Happy New Year! There’s no better way than starting the year with two key trade shows that will no doubt serve up some inspiration and freshness into the industry. This particular edition, a bumper one at that, takes a look at both the January Furniture Show (JFS) and INDX Furniture Show, as well as insights from a number of exhibitors, including our Cover Star, Shire Beds.
This edition also features Ekornes as it aims to raise awareness of its IMG brand. Meanwhile, Carpe Diem Beds introduces its new collection as it looks to redefine how we view bedroom furniture and La-Z-Boy UK reveals its new marketing campaign, geared at encouraging consumers to take time to enjoy the lazy moments in life. On new reveals, Vidato Interiors has a fresh new focus on the furniture trade as it looks to expand its UK presence following a recent partnership, while GNG Group reviews 2023 and discusses developments planned for the next 12 months.
As for the regulars, Peter Delaney, Sales Director at Gallery Direct, takes the Big Interview and shares an insight into his day-to-day role, what he loves about the job, who his two industry icons are and what 2024 holds for the company. Meanwhile, Martin Lukehurst, Joint Managing Director at Lukehurst, talks about recent investments, future plans and why sustainability is important to the business. On that sustainable note, and following the launch of ercol’s new sustainability-focused range, we took the chance to visit the factory and learn more about how the British brand is trying to shape the future of furniture making in the UK.
We also spoke with Siren on fire regulations, DUXIANA on the year ahead, the successful rebrand at Emmiera and Kirklees College on its new furniture apprenticeship scheme. That’s not all either. Guardsman details the difference it provides, while the Sleep Geek talks about the importance of sleep education but highlights the fears of sleep washing and SATCoL expands its Reuse scheme with its furniture launch.
There are two anniversary features too. Sopha celebrates five years while Mattress Online reaches its 20-year milestone. In keeping with retail, RetailSystem reflects on a very successful 2023 and shares an insight into the year ahead, one where the company will also celebrate its 20th year of operation.
Also, with an eye on the future, we explored some key trends in both products and customer behaviour, while Trustpilot returns with a story all about trust featuring two heavyweight retailers as prime examples. Our next instalment of the Green Retail series focuses on IKEA’s new mattress removal and recycling scheme in collaboration with The Furniture Recycling (TFR) Group, while TFR also looks to provide a solution to a £60m retail dilemma.
To wrap things up, FurnitureBrochure asks the question, To Print or not to Print? The Bed Expert is back and talks about how to keep staff morale up following the Christmas buzz and festive comedown, while Letter’s from China and Vietnam share some insight into their respective territories. The Big Question is all about resolutions and Furniture Sales Solutions concludes the edition on the same note, explaining why it’s important to reflect and set new goals, with the new year the ideal time for both.
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.
Cover Stars: Shire Beds (Front) / SATCoL (Back)
