff.”

that is ‘weird and wonderful’, offering an eclectic array of unusual pieces with unique, quirky designs and oddity, ranging from colourful toucan planters to sloth table lamps.

“I adore this trend,” enthuses Chris, “and with its deep colour palette and the injection of bright metal finishes, this trend is full of curiosities that will add excitement to any interior.”

Other trends include Retreat, which features a relaxed palette of pale tones, natural textures and materials to bring the outdoors inside, and Orangery, featuring natural materials and hues to create an oasis of calm.

Key to both these trends are faux flowers and plants, both large and small. They range from ferns, bamboo, grasses and succulents, to individual flower stems, sprays, small fruit trees and flowering plants, with an option to suit every interior space. “This year, we have increased the collection to include stems of roses, alliums, eucalyptus, magnolias, peonies, cherry

blossom, dahlias and statement pampas, together with a vast range of potted grass, succulents, orchids and cactus, all of which will enhance all types of interior looks,” highlights Chris. To complement the faux flowers, the company has also introduced a new range of planters and vases.

Although not featured in the Lookbook, which launched in January, a brand new range of Christmas accessories has also been launched. The collection - which includes delicate wreaths, timeless baubles, cosy cushions, rustic garlands, snowy trees, candles, ornaments and snuggly throws has been designed to add style and class to the festive season. “The variety ensures there is something to suit all tastes, whether it’s rustic charm, chic sophistication, nostalgic style, contemporary design, bold bright colours or soft subtle tones,” Chris states.

Naturally, sustainability is high on the agenda, with the company continuing to source and increase sustainable materials across the board, to include accessories. “We have some fantastic new felt Christmas products, baskets and even a super new textile collection made from recycled bottles, called Simply Green,” explains Chris. “It offers both cushions and throws, with the yarn produced from plastic bottles. It’s as soft as wool, and with its washable and stainresistant properties, it makes the collection soft and cosy to touch.” So, as we finally come out of lockdown, what advice would he give to retailers? “I would tell them not to look back,” comments Chris. “It’s been a difficult time for all of us and we should take each day as it comes. There are, and will be, many obstacles to overcome, but working together we can do it. Consumers are desperate to get out and spend, and they will be looking for fresh new products. We have therefore booked both Harrogate Home & Gift and Autumn Fair to showcase our new collections. The whole industry is missing exhibitions, but most especially customers who are looking for inspiration for their stores.”

Looking to the rest of the year, Chris says that with the company growing fast, the challenge will be to manage the growth carefully. “We will continue to significantly invest in stock, warehousing, transport and marketing. And, of course, maintaining a winning team ethos is vital and probably the essence of our ongoing success.”

Above: Japandi reflects a blend of Japanese and Scandi designs. Below left: Simply Green’s cushions and throws feature yarn produced from plastic bottles. Bottom: A wide range of faux plants and flowers have been added to the collection. Below right: Some of the new products for Christmas.

Gallery Direct: The Lowdown

l Gallery Direct was established in 1973 as a small family business specialising in mirrors and wall décor. l It has subsequently grown to become one of the largest leading British based designer, manufacturer and distributor of furniture, home décor and accessories, with a global reach, offering the complete home furnishings solution for independents and interior designers. l In 2014, Gallery acquired Frank Hudson fine furniture makers, which continues to win industry accolades. l In 2015, Gallery furthered its expansion by acquiring Dreamworks Beds, specialists in beds, mattresses and upholstery. l In parallel, soft furnishings categories were expanded and developed, sourcing the finest textiles from around the world. l In recent years the home accessories category has been given extra investment and is now a major growth area for the business.