This month features our ‘Awards Special’ where we share the winners of our Big Furniture Awards, as voted by the industry. It’s great to see so many sending in pics with their award. Congratulations once again to all the winners. You will also notice the award winning theme throughout the magazine, where we spoke to a number of winners on their latest developments in our bumper awards issue.
In another feature special, we recap our recent visit to Swedish bed and furniture manufacturer DUXIANA, who pulled out all the stops when taking us through their three factories. We even got to try our hand at a bit of manufacturing – although it’s probably best I stick to the day job! Read our full review on page 72. In another interview special, we spoke to Tobin James, Managing Director of TEMPUR® UK, who talked about their recent product launch and how they are going to change the bed industry once again.
In the BFG hotseat this month is Chris Townsley, Operations Director at Harrison Spinks, who discussed his role at the business, sustainability and why educating people in this area is crucial. As for the other regular, Laura James, an exclusive own brand manufacturer and retailer, talks about recent investments and why delivery shouldn’t necessarily be free.
Our Bed Expert, Vic Smith, is back for another insight into the beds industry, while our Letter from China returns with some more helpful tips when sourcing from the country. As for our Green Retail sustainability-focused feature, we concentrate on Wayfair’s green credentials following the release of their recent Sustainability Report.
We also spoke with independent retailer Toons on their latest own-brand product launch, as well as customer experience pro, Jonathan Creese at Gillies, who shares an update on how his initial plans have been implemented since we last spoke and what’s next in the company’s customer journey. You’ll find our recap of the Irish Furniture & Homewares Show, an investigation into online retail furniture performance and recent investments at retailers including Leekes and Home World, plus much more.
To wrap things up, our Big Question this month is focused on reviews, while Furniture Sales Solutions talks about KISSing the customer – but not quite that up front and personal.
Cover stars this month: Front – Sleepsense International / Back – World Furniture
