With coronavirus throwing China’s influence into stark relief, we look at the possible ramifications for the furniture industry in this month’s issue.
Meanwhile, ‘The Customer Whisperer’ Kate Hardcastle warns that the trade’s marketing activity has fallen short of its potential, creating a disconnect between business and consumer – and suggests what to do about it.
Yet there’s plenty of examples of businesses that have seized the initiative. As part of our extensive January Furniture Show review, we celebrate the winners of The Furniture Awards 2020, cover star Westbridge recounts its star turn, and At The Helm explains the thinking behind its show-stopping display.
Our lead interview is with Heal’s chief upholstery buyer, Kris Manalo, who explains how the iconic retailer shifted its focus upon realising it was lacking Millennial appeal. “Like all good retail, it comes down to listening to your customers,” she notes.
It’s also vital to know your numbers, and we’ve some juicy metrics in the form of an exclusive state of play courtesy of the Furniture Industry Research Association, plus an expanded monthly product sales survey.
