First of all, a mention to all of this year’s Big Furniture Awards 2025 winners, as voted by the industry. Big congrats as we caught up with some of the recipients.
Our cover star this month features Tokyo Fabrics – a business that remains committed to full compliance around FR treatments. We jumped at the chance to explore the factory to find out more about the company, its ethos and bold expansion plans.
Another feature of intent is Gallery Direct, after it proudly marked a major milestone with the opening of the first-ever exclusively ‘Gallery’ branded flagship store at the prestigious Fox Valley retail park with Shackleton’s. Meanwhile, we also caught up with ercol’s Roy Graves, Technical Support Manager, in a feature all about apprenticeships and MattressNextDay lifts the lid on how it is championing workplace wellbeing and sustainability.
We also spoke with VetiGraph on the importance of training, while Adam Hankinson, Managing Director at Furniture Sales Solutions, shares an insight into how they help furniture retailers turn missed opportunities into measurable wins. With more insight returns Natalia Samodina, Client Legal Director at the law firm The Legal Director, where she explores key current threats to the furniture sector and how best to minimise them.
On the technology front, Juliettes Interiors shares an insight into how the business is using AI, FURNY talks about AR, FurnitureCatalog details streaming content and RetailSystem explains the importance of stock control.
In other news, Right Furnishings talks about the expansion of its white-label service, Hyders Beds continues the conversation on wool, Purecare dives into more market research and Sealy powers on through staff investments. Furthermore, Shire Beds highlights its brand power, GNG meets demands with Vitality, SleepSoul celebrates another Which? Best Buy and Birlea introduces the Belmont Ottoman Bed. Moving to products, Sofa Connections debuts its Kingston model at MFS, while there’s further updates from Sofa Source, Image Furnishings and Avriio.
On shows, the Manchester Furniture Show gets into full swing, while INDX Furniture and the Irish Furniture & Homewares Show prepare for their respective events next month. We also get the latest roundup from Vietnam, China, the USA and Ireland markets, as well as learning more about Nectar’s new era backed by a global giant, while the Sleep Geek, aka James Wilson, talks about mouth taping.
As for the regulars, Greig Robinson, Founder of Slow (slowsofa.co.uk), shares an insight into the business, his journey into the furniture industry, product labelling and current trends in our latest Big Interview. Vivienne Carter, second generation owner of Carters Furniture in Kidderminster, reflects on its recent 50-year milestone in an anniversary Retail Focus special. We also spoke with Henry Richards in our next Meet the Agent/Rep feature, who talks about the risk of playing safe and why the industry needs more young people in the trade. Meanwhile, our next round of expert commentary from George Sinclair focuses on how the pandemic has changed mattress buying for good.
Finally, this month features a detailed insight into Alfrecell as we sat down with Colin Sarson, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), who reveals how the business has continued to evolve and what plans are in the pipeline. To conclude the edition, Furniture Sales Solutions identifies if you have a sales problem or a sales skills problem.
If you have any news you want to shout about or if you’re keen to get involved, email dan@bigfurnituregroup.com. We’d love to share your story.
