Our cover star this month features FORTE where they highlight its bold plans to grow the brand in the UK after the successful rollout of its EasyKlix™ ranges at selected John Lewis stores. We caught up with the team behind the drive to find out more.
June features a first look at next month’s Manchester Furniture Show where we share what to expect to see as well as some exhibitor highlights including Sofa Connections and Sofa Source, as well as a special ‘Ask the Organiser’ Q&A. Meanwhile, we recap the recent INDX Beds show with reflections from Hyders Beds, Purecare, PureLay and Willis & Gambier.
As for our regulars, Jan Duckworth, Managing Director at Cox & Cox, shares an insight into her new role after joining the business back in March this year, future plans and why new neutrals are a big story with current trends in our latest Big Interview. Mark Saunders, CEO of furniture retailer OKA, talks about the expansion of its physical presence, combatting challenges and a look ahead to what’s next for the brand in this month’s Retail Focus and we spoke to Celebrity’s Greg Noble in our next Meet the Agent/Rep feature. He shares an insight into his role, why working within the industry is in his blood, what’s most difficult and the ongoing shift between agents and reps.
This month also features Gallery Direct as the brand prepares to debut at SOLEX in July, while John Conroy, Sales Director at Limelight Beds, talks about progress so far this year, the shift back to metal and why consumers opt towards bricks and mortar retailers. With retail in mind, Furniture Sales Solutions provides an insight into its methods to boost sales, FurnitureTexts explores more about text marketing, Loxa introduces its new rebrand on insurance and we take a deeper dive at the top sofa retailers for reviews and online visibility.
Furthermore, Shire Beds reemphasises its brand message, Avriio talks customer expectations, Image Furnishings highlights the importance of trust and Hypnos celebrates its award-winning team as it builds for the future. Meanwhile, Get Laid Beds details more behind its recent strategic expansion of its Trade & Contracts division, Greycaine looks to grow its UK presence and both M6 Beds and Peak Converters celebrate respective anniversary milestones. Natalia Samodina, Client Legal Director at law firm The Legal Director, returns and talks about future-proofing British furniture, while The Bed Expert, aka George Sinclair, talks about how influencers and online reviews are reshaping mattress marketing.
Letters from China, Vietnam and the USA share more territory insight, Furniture and Choice provides the latest trend analysis and James Wilson, aka The Sleep Geek, talks about the importance of REM sleep. We also detail a new apprenticeship course from WEBS Training, why face-to-face support is paramount from RetailSystem and a look into how marketing is changing through a catch up with Clare Taylor, founder and owner of Apricus Marketing. To signoff the edition, Furniture Sales Solutions talks about upselling without upsetting in another insightful column.
That’s enough from me, so enjoy our latest magazine. Oh, and if you have any news you want to shout about or if you’re keen to get involved, drop me an email on dan@bigfurnituregroup.com. We’d love to share your story.
