Paul Wray, Managing Director of Furntec Ltd and Modern Outlook Furniture, talks about game-changing movements in China.
China is coming to the UK!
Now our newly built sofa factory in Huizhou is underway with four dedicated production lines exclusively for B Womack Furniture Ltd, our UK and European partner. For the first time we and other factories will be holding stock in the UK at significantly lower prices than UK wholesalers. I see this as the next step for many Chinese factories to join the platform in the UK and sell direct to UK retailers effectively cutting out the UK wholesalers.
It’s already happening in the B2C market with platforms like Temu, Shien, Amazon and Wayfair. This not only makes it more accessible for UK retailers to compete on a level playing field with UK importers but also, it’s a big advantage for retailers that are currently importing. Importing from the Far East can be very expensive and you can become a victim of your own success. The more you sell, the more you need to buy, however there is at least a 12-week cycle of production and shipping to take into account, and with a deposit of 30% up front then the balance before shipping in many cases, plus the hassle of exchange rates and shipping.
All the need for importing is taken away by being able to buy stock in the UK at import prices and there is even a DHD service. It’s going to be a real game changer for the furniture industry.
It has been extremely challenging over the last few months as our outdoor factory in Anhui has also undergone huge changes and moved to a brand-new premise as we wait the new construction of a brand-new factory that will be ready next year. Adding to the above, this factory will also be joining the sofa factory in partnering with B Womack Furniture to hold stock in the UK. This really will change the landscape of the furniture Industry.
How things have changed over the last few years, an incredible journey where trust and reputation has put us in positions in China with our partners in the factories. It has not been an easy ride, with a lot of hard work and understanding of culture, people, and environment. Now we are moving into new horizons with the B Womack B2B platform partnership, giving the factories the ability to increase their customer base and profits at the same time.
Ben, the director, has a great passion for the furniture business, with new concepts and ideas on driving this industry forward. Ben Womack will be exhibiting at the January Furniture Show 2025 showcasing the factories products that will be in the UK stock programme.
If you would like an insight into my journey in China with over 27 years in the furniture industry, please listen to the trade only furniture group podcast where I share my furniture story. (Search for Trade only Furniture Group Paul Wray).
Modern Outlook Furniture assists businesses of all sizes in procurement from China at any stage of your project. If you would like a no obligation conversation about how we can assist you and help you avoid any costly issues or nasty surprises, please do get in touch.
