At May Design Series, Gallery Direct dropped a bombshell – its purchase of long-established High Wycombe bed manufacturer Frank Hudson, and the release of the new Hudson Living brand. The response has been warm – but what does former Frank Hudson director James Hudson – now the business development director of Gallery Direct’s furniture business – think of the development?
Where did the idea for the sale originate, and how did it develop?
The idea for the sale of Frank Hudson came from my brother Tim and myself as we were at a crossroads with our business. We were at a stage where we had taken the company as far as we could with the resources of a traditional family business. Being aware that the brand of Frank Hudson could be taken to new heights with concerted marketing and sales effort, it was obvious that more investment was required to promote this fantastic brand.
The actual sale to Gallery Direct came about through an introduction via an agent. Once we met, we knew it was the perfect fit for both businesses because of the common values we both hold.
How does the brand tie in with the existing Gallery ethos?
Perfectly, as both brands are very much design-led, have great customer service and are passionate about furnishing homes with fashionable quality products.
Please break down how the different areas of Frank Hudson will be branded within Gallery Direct
We have a range of quality brands that offer variety and choice to our independent, national and international clients. Gallery Home will be the main brand within our mid-tier, with Hudson Living, Gallery Home and two additional new brands that will be launched in September making up our core catalogue.
Frank Hudson will remain our top tier, with a focus on the expansion of our furniture range for both retail and contract markets. Special volume-related lines will make up the value proposition.
Tell us more about Hudson Living
Hudson Living is a new brand that was launched shortly after Gallery bought Frank Hudson. The idea of Hudson Living is to offer the Frank Hudson experience to a larger customer base by offering a wider choice of styles and products and being more affordable, whilst maintaining the high quality standards.
“Being aware that the brand of Frank Hudson could be taken to new heights with concerted marketing and sales effort, it was obvious that more investment was required to promote this fantastic brand”
What was the biggest fear existing stockists voiced, and how have you overcome it?
None of Frank Hudson’s customers have voiced fear over the purchase by Gallery, and have fully embraced the offer of a complete home furnishing proposition from a great company well respected for the whole package of service, design and great quality and value at all price levels.
What changes does it mean for you personally, on a day-to-day level?
The change for me is that I’m living the dream – I’m passionate about furniture and home interior design, and the thrill of taking a concept through to reality and seeing it selling well in stores is fantastic. Although I had the same role as an owner, I also had all the distractions of running the business as well – now I get to do the exciting part of the job all the time.
I’m also very proud to be heading up the furniture side of the business, and we are working towards a very exciting launch of a whole new concept across the board next year – just watch this space, as new developments will be shown at the furniture show at the NEC in January, with fantastic designs coming through on all fronts of the business.
I’m very lucky to be part of a great team with loads of talent in so many areas – Gallery are the company to watch.
This interview was published in the September issue of Furniture News magazine.
