Sarah is the owner and lead buyer at famed Macclesfield furniture and interiors independent, Arighi Bianchi. Representing the fourth generation of the Bianchi family to run the 170-year-old business, Sarah has worked there for 25 years. She was promoted to CEO in 2021, whereupon she embarked on a five-year plan to enhance shopper experience and truly cement the brand’s legacy.
How might a child describe what you do?
That I work with my family and friends in a life-size dolls house! Our historic store features an iconic facade with large Italianate glass windows, and is a stand-out landmark in the North West.
What’s the biggest long-term challenge you face?
Continually adapting to changing consumer behaviours and expectations, driven by advancements in technology and shifts in lifestyle preferences.
If you had 10 x your working budget, what would you spend it on?
We’ve recently implemented a new vision and strategy for the business, so it would be doing everything we’re doing now to achieve this vision – just lots more of it! The consumer journey is not linear and there are more influences on decision-making than ever before, so it’s about maintaining a consistent experience across all platforms and consumer touchpoints, which needs budget.
What would be the title of your autobiography?
‘What Ted taught me about leadership’. Before joining the family business, I was private secretary to the Rt Hon Edward Heath.
What does ‘work/life balance’ mean to you?
It’s about believing that success in one area should not come at the expense of the other, but rather both can be achieved in tandem.
Who’s been your most influential professional mentor?
My dad, who was head of our business for many years. His work ethic and ability to make every customer and member of staff feel valued is something I’ve admired, and that I try to replicate.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Stay true to your values and maintain your integrity – ethical behaviour and authenticity will always earn you respect and trust in both your personal and professional life.
What’s been your best day in business to date?
It’s hard to name one, but I recently attended an International Women’s Day event in Beverley Hills alongside global consumer expert Kate Hardcastle, aka The Customer Whisperer. It was an honour to be in the same room as some of Hollywood’s most inspiring women, and I took lots of learnings from listening to their experiences.
What’s the biggest myth about our industry?
That buying furniture is all about the product and price – it’s not. It’s about the retail experience and customer engagement.
What should everyone in our industry either stop or start doing?
We need to start putting lots more focus on sustainable practices throughout the sector to drive real change, not just greenwashing.
Where do you see the industry going in the next 5-10 years?
Growth may be challenging, and slower than in previous years, but I’m confident that industry will grow again.
What question do you wish we’d asked? How would you have answered?
Q. Do you think being an independent, family-owned-and-run business has helped your business’ continued success?
A. Overall yes, because we have maintained strong values and respect throughout our commercial ups and downs. Having these values at the heart of what we do has outweighed any of the ‘downsides’ of being family run.
Catch Sarah when she joins the panel for the The Women in Furniture Network (WIFN) Celebrate Success event at the January Furniture Show (21st January at 5:30pm, at the Social Studio in Hall 2).
