Our cover star this month features Presti AI, with the Parisian startup – founded in 2022 – continuing to revolutionise the furniture industry by offering generative AI solutions tailored to create high-quality lifestyle imagery. We found out more as Presti AI has made significant strides in improving its technology. In keeping with AI, the Big Question is focussed on the subject where we asked retailers if and how they have engaged with the tech.
April sees the return of the INDX Beds show where we take a look at what to expect to see during the event in Solihull this month. We also caught up with two members of the organising team at Associated Independent Stores (AIS) to find more out about their respective roles, while speaking with some exhibitors ahead of the event. With shows in mind, we take a look at May’s Long Point and the Spring Furniture & Bed Show, while recapping the recent Meble Polska where I had the pleasure of visiting for the first time.
Meanwhile, Adjust-A-Bed talks about how to maximise sales through its successful Gallery concept, Purecare reinforces the wellness message behind its momentum, Gallery Direct details its merger with Art Marketing and Boutique reveals its latest Home Report. Furthermore, we have the latest product updates from Avriio, Sofa Source, Image Furnishings, Shire Beds, Sherborne Upholstery, Birlea, Willis & Gambier and SleepSoul, while Norfolk Feather asks the question: Are pillows undersold?
We also spoke with the Furniture & Home Improvement Ombudsman (FHIO) on why consumers complain and Speedy Freight talks about its tailored logistics solutions, why the furniture market needs specialist support and its commitment to sustainability. On latter topic, Silentnight explains how collaborations are the future and we highlight Oak Furnitureland and DFS in the latest Green Retail.
As for our regular features, Emma Rackley, Director of Home at Associated Independent Stores (AIS), takes our Big Interview and talks about her career to date, her admiration for Emma Leeke, how wellness is impacting the Beds sector and why it’s important to break down the barriers for young people entering the industry. Meanwhile, Retail Focus features Haskins Furniture, where they talk about buying habits and sustainability. We also spoke with Michael Shannon in our latest Meet the Agent/Rep series, who talks about loyalty within the trade and why higher commission is needed.
The Bed Expert is back, alongside letters from China, Vietnam and America, while The Legal Director talks about the crackdown on fake and misleading consumer reviews and why your business needs to be on alert. We also sat down with Maria Jones, Land of Beds’ newly promoted Sales Director, who shares an insight into her new role and what it means for the business moving forward.
James Wilson, aka The Sleep Geek, returns to offer up more insight and explains what exactly a sleep expert actually is, while Furniture And Choice details the latest trends and David Hewitt, Head of Global Support & Implementation at RetailSystem, talks about the power of quotations and role of personalised KPI dashboards. To wrap things up, we explore cyber security and why having a backup solution is important, and Furniture Sales Solutions talks about how to be persuasive without being aggressive.
