The Libra Company is a designer, importer and wholesaler of one of the largest collections of interior design accessories, homewares, giftware, lighting, furniture and wall decor across Europe. Victoria Noakes takes a closer look at the aims of the business ...
New owner Paul McLaughlin’s parents Joe and Christine McLaughlin established The Libra Company in 1972, with the journey beginning on a three year trip across the globe to India. Since then, the business has evolved over the years to become one of the most established names in the furniture and homewares industry.
Libra’s main aim is to inspire its customers through passion, knowledge and design. It designs and sources strikingly-crafted, premium quality products for select retail and contract environments.
“Our experienced team of sales professionals are armed with all the knowledge and expertise required to help guide and inform our customers in choosing the right product assortment for their project or retail space. Our strengths lie in our core values – quality, innovation and service,” says Paul.
“With more than 1200 products in our repertoire – from votive holders to dining sets – we believe we have one of the most diverse collections of high quality interior design accessories, homeware, giftware, lighting, furniture and wall decor in the UK.”
Libra designs as much as possible in-house and works with some of Britain’s most talented designers to create collections which can’t be found elsewhere. The themes it creates enable its customers to buy into collections and to recreate these settings in their projects or retail spaces.
The company had several major achievements in 2015, including the implementation of a new software system which manages all aspects of stock control and wider business, the launch of its new website, the refurbishment of its 800 sqm Cambridge-based showrooms and the launch of three new product themes.
Libra also opened its first retail concept shop – featuring three Libra themes in 70m² within premium furniture retailer Dansk in Benfleet, Essex – and expanded its VIP club to incorporate more than 200 retail customers.
Libra will bring its Stately Study, Blue Room, Manoir, Farmhouse, Empire and Nordic themes to the January Furniture Show, encompassing eye-catching lounge, dining and office furniture with complementary lighting and decorative accessories. 100 new products will be launched at the show, and all products can be delivered within two weeks of the exhibition.
“Historically at this show we have met lots of furniture retailers looking for ways to drive turnover within their stores. Libra is a one-stop shop for unusual accent pieces, wall decor and lighting to complement most traditional or modern furniture collections. We hope to continue to convert these valuable prospects like these into customers,” states Paul.
“In addition we hope to take lots of orders from existing customers and to take advantage of the positive PR and marketing opportunities available at the show. And hopefully to have some fun whilst doing it! We’ve been longstanding supporters of a January Furniture event at the NEC, as it’s positioned in the right place at the right time for serious retailers.”
Looking ahead, Libra plans to further establish its brand within the contract and interior design sectors, whilst continuing to inspire its existing customers and maintaining the strong product offering it is known for.
