West Midlands-based family run furniture manufacturer, Sofa Connections, reflects on a successful debut January Furniture Show.
“Our stand seemed to be very well received and we had some really lovely feedback,” was the initial reaction to a debut January Furniture Show (JFS) from husband-and-wife team, Matt and Sarah Oakley.
The show featured a number of new products as well as its refreshed rebrand as the business, which is based in Brierley Hill, just outside Birmingham, continued to raise awareness and reinforce its long-serving heritage in the industry, spanning over some 35 years.
During JFS, Sofa Connections, which is also a member of the British Furniture Association (BFA), presented new models such as the Sherwood – a quilted arm model with luxurious feather back cushions and supportive bolsters, and the Drayton – a feather back model with a lug cushion.
Also on show were customer favourites, the Belfry and Blakedown, as well as the launch of a Deluxe fabric range to accompany its Standard swatch, aimed at retailers who want an “easy life” with a “great quality product and a good choice of fabrics”.
“Our stand out models were the usual contenders Blakedown and Belfry, classic staples for any family home,” revealed Sarah. “However, our Sherwood caught the eye of some very key buyers with its quilted arms and supportive head bolsters. It will be hitting stores by the end of March and we can’t wait to see how well it does.
“We thought the show was good, the visitor numbers were high and people seemed to be buying this year, which is always great! It’s a very positive sign that we are heading into a good year. The show had some really beautiful stands, we felt very privileged to be invited into Hall 1. Being amongst some of the best out there felt really special.”
Sarah also added that mixing with fellow female industry professionals was a personal highlight too. “I thoroughly enjoyed attending the Women in Furniture Network event. I fully stepped out my comfort zone and even managed to pluck up the courage to ask a question. Listening to the four inspiring ladies on stage talk about their journey and experiences in the industry was really inspiring, it’s great to know the future for women in this industry is getting better and I’m so excited to be a part of it.”
With a debut JFS a success for Sofa Connections, the business looks forward to make its second appearance at the Manchester Furniture Show (MFS) later this year, as well as continuing to work hard on new product development and fabric ranges. “At the moment we are focusing on MFS,” says Matt. “Manchester is always such a relaxed show, it almost feels like more of a social event than work. After being so well received at JFS there was no way we weren’t going to sign up again to both shows.
“We’re constantly working on new products and looking to review fabrics etc. The summer is going to be such a great set up ready for those pre-Christmas sales. We are in talks for some more exhibitions but nothing has been formalised as yet. We are also preparing to move into a new premises just before summer, so all our focus is on making sure we have a smooth transition. It’s going to be a big year for Sofa Connections and we’re looking forward to it.”
