Happy New Year! What’s the best way to kick off a new year? Other than reading the latest BFG edition, this month has two industry events not to be missed. Both INDX Furniture and the January Furniture Show return to inject some fresh designs into the market. We take a look at what’s on show in each event as well as drilling down with some exhibitors to find out more.
On that note, our cover star this month is Gallery Direct who are unveiling over 500 new products with a selection being showcased during INDX. We detail Siren’s return to JFS, alongside Bentley Designs following a recent trip to the latter’s in-house event. There’s also a recap of our visit to West Midlands Upholstery as well as a full write up of our tour of Sealy’s UK headquarters and factory.
We also caught up with La-Z-Boy, Sofa Connections, Shire Beds, Birlea, SleepSoul, Sofa Factory, Sofa Source, Avriio, Image, IFD, PICK4U, Wiemann, Asiatic Carpets, Windsor Bed Frames, Furniture Connect, Beehive, Loren Williams, Davis Fabrics, Harrison Spinks, Scatter Box, Tokabo, Papaya, Staingard, Enchanted House Beds, Indus Valley, Nectar, Cofra, GIE and GFW on their respective updates.
Furthermore, Simpson Packaging Group announces its further expansion into the furniture market, while Purecare details the reaction from its Sleep Study with plenty of data to digest. We also found out more about a complete service, care and warranty ecosystem partnership via ACASTA, Best Insurance and ISM Furniture Services, while learning more about the benefits of RouteSystem. Bedrock celebrates 25 years; we dive into the John Lewis trends report and UK Liquidators provides some wise words for company directors, while La Romantica Beds marks its 20th anniversary.
As for the regulars, Wayne Hollis, Managing Director at Celebrity Motion Furniture, talks about the rise of motion furniture and why apprenticeships are vital in our latest Big Interview. Meanwhile, Chris O’Brien, Director of independent furniture retailer Ashbrooks, talks about recent investments, a customer focus on colour and texture, import challenges and too much product choice in our Retail Focus feature.
RetailSystem highlights its unique integration with QuickBooks Online, James Wilson, aka The Sleep Geek, talks about how to build the perfect sleep shop, and George Sinclair champions the power of a bricks and mortar bed store. We also sat down with Lewis Stockford in our next Meet the Agent/Rep feature, while Natalia Samodina returns with further legal insight. Letters from China, Vietnam and Ireland detail respective market updates, Furniture & Choice shares some of the latest trends, Boutique explains how smart brands win without lowering prices and Furniture Sales Solutions rounds off the edition by revealing what the customer really means when they ask about a sale ending.
That’s enough from me, so enjoy our latest magazine. If you have any news you want to shout about or if you’re keen to get involved with the industry’s leading publication, drop me an email on dan@bigfurnituregroup.com. We’d love to share your story.
