Date post: | 20-Jun-2015 |
Category: |
Real Estate |
Upload: | thepdfguy |
View: | 91 times |
Download: | 2 times |
F U R N I T U R E F L O O R I N G B E D S C A R P E T R U G S A C C E S S O R I E S
Interiorsmonthly
f i r s t f o r f u r n i t u r e , f l o o r i n g a n d a c c e s s o r i e s
Aug
ust2
014
Awards 2014The winners revealed
The Flooring ShowPreview
UK: 00353 42 9 351 351 Ireland: 042 9 351 351 SERVICE QUALITY VALUE
CLASSIC BEAUTYCONTEMPORARY DESIGN
LEADING THE WAY FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE WITH INDEPENDENT RETAILERS
TCS - Solely Committed to Serving Independent Retailers
tcsimports.com
Upholstery Dining Bedroom
AWARDS 2011
WINNER
AWARDS
WINNER 2014Voted Best Customer Service 2014
EDITOR’S COMMENT
www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk 3
Encouraging signs
Andrew KiddEDITOR
Sealy: the world’s number onebed brand.Visit: www.sealy.co.uk
Editor: Andrew KiddT: 01273 930 029 E: [email protected] advertising (South): Tim BodenT: 01732 441 130 E: [email protected] advertising (North): Jarrod BirdT: 01565 631 397 E: [email protected], flooring, lighting and accessories advertising:Joanne PaullT: 01732 441 130 E: [email protected]
Published by Interiors Media LimitedMinerva House, Kinnings Row, Bordyke, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1NPT: 01732 441 130 F: 01732 362 919E: [email protected] in England no. 6397722Print: Knockout Print Design by TSS DIGITAL © Interiors Media Limited ISSN 1756-2236
F U R N I T U R E F L O O R I N G B E D S C A R P E T R U G S A C C E S S O R I E S
Interiorsmonthly
f i r s t f o r f u r n i t u r e , f l o o r i n g a n d a c c e s s o r i e s
Aug
ust 2
014
Awards 2014The winners revealed
The Flooring ShowPreview
There have been some encouraging salesfigures from major retailers recently whichsuggest that consumers are once againspending on their homes.
Admittedly, some of the figures are againstweak comparisons because last summer’sweather saw people heading to the beach orlake rather than the retail park, but it’s stillencouraging – even if consumers do need apromotion of some sort to convince them.
While GfK's UK Consumer ConfidenceIndex dropped back into negative territory inJuly, after being positive for the first time inalmost a decade in June, it too offeredencouragement. The survey of more than2,000 people found that those thinking it
was a good time to make a big ticketpurchase such as furniture or white goodswas 18 points higher than a year ago.
As consumers and voters we hear mixedmessages on how far economic recovery hasspread and a worry is that 2013 will repeatitself, albeit a little later in the summer, if therecent fine weather that most of us haveenjoyed recently continues into August.
Will it deter people from following throughon those purchase plans? After all, a trip tothe seaside or park is a lot cheaper. Anyonefor some rain?
Congratulations to the winners of theInteriors Monthly Awards 2014. Their detailsare revealed from page 25 onwards. Theseretailers, manufacturers, suppliers, buyinggroups and others are your winners (with a few new awards this year chosen by me).My thanks again to everyone who voted.
Well done to all of those involved insupporting the 58th Kidderminster CarpetManufacturers National Golf Tournament,sponsored by Mr Tomkinson for the first time.The event raised £8,000 for charity, whichwas split evenly between The FurnitureMakers’ Company and Macmillan CancerSupport.
While there are indicationsthat consumers have beenreturning to stores, thesummer sunshine may yet play a role in the overall performance
CONTENTS
www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk 5
Part of the Novostrat range of polyethyleneunderlays to suit every application and pocket.From store to floor - there’s no better solution
Sonic rangeComfort range
HIGH PERFORMANCE UNDERLAYS
Sonic Gold Excelwood and laminatefloor underlay
EXCEPTIONAL SOUND REDUCTIONEXCELLENT IMPACT RESISTANCEEVENS OUT UNEVEN FLOORS
TEL: 00353 61-339287
Thesexiestunderlayyou willnever see
INSIDE THIS ISSUENEWS
6 Corndell bought but WBH seeks buyer
8 United Carpets sees sales soften after growth
12 Cavendish production move
FEATURES
22 Retail
Why online isn’t the route to a fast buck
25 Interiors Monthly Awards 2014
The winners are revealed
98 Rugs
The global influences on Limited Edition
104 Beds and bedroom
A different look for iron and a new brand
112 Protection
Why service matters
120 Preview
The Flooring Show
129 Review
Manchester Furniture Show
REGULARS
15 Warranties
16 New products
NEXT ISSUE
Bed Show preview
The Flooring Show guide
Living and dining focus
INTERIORS MONTHLY AUGUST 2014
NEWS
6 Interiors Monthly August 2014
The search for a buyer for failedcabinet company WoodberryBrothers & Haines is continuingwhile rival Corndell Furniture has been bought out ofadministration.
Corndell has been bought byCorndell Quality Furniture, acompany backed by two ofCorndell’s largest suppliers andformed six days before Corndellentered administration. TheWitney, Oxfordshire, company hadrun out of cash and credit.
Administrators FRP Advisorymade 31 of Corndell’s 115 staffredundant but was able to retainthe rest of the employees as ittraded the firm during the saleprocess. It was approached by 30interested parties and sent information to a dozen of them.
‘We proceeded with an offer from Corndell Quality whichis backed by two of the largest suppliers to Corndell. Whilethe suppliers in question suffered their own losses due tothe failure of Corndell Furniture, they recognise theunderlying value in the business and were keen to invest totake the ongoing business forward. We are aware that keycustomers and suppliers are supportive of the acquisitionwhich sees the long-term future of Corndell secured,’ saysGeoff Rowley, FRP Advisory partner.
Steve Jackson, Corndell Quality director, says: ‘The pastweeks have been challenging but thanks to our loyal staffand supportive retail partners we continue to trade asnormal, fulfilling our strong order book. Under newownership we now have the financial strength and stabilityto build a stronger and more profitable business.’
Corndell Quality’s board is made up of Jackson and CyrilFogel, both former directors of Corndell Furniture, andDavid Hudson.
Administrators for WoodberryBrothers & Haines say they havereceived ‘numerous’ expressions ofinterest but had yet to secure abuyer for the cabinet company.The owner of the Caxton, BathCabinets and WoodberryBathrooms brands appointedPricewaterhouseCoopers asadministrator on 2 July after failingto find a buyer or secureinvestment.
WBH made a pre-tax loss of£986,385 from sales of £12.18m inthe year to 31 December 2012,according to its most recentaccounts. This compares with a lossof £1.66m from sales of £13m theprevious year. It finished 2012 withjust £267 in the bank and bank
loans and overdrafts of more than £2.18m.All but 12 of its 175 employees were made redundant. ‘Since appointment the administrators have worked hard
with the support of certain key customers and suppliers tofulfil some outstanding orders from finished goods stockusing the few remaining employees. This has been done toenable discussions to take place with parties who haveexpressed an interest in acquiring the business and assets,which have been numerous. So far, despite interest shown,no investment into, or sale of the business, has beenconcluded,’ says a PricewaterhouseCoopers spokesman.
Meanwhile, the administrator of Paul Simon has hiredMetis Partners to sell the failed chain’s brand and otherintellectual property after being unable to find a buyer.Metis has previously been involved with the IP assets ofAllders, Ortak, Land of Leather, Johnson & Johnson and MFI.IP assets in the Paul Simon sale include a broad range ofdomain names, goodwill in the brand and reputation andthe ecommerce website content.
Caxton’s London bedroom
G Plan Upholsteryhas recruitedStephanie Hildonas its first branddirector.
Hildon has spent her careermainly in the fast movingconsumer goods industry,
working on brands includingJohnson & Johnson, Cadbury,Colgate, Allianz and Bupa.
Ian Oliver, G Plan andParker Knoll chief executive,says: ‘Stephanie has a wealthof experience that G Plan willbenefit from immensely.’
Carpetright saw ‘small butsteady improvements’ in UKsales growth in May and June,‘with this trend acceleratingsignificantly during July,assisted by weak comparativesin 2013,’ says the company.
Like for like sales were up
6.1% and total sales rose by5.2% in the 13 weeks to 26July. ‘Implementing market-beating promotions’ meantgross profit margins fell by2.6%. This will see full yearmargins drop by between0.5% and 1%.
Upswing for CarpetrightBrand new director
Corndell saved but searchgoes on for WBH buyer
NEWS
8 Interiors Monthly August 2014
United optimistic despiteseeing spring sales softenSales have softened in the past quarter for United Carpetsfollowing a major increase in profits.
The chain saw like for like flooring sales fall by 2.2% in the16 weeks to 17 July and bed sales by 3.6%, with an overalldrop of 2.3%. This compares with a rise of 2.2% in the yearto 31 March. During that year pre-tax profits were £940,000,compared to £250,000 in the six months to 31 March 2013because of United’s change of year end. Sales were £55.7m.
United continued to close weak branches during theperiod, with numbers reducing from 64 to 59. Two morehave closed since March and a further five which areunderperforming or where agreement cannot be reachedwith the landlord, are likely to close within nine months.
Peter Cowgill, chairman, says the chain ‘is no longer held
back by a significant tail of weaker stores which historicallyhave impacted heavily on profit margins and demanded adisproportionate amount of management time.’
Lease renegotiations saw rent reductions, improved breakclauses or the elimination of significant, potential, historicdilapidation commitments, or from a combination of all ofthese on 52 of the stores. The chain is also looking to trial asmaller store format.
‘Our base is stronger. We have removed the majority ofthe weaker stores from our portfolio, we have no debt andan improving balance sheet. Trading has been a little patchybut we believe the overall picture is generally movingforward, underpinned by higher levels of employment and amore active housing market,’ Cowgill adds.
Mix and matchrange for ArgosArgos has a new interiors brand – Heartof Home – launched with its latestseasonal catalogue. It offers more than1,200 products so shoppers cancoordinate across the home.
The exclusive ColourMatch rangeoffers more than 700 products availablefor all rooms in the house in a choice of16 shades across pastels, neutrals andbrights, plus spots and stripes.
Habitat remains a major brand for thechain in its 50th anniversary year, with1,300 products.
Some 10,000 prices have been reducedor held in the latest catalogue.
ColourMatch bentwood chair
Five for January Furniture ShowThe January Furniture Show will have afifth hall, the organiser has confirmed,after the event sold out halls 1, 2, 3 and3A at the NEC.
As Interiors Monthly reported in March,organiser Furniture Fairs will expand the13-15 January show into the Pavilion hallto accommodate manufacturers andsuppliers on the show’s waiting list. Halls4 and 5 of the NEC are unavailable.
The show is to be officially opened byStephen McPartland MP, chairman of theAll-Party Parliamentary Furniture IndustryGroup.
The 2016 event will revert to aweekend opening, with the possibility ofThe Lighting Show returning.
Sister event, the Manchester FurnitureShow, is to opt for a three-day schedulenext year, running from Sunday toTuesday. The intention is to concentratevisitor footfall across the three daysrather than the current four, which has
low visitor numbers on the final day.Meanwhile, buying group AIS has
confirmed that its January furnitureevent will overlap the January FurnitureShow next year.
There had been rumours circulatingthat the NEC event’s decision to move toa mid-week schedule to avoid clashingwith IMM Cologne meant that AIS’sCranmore Park exhibition venue wasalready booked.
But, David Standing, AIS commercialdirector told Interiors Monthly that TheFurniture Show would run alongside theNEC event, as it has done in previousyears.
‘It is sensible for us to overlap as manyvisitors will want to do the shows at thesame time and ours has some exclusiveexhibitors,’ he says.
Monday 12 January will be for AISmembers only and 13-14 January formembers and non-members.
Flooring distributor Green TreeDistribution has launched a tradecommerce website, as part of itsexpansion plans.
www.greentreedistribution.co.uk willallow customers to access exclusiveproducts and prices.
‘The launch of the new trade website is another development in reaching outto our customers, providing them with24/7 access to our products and services,as well as company news anddevelopments ’ says Kevin Lapthorn,Green Tree md.
Trade website for Green Tree
Sharpen up any room at home with the right style radiator.
Adding a stylish dual fuel black designer radiator is a great way to glam up any room at home. From cheap models to top of the range brand names, finding the right radiator is incredibly easy and an investment that won't go out of style for a very long time.
Top marks with DISTINCTIONThis luxuriously textured yet affordable carpet,offers unparalleled comfort and softnessunderfoot. Distinction means you can pass theconsumer test with flying colours as this brandnew range offers the first chance to sample anexciting new palette of colours that will be thecentre of future ranges. Building on the successof the established Santorini collection, Distinctionoffers a heavier weight tradeup opportunitywith a smart 50oz, 2 ply Stainaway polypropylenecarpet in four and five metre widths. This cutpile carpet will enhance any home and even
inspire the consumers décor planning aroundthe floor. Combining top performance backedby a 20 year stainaway warranty and a 20 yearwear guarantee. Seven of the fourteencolour options are brand new to AssociatedWeavers and make Distinction distinctivelydifferent in choice and consumer appeal.
Be one of the first to make your mark withDistinction ask your Associated Weavers salesmanager for samples today.
New colours. New Sales.Fashion trends are ever evolving and each year we see new fashion colours that often donot transfer to the floor. Associated Weavers like to give its best selling core ranges a ‘fashionupdate’ every two years. Not only do we introduce the new exciting colour trends of theday but also dispense with the colours of yesterday. It also gives us the opportunity torefresh tired hard worked sampling to give that new and exciting come and buy me look andfeel. Look out for the new Associated Weavers fashion updates so far this year. Tuftex Twist,Everest Twist , Santorini and Temptation have all had the fashion make over and are nowavailable to buy. As well as the colour trends of 2015 these ranges are all part of our Stainawaywarranty programme giving more reasons to be the choice of todays fashion conscious buyer.
Ass
ocia
ted
Wea
vers
Sale
s:01
42
24
3110
0Em
ail:
sale
suk@
awe.
beLo
okfo
rth
eBu
tter
y
Next Day Sampling ServiceAvailable on all ranges for Associated Weavers direct accounts
With total room make-overs becoming more and more popular our next daysampling service is being used by even more Associated Weavers retailers.
• Next day delivery by 1 st class post on all orders received by 2.00pm.
• Up to four 10cm x 10cm samples are labelled with your range name and colour.
• Details of your store are sent with the samples for the customer to returnand make a purchase.
• Helping your customer select their carpet and match fabrics,paint and wall coverings.
Please use the following contact details:Email: [email protected]: 01422 431107
NEXT DAY SERVICE
DistinctionLuxury and colour merged together
Distinction alongside Everest Twist and Santorini gives you the ultimate Good,
Better, Best choice. A winner before it appears in store.
Steve KayeSales Manager Associated Weavers
“ ”
NEWS
12 Interiors Monthly August 2014
Cavendish in production moveCavendish Upholstery is movingproduction of its independent sectormodels to sister company Collins andHayes.
The switch is part of a plan forCavendish to concentrate on itsmultiple and online markets.
Production of some of thecompany’s bestselling models, such as Pandora and Carlo, has alreadyswitched from Chorley, Lancashire toSt Leonards on Sea, East Sussex, withthe aim of all of the independents’models coming from the Collins andHayes factory by September.
The products will retain theCavendish name and will cater toexactly the same area of the market ascurrently. Collins and Hayes’ offer willremain unchanged.
Martin Huggins, Collins and Hayesmd, says the move signifies a renewedfocus on design, delivery and service.
‘Collins and Hayes has a reputationfor the highest quality and servicewhich we are delighted to bring to the
Cavendish brand. Over the comingmonths Cavendish customers will seeexciting new designs developed andwe hope they will be impressed by ourcommitment to outstanding deliveryand service,’ he says.
Mark McCann, Cavendish md, says:‘We are delighted that Collins andHayes has taken on our long-standingindependent customers and willcontinue to provide the level ofquality and service required in thisimportant sector.’
He says the move has freed upresources in design and development,production capacity and relationshipmanagement within Cavendish toensure the digital and multiplecustomers it supplies are providedwith the highest levels of service andquality they have come to expect.
‘This strategic move will giveCavendish the platform to help secureits long term future and strengthenthe growth of UK upholsterymanufacture,’ he adds.
Cavendish’s Amethyst
Young talentTwo young furniture designers have wonawards at this year’s New Designersshow.
Kit Shadbalt from Bucks NewUniversity’s contemporary furnituredesign course, won the John Lewis awardfor Design Excellence and Innovation forhis Ease Trestle, a table designed to bechanged and adapted to save space.
It was praised by the judges as ‘abeautiful and innovative interpretation ofa traditional trestle design, well-resolvedand ready to manufacture. Kit is a clearlyvery talented designer.’ He won £1,000and a meeting with John Lewis.
Douglas Pulman, from PlymouthUniversity’s 3D design course, won the100% Design award for his Bracefurniture range.
‘The focus for this range is in the use ofdesign engineering to create the bracketmechanism. We also felt that the use ofcontrasting materials led this product tobe visually appealing and commerciallycompelling,’ said the judges.
‘I use a design process that starts withthe development of the bracket or bracebefore naturally developing the furniturepiece from there. I use the properties ofthe materials to their full and am pleasedthat people can appreciate my approachand relate to the work despite itssimplistic style, says Pulman.
He won stand space at 100% Design’sEmerging Brands section.
Kit Shadbalt with hisEase design
Douglas Pulman withhis Brace design
PHO
TOG
RAPH
S: J
AM
ES C
HA
MPI
ON
For further information or to request a catalogue contact us on0121 506 4888, [email protected] or vist our extensive showroom in
Wednesbury. We are open Mon - Fri 8am - 5pm (4:30pm Cash & Carry)
COMPREHENSIVE PRODUCT RANGE - FIRST CLASS SERVICE - OUTSTANDING VALUE
Charles Occasional Itemsin Oak Effect Veneer with Walnut Trim
Prado 4’6” Bed in Dark Brown FabricShown with Regent Bedroom Items
Charles Occasional
Tempo Two SeaterDark Brown Fabric
www.seconique.co.uk
Corona Panama Lollipop
Graham Harris - G eneral Manager Tom Mack ie Nor thern - S ales ManagerTERRITORY MANAGERS & SALES AGENTS
Watch our amazing film showingEasyLiving and a food stain simplywiping away.
www.manxcarpets.co.uk
TERRITORY MANAGER COVERED BY POST CODE CONTACT NUMBER EMAIL
Simon Hastings SL, WD, EN, CM, N, HA, NW, UB, E, IG, RM, SS, CO, 07799 772992 [email protected], LU, MK, SG, CB, IP, NR.
Rob Shergold SW, SE, EC, TW, DA, BR, KT, SM, CR, TN, GU, RH, BN, 07974 310952 [email protected], ME, PO, SO.
Paul Brown WR, DY, WV, B, WS, CV, NN, LE, PE. 07973 783532 [email protected]
John Binnie TD, DG, KA, ML, EH, PA, G, FK, KY, PH, DD, AB, IV, KW, 07976 844792 [email protected], HS.
Martin Yates SY, TF, LL, ST, CW, SK, CH, WA, L, M, WN, BL, OL, PR, 07778 260763 [email protected], IM, FY.
Gordon Ballantyne RG, SN, OX, GL, BS, BA, BH, DT, HR, NP, CF, LD, SA. 07976 641368 [email protected]
TBA LS, HX, HD, WF, DN, HU, S, DE, NG, LN. 07793 944160
John Pringle BD, HG, YO, LA, CA, DH, TS, SR, NE, DL. 07779 140781 [email protected]
Tony Owen (agent) TR, PL, TQ, GY, JE, EX, TA. 07971 362087
Norman Gray (agent) BT. 07860 495649home and fax 02890 794667
Natural shades & pinstripe is a refined tailored low level loop withan elegant understated appearance with colourations inspired by
the earth itself. Natural Shades has the ability to enhance the decorof any room creating a modern or classic setting. There is also thepotential to mix & match with Natural Plain Twist to create special
areas of interest.
Let your imagination run wild with CARNABY Multi Width Stripe 1m, 4m & 5man ideal choice that is cost effective and a more economic option for those narrow areas.
With 10 stunning colours from Light Creams to Seductive Reds, the Carnaby range is sure to suit any décor.
Come and have a look on our stand (Hall C stand C10)at the National Flooring Show this September.
W e n o w p r o v i d e aS A M P L E C U T T I N G S E R V I C E
C o n t a c t : 0 1 8 2 7 8 3 1 4 3 4t o o r d e r
WARRANTIES
www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk 15
QOne of my best customers is distraught at the damagethat has been done to her home while she was away.The family was on a six week holiday and had
arranged for what they thought were trustworthy people tohouse sit for them. However, when they arrived back homethey found that the house had been trashed. It’s obvious thatthe house-sitters had a very large party and there are winestains, beer stains,cigarette burns,paint, food stains,excrement stains,broken glass, andscratches on thecarpets, upholstery,beds, curtains andfurniture. Accordingto the neighbours,who complainedabout the noise, the party was held soon after the familywent away and they think the house-sitters left after that.Based on this, and the dates of the post, we think the stainshave been untreated for about five weeks. My customer iscovered by household insurance but some of the items havesentimental value. Is there anything that can be done afterthis length of time?
AOh dear, this really does sound like your worstnightmare. The key issue in these situations is not thelength of time that has elapsed, but whether any
attempt has already been made by the householders to try todeal with the damage themselves. This is particularly the casewith staining as general cleaning solutions might mix with thestains or spread them around further and people often rub thefabric rather than blotting which can damage the fibres.
Left in the hands of experts such as the Guardsman FurnitureTechnicians and Safeclean Cleaning Specialists this should be aredeemable situation. This is achieved either by individual stainremoval, expert overall cleaning, smart cosmetic repairs,replacement parts or workshop repairs.
These are all areas within our expertise and knowing howdistressing this situation must be, Guardsman would be happyto provide some of our technicians to take a look at yourcustomer’s treasured items and see what we can do to help.
Sponsored by
Your questionsansweredHelen Kershaw, Guardsman head of marketing,answers your questions on product protection
GREENWOOD RETAIL LTDBritain’s Leading Experts in Retail Sales Promotion
George House, 3 Royal Court, Tatton Street, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 [email protected] www.greenwoodretail.com
OPTIMISE YOUR NEXTBIG SALES EVENT…
“Fabulous sales of 27% of total turnover during thethree week event. Your people were very efficient
and did a great job. If you embrace the Greenwoodway, you get the results!”
James Pike, MD. Cookes Furnishings,Birmingham and Christchurch 2014
“We took 4 months business in 3 weeks! Themargins came out well, we cleared all the rubbishand the cash was useful too. Your rep worked very
hard and must be exhausted.”Tony Bourgaise, MD. Scope Furnishings
Jersey and Guernsey 2014
“We were sceptical… but wrong! The queue washuge. We even had a traffic jam. The event managerwas tremendously motivational, he worked tirelessly
and kept us going.”Martin Fairbairn, MD. Fairbairn’s
Berwick upon Tweed, 2014
Don’t wait for business to walk in the door. Dosomething to bring in crowds of eager customers.Trust Greenwood to help you realise the optimum
potential of your next big sales event.
Greenwood Sales continue to generate record-breaking results for all kinds of quality retailers,
all over the UK and Ireland.
Take a look at our website or call us now on 01565 650101, or, send an e-mail enquiry and we’ll
gladly call you back to discuss the excitingpossibilities and options we can offer you.
Don’t hire a sales company until you’ve spoken toGreenwood.
Greenwood has far more experience in UK andIrish retail sales events than any other sales
company of its kind.
We are now booking events right across the UK &Ireland for the rest of 2014 and early 2015 on a
first come – first served basis.
Book early to guarantee exclusive territory foryour business.
NEW PRODUCTS
16 Interiors Monthly August 2014
1 2
3
4
5
1 Avenue’s fast and simple
sample facility is a great way for
retailers to show they can offer
fantastic levels of service. With
up to three samples sent free of
charge to a customer’s home, a
rapport can be built, safe in the
knowledge that you will be the
first point of call when their
decision is made.
Visit: www.avenue
floors.co.uk
2 Available in four styles, Balta
Broadloom’s Big Hit is
presented in a powerful folder
that punches well above its
weight. In a striking yellow with
bold graphics, the Big Hit folder
can be hung next to the rolls for
maximum impact.
Tel: 00 32 5662 2211
3 T&R Floor Covering
Distributors’ Fusion Flooring
range has 11 wood plank
designs, spanning from Royal
White Oak to deep-toned Willow
Brown Oak and four stone tile
designs. All feature a bevel effect
on all four sides, which adds
depth and detail to the finished
look. To add further definition,
Fusion Grouting, Marquetry or
Feature Strips can be laid.
Tel: 0115 925 7711
4 Leoline has introduced a free
sample service on its website,
allowing retailers to offer service
to customers while maintaining
displays and sample books. The
company is building sample
stocks and up to three samples
can be ordered each time.
Visit: www.leoline.co.uk
5 Already a major supplier to the
domestic market, UK Flooring
Direct has launched a range of
offers and services exclusively
for trade customers to meet
growing demand from the
industry. Services include a
faster delivery service: now
down to less than 24 hours, and
access to an unlimited free
sample service.
Tel: 0844 327 0000 ���
Kingsmead CarpetsRelay Park, Relay DriveTamworth, B77 5PR. UK
Tel: +44 1827 831424Fax: +44 1827 831425
Come and visit our stand C13/27 to see the latestWool and Clean Easy Offers as well as the 'Cave' offering
discounts off regular and discontinued roll ends
Incorporating
NEW PRODUCTS
6 7
8
9
10
6 Kersaint Cobb’s Silk Touch is
made from bamboo fibres
and is divinely soft to the
touch. Bamboo fibre is prized for
its hypoallergenic qualities and
humidity regulating properties.
With its silky look and luxurious
underfoot comfort, it adds a
touch of elegance to any
bedroom.
Tel: 01675 430 430
7 Started in 2001 by Rosario
Parrinello, Made a Mano is based
in Caltagirone, Italy specialising in
working and processing clay and
lava stones. Lava stone doesn’t
change shape or deform with a
change in temperature. It doesn’t
retain impurities nor is it damaged
by the use of acids or abrasive
substances. It doesn’t stain and has
a high thermal performance.
Visit: www.madeamano.it
8 Sandringham Carpets has
added the long pile Palm Beach
to its Inspiration collection. It is
available in 2m, 3m, 4m, and 5m
widths and 12 shades, including
Rob Roy (pictured).
Tel: 020 8800 8880
9 Team 7 has updated its classic
Mobile range of childrens’ bedroom
furniture with more finishes.
Mobile’s chemical free natural wood
products have been a source of
trust, safety and fun in children’s
bedrooms for more than 30 years.
Visit: www.team7.at
10 Arketipo’s Miss Malice chair is
characterised by thin metal legs and
has a vintage look, especially when
covered in leather. The roundness
of the padded seat and back gives
a soft and cosy line to the chair.
Visit: Arketipo.com ���
18 Interiors Monthly August 2014
��������������� ������������������������������������������������������
�������������������� ���!�����!����������������"�#����������$��%�����������%���������������������&��%�""�%���� ������
"����!!�%���������$���!��� ���'���%�"������(�����#����������������
)��*��+�+�,,��-.�-�����!�/����������" %�"������ ����������" %�"
�����������"���������0�!�����
MoOD is organised by Textirama vzw,
Poortakkerstraat 90, BE-9051 Gent, Belgium
Phone +32 9 24 38 450 - fax +32 9 24 38 455
email: [email protected]
moodbrussels.com
twitter.com/moodbrussels
facebook.com/moodbrussels
International Trade Fair for Producers of
Upholstery, Window & Wall Coverings
Moving to the gorgeous
Hall 5, the Patio and Hall 8
The Finest Fabric Showis in Brussels,September 9 -10 -11, 2014
Contact Gareth Price • Tel: +44 (0) 7974 209761
www.LynchSales.co.ukCopyright 2014 Lynch Brothers Licensing Corporation
“The total sales for the event was £200k over what was budgeted for, and this was achieved thanks to the hard work of your sales co-ordinator, Mr. Ray Lewis, who again was outstanding and tireless in
his efforts to achieve a successful event.”Robert Chrystie
Chrysties Furnishing Centre, 30th May 2014
“This is the third event that you have managed for us, and indeed, we have used the competition
in the same industry. We will certainly be knocking on yours and Mark’s doors when we are ready
for the next event.”Andy Burgess
Furniture & Bedding Superstore, 30th May 2014
“I would like to thank you and your team for the superb job that you did in managing our closing down sale. The sale achieved results
substantially above my expectations and it was “mission accomplished”. This success was largely
due to the endeavors of your sale co-ordinator, Kevin Boast.”
Alex WyllieWyllie & Mar, 29th May 2014
Contact us for details and receive a special, 100th anniversary commemorative gift. Plus, if
you hold a Lynch Sale during 2014 you’ll become eligible for our Grand Prize of a trip for two
to Ireland!
100 Years of Results and Profits!
y , y
NEW PRODUCTS
20 Interiors Monthly August 2014
11 12
11 Axil’s Mythos bed combines round lines of the
headboard and the simplicity of the base. The
padded headboard and frame give a soft and visual
use. Leg finishes include ash, wenge, grey, white or
beige open-pore stained.
Visit: www.axil.it
12 Emporium’s polypropylene Drum floorlamp is
pearly white with a choice of red or blue decoration.
Visit: www.emporium.it
13 Softhouse’s wide Tobia sofa has enveloping and
seductive lines covered with dove-grey velvet, with
the shaped back increasing the feeling of welcome
and comfort.
Visit: www.softhouse.pisa.it
14 Seams is a collection of five large ceramic
containers designed by Benjamin Hubert for Bitossi
Ceramiche. Slip casting allows it to create mass-
produced products with one-off details without a
secondary decorating process.
Visit: www.bitossiceramiche.it
15 Influenced by the 1950s, Munna’s Sophia
sofa has a wingback design and cone-shaped feet
available in brass, nickel or copper. In fabric or
leather, the collection includes a coordinating
armchair.
Visit: www.munnadesign.com
13
14
15
Perfect performers and famous for bringing pure luxury,warmth and comfort to the home, Tredaire underlays are designed
to keep carpets looking good and feeling fabulous for longer.
The Tredaire range features outstanding levels of comfort and performance so every carpet gives that ‘on air’ feeling. That’s why Tredaire
is the UK’s biggest selling underlay brand - the market leader!
@interfloor101706 238 810 interfloor.com
RETAIL
22 Interiors Monthly August 2014
NofastbuckOnline retailing requiressignificant investment
‘There is a common misconception thatonline selling is an easy way to make afast buck, but the reality is quitedifferent. Retailing online is full ofcomplexities, regulations and difficultiesthat mean entering it must be seriouslyconsidered, weighed up and analysed,’says Josh Ashby, UK Flooring Directcommercial director.
The first thing to consider is thewebsite itself. The complex nature offlooring, where there are many differentselling options for one SKU, means thatpopular template-driven platforms aren’treally useful and so a bespokeecommerce environment needs to becreated. This requires significantinvestment, developing a platform and
systems to deliver the experience thecustomer requires is hugely expensive.
Ashby says one of the biggestobstacles to overcome is the tactility offlooring as purchase. Consumers like tobe able to see, touch and explore theactual product. Photographs are notadequate as a decision maker for mostpurchasers. Therefore, sampling is anecessity. The per unit cost of this issurprisingly high, particularly given thatfree sampling is part of the serviceconsumers expect and that squares ofwood or vinyl are not that cheap to post.
‘At UK Flooring Direct we offer eachcustomer three free samples, multiplythat by several thousand requests amonth and it becomes a sizeableoperational overhead, but a completelynecessary one to the success of thewebsite,’ he explains.
The Internet is a highly competitivemarketplace and it is becomingincreasingly difficult to maintain aprominent position on search results.Google is now too powerful for thesimple tag workarounds of old andsignificant investment is required to keepwebsites towards the top of the rankings,says Ashby.
Search Engine Optimisation nowinvolves multi-media, social media,blogging, working with other websitesand more. It requires full-time staffingand a dedicated strategy with firm goalsin mind. Plus, there are the costs ofonline advertising and digital marketing.There is no natural pull from a high street
Above: UK Furniture Direct sends outthousands of samples a monthLeft: Country Oak
RETAIL
www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk 23
or out of town retail development location: each customer has to be earnedand hard fought.
‘Delivery too is fraught withcomplexities and with our straight fromstock business model, which facilitatesfast UK-wide delivery, we hold hugeamounts of flooring at our Coventrywarehouse and headquarters. It isabsolutely necessary for us to hold ourflooring in stock, where a high streetretailer can still give a good customerexperience with very little, if any, stock atall,’ he says.
He stresses that delivery partners mustbe reliable. Unlike smaller packages,which can be left with a neighbour orredelivered, flooring requires someone to
be in. A purchaser may well take a day offwork, so a failed delivery must beavoided.
‘Working closely with delivery partnersand looking at areas that can beimproved is a continual part of ourbusiness strategy,’ says Ashby.
He reckons that regulations for onlineretailing are far tougher than for itsphysical counterpart.
The Distance Selling Regulationsenforce a minimum seven-day cooling-off period for any purchaser. The goodsdo not have to be faulty to be returned,consumers can just change their mindand the company is obliged to take theflooring back and refund them the costof their purchase.
‘How often does this happen in a highstreet or out of town store?’ he asks. ‘Weare also closely monitored in terms ofhow we present and advertise pricing,sales and more. In short, we have to bevery aware of how we present to andtreat our customers throughout theentire purchase process.
‘While we have become one of theUK’s fastest growing companies, it hasnot been just because we entered onlineretailing and have ridden the wave. It isbecause, like any successful business, wehave invested heavily in our operationsand are committed to reinvestment anddevelopment to keep us at the forefrontof Internet flooring retailing,’ adds Ashby.Visit: www.ukflooringdirect.co.uk
‘We have to bevery aware of how we presentto and treat ourcustomersthroughout theentire purchaseprocess’
Above: Holding stock is vital for the retailerRight: Galleria Heritage
Axminster Carpets™
feel for any interior décor.
SealyHybrid PocketUltima 2800
AWARDS
26 Interiors Monthly August 2014
Best Furniture Retailer (1-2 stores): PonsfordBest Flooring Retailer (1-2 stores): MilnersBest Furniture Retailer (3 plus stores): GlasswellsBest Flooring Retailer (3 plus stores): Martin Phillips Best Online Retailer: LoafBest UK Furniture Manufacturer: Westbridge Furniture Best UK Flooring Manufacturer: Furlong Flooring Best Overseas Furniture Manufacturer: WiemannBest Overseas Flooring Manufacturer: Balta BroadloomBest Customer Service (Furniture): TCS ImportsBest Customer Service (Flooring): Ulster CarpetsBest Carpet Manufacturer: Cormar Carpets Best Leather Upholstery Manufacturer: NatuzziBest Laminate Manufacturer: Quick-StepBest Fabric Upholstery Manufacturer: Ashley Manor Best Rug Supplier: Think RugsBest Recliner Manufacturer: EkornesBest Underlay Manufacturer: Ball & Young Best Bed Manufacturer: Sealy UKBest Solid/Engineered Wood Manufacturer: Kährs (UK) Best Luxury Vinyl Supplier: Karndean Designflooring Best Children’s Furniture: Gautier UK Best Vinyl Manufacturer: IVCBest Accessory Supplier: Gallery DirectBest Accessory Supplier (Flooring): InterfloorBest Fabric/Soft Furnishings Manufacturer: PrestigiousTextiles Best Bedroom Manufacturer: RauchBest Home Entertainment: Jual Furnishings
Best Living Room Manufacturer: G Plan Cabinets Best Dining Room Manufacturer: Willis & Gambier Best Furniture Buying Group: AISBest Flooring Buying Group: SMGBest Furniture Wholesaler: Julian BowenBest Flooring Wholesaler: Floorwise Group Best Marketing Support (Furniture): SilentnightBest Marketing Support (Flooring): Wools of New Zealand(UK) Best Furniture Exhibition: IMM Cologne Best Flooring Exhibition: The Flooring Show Best Furniture Website: SilentnightBest Flooring Website: BalterioBest Software Supplier: RetailSystem.com Best Finance Provider: CreationBest Supply Chain/Logistics Company: CEVA Logistics Best Business Support (Furniture): Vale-BridgecraftBest Business Support (Flooring): Flooring One Best New Supplier: ArkanaInnovation of the Year: Wool Owners WarrantyEDITOR’S CHOICEInnovation In Furniture: Re-Vive Recliner, Natuzzi Innovation In Flooring: iSense, Associated Weavers Flooring Brand 2014: BrintonsFurniture Brand 2014: Ercol Furniture Sustainability (Flooring): ModuleoSustainability (Furniture): HypnosOutstanding Performance: Adam Carpets Best Furniture Export Support: Polish Foreign Trade
After months of voting, the winners of the Interiors Monthly Awards 2014 have been decided.The companies listed below are among the finest retailers, manufacturers and suppliers in theinteriors industry. Over the following pages you can read more about the category winnerschosen by you, and some new Editor’s Choice awards. Covering all aspects of the industry, theyare united by their desire for excellence. Congratulations to all the 2014 winners.
AWARDS
www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk 27
Since Harry Ponsford opened a shop inthe front room of his house in theSheffield suburb of Heeley in 1893, thecompany has been family-owned.
‘Business is going from strength tostrength – the days of furniture stores arenot numbered in the face of onlinecompetition,’ saysAdrian Ponsford,Ponsford md andHarry’s grandson.
‘We own ourpremises and arefinancially sound.’
Ponsford covers60,000sqft and hastens of thousands ofproducts on display.
Adrian isparticularly proud of the care takenwith deliveries. All
products are unpacked and inspected –regardless of how good the packagingis – and then repacked in Ponsford’s ownpackaging. ‘I don’t want any complaints. I want customers to come away with agood feeling,’ he says.Visit: www.ponsford.co.uk
PonsfordBest FurnitureRetailer (1-2 stores)
GlasswellsBest FurnitureRetailer (3 plus stores)
Since Jerry Glasswell and his son Leslieopened the first Glasswells store in BurySt Edmunds in 1946, the Glasswells’philosophy has been to provide qualityfurniture through an amazing service, aservice that stands out from the crowdand one that is true and trusted.
Its flagship 100,000sqft Bury StEdmunds store is the largest homefurnishings store in East Anglia and it hasa large store in Ipswich and smallerstores in Haverhill and Saffron Walden.
Glasswells’ brands read like a Who’sWho of the furniture, flooring andhomewares sectors and the companyremains at the heart of the communitiesit serves by supporting local charitiessuch as East Anglian Air Ambulance andSt Nicholas Hospice.
The company has installed almost1,000 solar panels on the roof of the Bury
St Edmunds store in one of the largestrooftop solar PV installations in EastAnglia. ‘The panels should significantlyreduce the amount of electricity weconsume from the national grid. We haveanother large store in Ipswich and a76,000sqft warehouse on the east side oftown, which could both be consideredfor the same sort of thing in the future,’says Paul Glasswell, Glasswells md.
‘This is a large investment for thecompany, however, the long termbenefits to the environment and thereduction in our carbon footprint overthe next 30 years are certainly worth theinitial outlay. This venture identifiesGlasswells as a forward thinking,progressive and environmentallyresponsible organisation within EastAnglia,’ he adds.Visit: www.glasswells.co.uk
Glasswells through the ages
Ponsford covers 60,000sqft in two buildings
AWARDS
28 Interiors Monthly August 2014
Milners began selling from a van in 1991before opening a small store in theaffluent village of Ashtead, Surrey. Thecompany now sells curtains from thatstore with flooring and waterbeds soldfrom the larger premises across the road.
Last year the company marked the10th anniversary of it joining theGreendale buying group, and GarryMilner, Milners md, remains as convincedof the benefits of membership as he waswhen he joined.
‘All the staff are geared up to sellGreendale. You can’t go wrong really, it’sa debranded buying group and we’veonly got one other member close to usso it makes sense as we get a bettermargin. We choose to have quite a lot ofGreendale products but there are a lot
Martin PhillipsBest FlooringRetailer (3 plus stores)
LoafBest OnlineRetailer
In 1981 the lateMartin Phillipsopened his firstcarpet store inNewtownards,County Down.
There are now seven Martin Phillipsstores making it the largest independentflooring retailer in Northern Ireland.
In 2007 it opened a dedicated woodflooring and rug store in Newtownards tocomplement the carpets and vinylsalready sold there and also increased thewood flooring products in the other sixstores, which now also stock rugs.
Although Phillipspassed away in2006, his vision and commitment to customer service
continues. ‘Thanks to our staff we were still
able to implement the processes hecreated. We have been able to grow and develop the brand year-on-yearbecause we have recognised what our customers want and have reacted to it,’ says Donald Mercer, Martin Phillips md.Visit: www.martinphillipscarpets.co.uk
we don’t take if we don’t think it fits with the store. We are a mid to top endretailer, we’re not budget end. We start at£12.99 for our carpets and sell lots atover £50 a sqm.
‘Greendale is our largest supplier. Wedo well over £100,000 a year withGreendale, it’s grown every year since wejoined,’ he adds.Visit: www.milners.com
‘Following on from our enormoussuccess in the online market, we nowwant to establish a physical presence tocomplement our etail offer. While Loafhas experienced rapid sales growth yearon year since our 2008 start-up, we wantour customers to be able to interact withour growing range of products, whileretaining our unique approach toretailing,’ says Charlie Marshall, Loaffounder.
Online furniture and homewaresretailer Loaf is to target showrooms of4,000sqft – 12,000sqft as it looks for 10outlets in London and the South East.
The retailer wants to open fivebranches in ‘prominent south-west
London locations’ in the next three yearsand five more in the South East by theend of 2017.
It wants to uphold its reputation fornon-conformist retailing by setting upLoaf Shacks, breaking from thetraditional formal setting by launchinglarge, informal showrooms. ‘The LoafShacks will operate in a manner thatreflects our products: relaxed and easy-going, but without ever compromisingon the high quality standards that defineLoaf as a brand,’ he adds.
Marshall sold a minority stake in Loafto Monsoon founder Peter Simon inJanuary.Visit: www.loaf.com
Value is the central message in Martin Phillips’marketing
Milners’ Ashtead store
Souffle sofa
MilnersBest FlooringRetailer (1-2 stores)