Tom Donald, Founder & Owner of online furniture retailer Oakavia, talks about recent investments, an evolving product range, the growing demand of reclaimed wood and why AR & VR is showing great potential.
Meet Tom
As the founder, I oversee all aspects of the business, from product sourcing and brand development to customer experience and marketing strategies. My aim is to provide stylish, high-quality furniture that enhances homes across the UK, ensuring a seamless online shopping experience and great customer service.
Recent investments?
We are focused on enhancing our website and automation to provide an even more seamless and efficient shopping experience. By improving navigation and enhancing product imagery, we make it easier for customers to browse and find what they’re looking for. These updates ensure that shopping with Oakavia is straightforward, helping our customers make confident, informed decisions with ease, convenience, and peace of mind.
How is Oakavia evolving its product range?
At Oakavia, we’re constantly seeking to expand our product range to meet the demands of modern living. We have expanded our range of modern and contemporary furniture, offering stylish options that meet the evolving tastes of our customers, focusing on clean lines, sleek designs, and versatility. Our aim is to provide stylish furniture that fits seamlessly into a variety of home interiors, whether in a small urban flat or larger home. Additionally, we are in discussions to introduce our own high-end sofa collection, offering an even more premium choice for those looking for quality and sophistication.
What is your mission?
Our mission is to offer a carefully curated selection of furniture and home décor that balances style, quality, and affordability. We believe in providing furniture that stands the test of time—both in design and durability—while making the online buying experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible. By combining thoughtful product selections with a commitment to customer satisfaction, we aim to become a trusted name for furniture in the UK.
On sustainability, what is your business doing on this topic?
At Oakavia, we are committed to incorporating sustainability into our business practices, and we continue to explore new ways to reduce our environmental impact. In partnership with Ecologi, we plant a tree for every order placed, supporting reforestation efforts. We also prioritise working with suppliers who use responsibly sourced materials, particularly in our reclaimed wood collections. Being an online-only business allows us to operate with a smaller carbon footprint, reducing the need for large retail spaces and enabling more efficient, sustainable operations. Sustainability is an ongoing focus for us, and we are always looking for opportunities to enhance our processes and make more environmentally conscious decisions whenever possible.
How has recent business been?
Business has been steady, with an increasing demand for wooden and reclaimed furniture. Customers are looking for pieces that offer both style and durability, with many opting for solid wood or reclaimed materials. We’ve noticed that high-quality craftsmanship is highly valued, and people are more inclined to invest in furniture that will last for years. There’s also a growing appreciation for the unique character and charm that reclaimed wood offers, with its natural imperfections and eco-friendly appeal. Additionally, more customers are prioritising furniture that complements modern, minimalist interiors without compromising on style and functionality.
What would you change in the industry?
The online furniture industry is constantly evolving, and one area in which I see great potential is the use of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). At Oakavia, we’ve already begun integrating AR technology into our website to help customers visualise some of our products in their own homes, ensuring they make confident, informed decisions. We are also forward-thinking about the future of VR, especially as it becomes more mainstream. We’re actively exploring VR technologies to offer an even more immersive shopping experience, allowing customers to virtually explore and interact with our furniture in new and exciting ways. We believe these technologies can significantly improve the online furniture shopping experience, and we’re excited to see how they develop.
What challenges do you currently face and how are you overcoming these?
As we continue to grow, Oakavia is preparing to introduce more high-end offerings alongside our current collections. We’re focused on maintaining our commitment to quality while expanding our range to meet the evolving needs of our customers. We’re committed to refining our processes to ensure we deliver an exceptional experience as we introduce new products and continue to evolve our brand and enhance our digital presence.
Do you have any partners or suppliers you would like to pay special thanks or recognition to and why?
We greatly appreciate our partners and suppliers who share our commitment to providing furniture with excellent craftsmanship and quality. Their dedication helps us bring a diverse and well-crafted selection of furniture to our customers, ensuring we can continue to meet and exceed expectations.
Why do you think customers choose your business?
Customers choose Oakavia for our carefully curated collections, high-quality materials, and customer-focused approach. We offer great prices, free UK mainland delivery on most items, and a more boutique shopping experience, allowing customers to find unique, well-crafted furniture that enhances their home. Our pieces not only look great but also stand the test of time, making them a valuable investment for any space.
Final thought…
Oakavia is evolving, and we’re committed to bringing our customers the best in furniture design. As we continue to grow, we remain focused on delivering exceptional products and an enjoyable shopping experience for our customers.
