Alex Bridgman, CEO for garden furniture business Bridgman, talks about recent investments, current market trends and why physical retail is key.
There’s a real buzz around Bridgman. Not just because the outdoor furniture season is getting into full swing, but mainly due to its upcoming anniversary milestone next year. That’s right, in 2027, Bridgman reaches the grand age of 50.
As the company approaches this historic moment in its history, Alex shared his views on consumer shifts, current trends and what’s next for the business. “As we approach our 50th year, we’ve seen a clear shift in how customers view outdoor furniture. It’s no longer just about seasonal use or traditional rattan sets, but about creating a considered extension of the home that can be enjoyed year-round.
“Our recent investment reflects this change. We’ve expanded into more contemporary, textured materials such as rope, with newer ranges like Marseille, Monaco and Bordeaux introducing a more modern aesthetic. At the same time, our established rattan collections, such as Mayfair and Kensington, continue to perform strongly.”
Alex added that innovation has also played a key role in supporting year-round use. “Our patented waterproof cushion technology allows furniture to maintain both its comfort and appearance throughout the seasons, regardless of climate.
“The current market has required a more considered and responsive approach, particularly in understanding how customer expectations are evolving. We are constantly monitoring global trends and shifts in design, which helps shape both our product development and overall offering.”
As Alex highlighted, over the past decade, outdoor spaces have increasingly become an extension of the home. “With the influence of social media, customers are more inspired than ever, often looking to recreate or interpret spaces they have seen elsewhere,” he said.
“We have adapted by broadening our collections and investing in design, ensuring we remain aligned with these expectations while continuing to deliver the quality and service that define the Bridgman brand. Ultimately, customers are looking for versatile furniture that works seamlessly across different settings and throughout the seasons.”
Playing a key role for Bridgman is the physical retail experience. “Garden and indoor furniture are considered purchases, and customers want to experience the quality, comfort and scale of the products in person before making a decision,” Alex explained.
“Being able to sit on the furniture, feel the materials, see how it would look within a garden setting and speak directly with our showroom teams creates a level of confidence that cannot be replicated online.
“Despite the wider decline in high street retail, showrooms like ours continue to demonstrate their value, offering an experience that brings together product, environment and expertise in a meaningful way.”
Looking ahead, Bridgman is seeing a growing crossover between indoor and outdoor living, with this growth expected to continue throughout 2026. “Our indoor collections, such as Aurelo, are becoming an increasingly important part of the business, reflecting a broader move towards more fluid, lifestyle-led spaces,” Alex added.
“As we approach our 50th anniversary, our focus will remain on continued investment in product development, innovation and customer experience. It is an opportunity not only to reflect on how far the business has come, but also to demonstrate how we continue to evolve with the market while staying true to the principles that have defined Bridgman for nearly five decades.”
