DESIGNER MAGAZINE MARCH 2021 / ISSUE 247
Welcome to the March issue of Designer. Slowly but surely, there are signs that we will be emerging from lockdown and returning to a way of life that is a little closer to normal than has been the case for the past few months. With Covid-19 infection rates slowing, and vaccination both in the UK and elsewhere being rolled out on a huge scale, there are indications that a more positive summer awaits us. How well the design sector has coped with the unparalleled challenges of the pandemic is hard to gauge. We know that many businesses have suffered terribly from the constraints, both in terms of the direct impact of the government restrictions but also from the knock-on effect of damaged confidence from consumers and other customers. However, there is also evidence to suggest that many manufacturers, retailers and creatives have been re-grouping, re-energising, and re-focusing on how to approach things with renewed vigour when some form of normality does return. So far this year, we at Designer have received details of countless new product launches, and numerous inspiring projects that have progressed to completion despite the difficulties. We’ve also had a peek at a multitude of new and refurbished showrooms that are fresh and more than ready to welcome visitors as soon as they are allowed to come back to see, feel and touch the latest new designs, surfaces and materials.
e: martin@thedsgroup.co.uk w: designerati.co.uk
We still have no accurate idea of what ‘normal’ will look like in the near future of course. But let’s hope the wave of optimism that is sweeping certain parts of our industry ultimately becomes far more contagious than any virus we have had to deal with.
Martin Allen-Smith Editor, Designer
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