114 OPINION FEEDBACK
THIS MONTH, WE’RE ASKING …
How closely do you watch your competitors? It’s essential to maintain current insight and foresight on industry trends, continually reviewing what is happening in the retail market to see how the key trends are being interpreted into commercial collections to meet retailer requirements, and ultimately consumer demand
We have a clear understanding of our own direction. Whilst it’s important to understand what our competitors are doing, it does not drive behaviours within our business Jonathan Burrage (Hydeline Furniture)
Andrew Kerr (Siren Furniture)
Relatively closely, in terms of what is working or what isn’t, in order to keep ahead Greg French (Westgarth Furniture)
It’s important to be up to speed with what’s happening out there, but I’m not obsessive about it – it’s always better to be looking ahead and innovating for yourself rather than playing copycat Paul Little (Airsprung Beds)
Not that closely. We have a wide catchment area but not much local competition. We focus on what we are doing, ensure we are competitive and provide great service Andy Stockwell (Gardiner Haskins)
I wouldn’t be doing my job properly if I wasn’t aware of my market, disruptors, innovators and trends – but when it comes to daily events, I tend to just get my head down and worry about my business, and let others do the same Nichola Hornby Bell (Alpha Designs Upholstery)
Very, including my fellow agents on the road
Constantly. It’s important to understand what the market is doing both nationally and globally to ensure we’re always in a healthy position to compete Sam Jackson (Bluebone Imports)
I certainly keep an eye on competitors closely enough to know what they are doing, both promotionally and in terms of their operational models. While the industry tends to follow pretty well-established promotional models, regional independents such as ourselves can be more nimble and responsive, so shouldn’t be frightened to innovate Peter Harding (Fairway Furniture)
Brian Levitt (Brian Levitt Sales Agencies)
I concentrate more on trends and influencers as we want to stay ahead of the market – we don’t want to just offer the same as our competitors
Closely, but purely out of interest and never as a distraction, as our focus is clearly on driving our own business Steve Warren (Sleepeezee)
Carole Nolan (Gallery Direct)
We keep an eye on what our competition is doing, but we mostly focus on ourselves and how we can improve James Dunne (Prestige Beds)
We are fortunate to work extremely closely with other trade associations in the furniture sector, and whilst our members may cross over sometimes, generally we’re all striving to raise the profile of British-made furniture Phil Spademan (BFM)
While we’re aware of our competition, that doesn’t lead our strategy or shape our daily decisions Martin Eastwood (Mattress Online)
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