Real buzz” at INDX furniture

In its tenth anniversary edition, INDX Furniture was able to record one of its most-well attended shows to date, despite a backdrop of market challenges.

Curated by buying group, Associated Independent Stores (AIS), the show achieved a 60% increase in visitor numbers since its previous edition, and welcomed 35 suppliers across two showrooms at Cranmore Park. This figure includes nine first-time exhibitors and 11 major furniture brands.

Following the appointment of leading trend agency Scarlet Opus in 2022, member day visitors were also able to engage with specialists Phil Pond and Shelley Bou Chrouch for one-toone sessions throughout the show, offering insight on the retail landscape for 2023, consumer buying trends and more.

Emma Rackley, Director of Furniture & Home at AIS, said: “Despite forecasts of a difficult year, the furniture industry is already proving to be incredibly resilient, with a real buzz around the show. Across the event, various exhibitors and visitors remarked on the high-quality nature of this year’s offering, which is testament to our ongoing efforts to create the most focused order-writing environment possible.”

The show also marked the debut of a number of major brands, including the sustainably-sourced Bell & Stocchero, Italian upholstery manufacturer Cala Italia, and luxury Swedish bed company Mattsons. Charlie Bell, Director at Bell & Stocchero, said: “We joined AIS as a member just a week before the show and are already beginning to reap the benefits. The intimate showroom environment was really welcoming, and meant that we were able to put the USPs of our products front and centre, alongside allowing us to get face-to-face with buyers who are serious about doing business.”

Oscar Mattson, Vice President at Mattsons Beds, said: “INDX was our first time bringing our products to market in the UK and we couldn’t be more pleased with the results. Everyone at the show was really friendly, making it the perfect place to strike up new business opportunities, which allowed us to exceed our initial targets as a result.”

“The INDX show was the perfect launchpad for heritage Swedish company, Mattsons Beds. We could not have had a better show” says James Leach. “We took large display orders during the show and have been busy with follow up meetings since then” Colin Boyce added. “We would like to thank all at AIS for giving us all the support we needed, and we are already planning next year’s edition,” concludes James.

Chris Everist, Commerical Director at Parker Knoll, said: “The show has proved to be an excellent launch platform for our new AIS-exclusive Chicago model. The attendance on Friday in particular was excellent, and in general the buyers were in good spirits. The show atmosphere was a nice blend of friendly yet professional, with a high standard of presentation and a good mix of products.”

Greg Bachelor, Sales Director at TCH, said: “We’ve been attending INDX Furniture since the very first show 10 years ago, and it’s amazing to see how it has adapted over this time to keep in line with industry demand. Throughout this time though, the low-pressure environment has been a constant mainstay, meaning we can focus on letting our products do the talking. We’ve already signed up for the June show, so we’re looking forward to seeing both old and new faces later this year.”

Chris Smith, National Retail Sales Manager at HND UK, said: “What a great INDX show it was in January! We were so pleased by the fantastic reaction and the comments received from visitors to our stand and the many orders that were taken for new showroom displays in both the West End Home and the Metropolitan collections.”

Siren Furniture added: “This was our first appearance at the INDX show for a number of years and we were really pleased with the positive feedback to our ranges – especially Freya. It was great to be able to engage with customers old, current and new, and explain how we are evolving both our products and the Siren business.”

“With an exceptional response to the introduction of new models and materials, we would like to thank those who visited both the At The Helm and Hydeline stands at this year’s INDX Furniture Show. We are excited for the year ahead and will continue to explore new materials and innovative technologies,” said Jonathan Burrage, managing director.

Daro, which are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year, showcased popular ranges from the indoor, outdoor and Laura Ashley furniture collections. “The show provided a platform to connect with existing AIS members and current stockists plus the opportunity to meet with potential new stockists and discuss plans for 2023,” the company said.