This month recaps recent industry shows including the Bed Show, Long Point and the Autumn Furniture Show, with all three showcasing the latest product developments and innovations. Our Cover Star heaped praise on their attendance at the Bed Show, while also being named ‘Bed Manufacturer of the Year’. We spoke with Harrison Spinks on the award as well as a deeper dive with Jon Varley, UK National Sales Manager, who took our latest Big Interview and talks about how rewarding the industry can be, his admiration for Peter Spinks and why discounting needs to be transparent and fair for customers.
From one award winner to another, Adjust-A-Bed picked up the accolade of ‘Supplier of the Year’ at the Autumn Furniture Show. We got the low down on their reaction, as well as an insight into how the show was for the business, which caught the eye and turned necks with its Bespoke headboards. In keeping with beds, GNG shared their post-Bed Show thoughts, while Sleepeezee continued their centenary celebrations at the event with a, very-real looking, mini-bed cake.
We also caught up with ercol on their first branded store opening, Caffreys on continued investments and why using FurnitureTexts can boost sales during promotional periods. Gallery Direct return with mirrors, while Sofa Connections talk about its expansion journey with the appointment of two trusted and respected agents in the industry. With agents in mind, we meet James Gledhill, who shares an insight into building relationships, how the pace of change can be challenging and why agents need more recognition.
Shifting attention to sustainability, Purman Recycling continues the conversation on turning waste into designer furniture, Silentnight looks at how businesses can improve manufacturing and recycling processes to extend the lifecycle of materials used in mattresses, and Jodi Skelton, owner and director at retailer Uneeka and wholesaler Ancient Mariner, shares an insight into their unique story and why ‘a lifestyle made fair’ is deep within its ethos.
As for the other regulars, DFS features in our latest Retail Focus, JYSK goes under the Green Retail spotlight and The Bed Expert, along with Letters from China and Vietnam, return for more industry insight.
The edition also features Purecare’s take on pillows, while Prodoto debates the differences between photography and CGI, asking the question, which production method is best for your brand? Posing another question is FurnitureBooks and talks about how RetailSystem integrates directly with QuickBooks online – suggesting that perhaps it’s time to add the Missing Piece? Meanwhile, we explore more about FurnitureBrochure and how it’s an industry game-changer. Trying to also change a perception in the industry is WEBS Training as they talk about apprenticeships and how the stigma remains unchanged.
To wrap things up, Furniture And Choice shares its latest on-trend styles and interior looks currently inspiring furniture buyers, while Furniture Sales Solutions talks about emotive language and we get an early insight on the upcoming January Furniture Show 2025.
That’s enough from me, so enjoy our latest magazine. Oh, and if you have any news you want to shout about or if you’re keen to get involved in our Retail Focus and Big Interview features, drop me an email on dan@bigfurnituregroup.com. We’d love to share your story.
