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OPINION
THIS MONTH, WE’RE ASKING … Paul Galley (Antelope Design) We look to Restoration Hardware in the States a lot. Interesting products over a wide range of styles Peter Harding (Fairway Furniture) It depends what you’re looking for. In terms of marketing and ‘making the right noises’, I’d say Barker & Stonehouse. In terms of pure performance, the giant that is DFS, which continues to gobble up customers
Kate Pilling (January/Manchester Furniture Show) I can’t name names … but I would say retailers who are diversifying and responding to the rise of online retailing Simon Ainge (Kettle Interiors) In terms of displays, I am always really impressed with Arighi Bianchi and Barker & Stonehouse. For commercial appeal, Sterling Furniture offer a vast array of product as well as thoughtout price points. Dunelm and ScS are examples of companies performing well in our sector David Ashton (JYSK UK) John Lewis for service and quality – its profits performance is a different matter. However, I also like some of the local independent retailers, where you can receive lovely and local customer service Jerry Cheshire (Surrey Beds) Anyone who recognises that quality and service is more important than price tag – they’re usually the retailers who are doing quite well
INFORMING INDUSTRY, BUILDING BUSINESS
Steve Pickering (Sussex Beds) In terms of style and display, I love and admire Barker & Stonehouse. DFS built their product lines around their brand, providing exclusivity whilst protecting margin. Finally, Dreams, with their Replace Every 8 campaign, which has changed consumer mindset regarding the frequency of changing mattresses
Rob Scarlett (Scarlett Furniture & Print) Barker & Stonehouse are good but I really like Heal’s the best. They have a style all of their own (shout out to IKEA too, who really know how to create value-added products)
Who’s setting the BEST EXAMPLE IN FURNITURE RETAIL?* *A
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Tom Bourne (Select First) Can it be anyone other than IKEA? I like the way it’s been collaborating with big guns of design and fashion such as Tom Dixon and Virgil Abloh, to develop design pieces that are still obtainable and practical for the typical IKEA shopper. It’s a beast of a company and you can’t deny the impact it’s had on the sector
James Hollas (Bensons for Beds) I enjoy a walk round Barker & Stonehouse, as there’s always something interesting. Bensons is a volume retailer, so I’m always interested in any part of the market where someone is doing something different and doing it well
Mike Murray (Land of Beds) I like Bensons’ new showrooms, and what Dreams have done with their Sleep Match technology – both are creating real theatre in-store James Hudson (Gallery Direct) Companies who are evolving, with both strong online and physical presence Gavin Boden (Rhenus Home Delivery) Furniture Village, for keeping to their core values Steve Adams (MattressOnline) IKEA – they help to set trends and offer quality and style for all budgets Thomas Small (TCS) I still think DFS is hard to beat – they have that end of the market sewn up
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
#370 January 2020 www.furniturenews.net
At your service The UK Agency’s NEC takeover
JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON TWITTER @FURNITURENEWSED MESSAGE THE EDITOR AT PAUL@GEARINGMEDIAGROUP.COM FOR ADVERTISING AND SUBSCRIPTION ENQUIRIES, SEE P3 RETAIL IN REVIEW The trends and trials of 2019/20 BALANCING BRANDS UPHOLSTERY DISRUPTED
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JANUARY FURNITURE SHOW AIS FURNITURE SHOW / IMM COLOGNE DINING / BUYING GROUPS & ASSOCIATIONS BEDROOM / BED IN A BOX / TRADE SERVICES
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20/12/2019 12:12
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