As the January Furniture Show – taking place between 24-27th January at the Birmingham NEC – gears up for 2016 with plans in place for a bigger and better show, nothing speaks more than word-of-mouth recommendations when it comes to declaring a show a success.
The inaugural event, which took place last January, featured over 300 British and international furniture brands, offering retailers, buyers and commercial specifiers a mix of cabinet, upholstery, furnishings and beds.
“The reaction to our first show was overwhelming,” says organiser Theresa Raymond. “We couldn’t have hoped for a better outcome – but don’t just take our word for it! The feedback we received from our visitors, plus our exhibitors, just proves we did something right in keeping a furniture show at the NEC, in the traditional January time slot.”
According to the organiser, many visitors agreed that there had been an improvement in the show’s atmosphere along with the quality of the exhibitors and their stands. “It was lively, upbeat and well attended with a wonderful range of exhibitors,” commented Alan Brooks of Clements, while Penny Craze of Fairway Furniture stated: “The whole show had a great feel and a new buzz about it. All the new stands were brilliant and actually raised the whole level of the show.”
Royce Clark of Grampian Furnishers commented: “This year’s show was like a breath of fresh air with a great mix of products. It’s the busiest I’ve experienced for years, if anything some stands were just too busy.”
Jane Isaac of Home Inspirations felt “it’s the must ‘go-to’ show to see the latest designs and trends.” Maxim Carter of Wayfair said: “The January Furniture Show is back!” Gordon Gurr of Westlite added: “Based on the success of 2015, we are backing the 2016 show!”
Exhibitors were also keen to offer positive feedback. George McGraw, joint MD of Morris Furniture Group, said: “It has probably been our best show for quite a number of years. It’s been well attended and I think there has been a better quality of exhibitor than we have seen for a while. We’re delighted with it.”
“The January Furniture Show is a major event for the furniture industry,” said Sarah Mitchell of Buoyant Upholstery, with Denise Bailey of Lifestyle Outlet agreeing that it was “a comprehensive show for any retailer”.
There was also praise for the new team behind the event. Lesley Brockbank of Francis of Malvern said: “It’s a very friendly show where everyone has the time to help.” Sara Drysdale of Kiplingcotes Furniture added: “It had a better atmosphere than previous shows and better organisation.” Iain Race of Holmes & Race commented: “It was friendly and relaxed. A great professional job.”
Many exhibitors were also in support of the new management. Paul Islip of Westbridge Furniture Designs thought the show was “well organised and smoothly run”, while Paul James of Origin Red Furniture believed that “first-class organising and marketing of the event ensured this show is rightly placed in the furniture buyers’ calendar.” Many exhibitors reported their best sales in years.
Theresa concludes: “Support from the industry has been integral to the success of the all-new January Furniture Show, and it’s been clear the trade wants to be at the NEC in its traditional timeslot. If the feedback is anything to go by, it looks likely that 2016 will be another great year for the January Furniture Show."
