Interview: Holloways of Ludlow

Interview with Lighting & Furniture expert Mark Holloway

Tell us a little about the background of your company and how it was established? Holloways of Ludlow was founded in 1985 by the Holloway family in the market town of Ludlow. For over 35 years, Holloways has nurtured a reputation for sourcing unique contemporary lighting, furniture, and home accessories and become a leading supplier to design professionals. Since 2002, when Mark Holloway took over the reins, the business has grown significantly. With showrooms in Wimbledon, Brook Green, Bermondsey, Brasted and now Bath, Holloways has firmly established itself as part of the UK’s independent retail landscape. How would you describe the Holloways of Ludlow style? We love products that effortlessly combine design and materials. We search for products that will stand the test of time and that are made to last, in stark contrast to fast fashion and throw away culture. Our particular focus is on exquisitely crafted pieces from across Scandinavia and the best of classic British designs reimagined for modern homes. By attending design shows and events, we are constantly on the lookout for new trends, staying up to date with what’s happening in the market to supply our customers with what they want most. Representing the very best design brands, including Carl Hansen & Søn, GUBI, Fritz Hansen, Muuto, Flos, Finn Juhl and many more, along with up-and-coming designers and our own in-house lighting brand, Old School Electric, our range of products simply can’t be found anywhere else. What can clients expect when they engage with your firm to furnish their home? When working with Holloways of Ludlow, our clients can always expect a personalised service and a dedicated team for help, support and expert advice. We keep our customers at the heart of everything we do and offer unparalleled service and benefits like our Price Guarantee, flexible delivery options and access to almost any piece of lighting or furniture available on the market. What are the major changes you have seen in customers demands and tastes? With the world moving toward more sustainable habits we have seen a big increase in demand for environmentally friendly designs, with our customers taking more of an interest in how products are sourced and produced. As our motto illustrates, we share this passion for sustainability and believe that people should Buy Better, Buy Once and Cherish Forever. Everything that we sell is judged against our founding principles - that good design is timeless and that things should be made to last. We have also seen a big focus on outdoor furniture; our customers are realising the potential of their gardens, embracing and investing in their outdoor spaces to enjoy more time spent outside. Which part of your job gives you the most satisfaction? We love spending time with our clients and being able to make them happy - we always aim to satisfy their needs and help them to find their perfect furniture and lighting. Seeing our products in people’s homes is really fantastic. It’s always a joy to be able to meet with clients in our showrooms where we can share our passion for design with like-minded customers, interior designers and architects, and we firmly believe in the value of showrooms. With showrooms in London, Kent and our newly opened Bath space, we know that nothing beats seeing our beautiful products in the flesh, and that the personal service and expert advice we can provide in-store is unparalleled.