This year’s Manchester Furniture Show (MFS) saw rustic/reclaimed cabinet specialist Taylors Creative Living launch a supply partnership with Wilde Java, supplier of statement home accessories – providing customers in Scotland with a cost-effective route to stocking their complementary pieces. Furniture News sat down with Taylors’ Michael Taylor and Wilde Java’s Phill Jones at the show to find out more …
How was MFS for you?
Michael: It was good from the perspective of the tie-in with Wide Java, which really elevated the look of the stand. We enlisted Callie Bridson Designs to pull the whole thing together, which paid dividends, and we picked up a few very good new accounts.
How were your new products received?
Michael: We were delighted that the Wilde Java collaboration created both interest and sales. Also Malvern, a new parquet collection from India, was greatly admired – even though we just had four pieces on the stand due to a container being stuck at sea! We’re working with a fantastic factory, which made these pieces in just five days so we could make the airfreight deadline ahead of the show. We’ll be adding bedroom pieces soon.
Why did you decide to partner up?
Michael: We’ve been friends for many years so it made the discussion process very easy, but essentially for two reasons. The look of Wilde Java’s product ties in beautifully with ours – both our slightly rustic and soft industrial ranges – and will help sales for both companies, and retailers can easily put together some very nice looks on their show floors. Secondly, logistics in Scotland are very easy for us and more difficult for Wilde Java, due to the MOQs – delivering a dozen vases to Inverness is difficult from middle England, but pairing those orders with ours makes it achievable.
Phill: Partnering with Taylors will definitely help grow Wilde Java in Scotland. We’ve known and respected each other for years, so when we discovered that they wanted to add accessories to their collection, it seemed a no-brainer.
What does this mean for your customers? How do they benefit?
Michael: As we’ll be holding stock in Scotland there’s literally no minimum order size, and lead times for Scottish customers will be significantly reduced.
Phill: It means Scottish retailers will be able to stock Wilde Java products with even greater confidence. Anyone interested should contact either of us to find out more.
Are statement accessories in particularly high demand right now?
Michael: We think so. We certainly took orders for them at the show, and will be looking to expand this market further with new and existing customers. I’ve learned that, during difficult times, people are happy to spend smaller amounts of money to put something nice into their homes which friends and family will talk about.
Phill: Wilde Java products don’t particularly lend themselves to online selling. Now, even more bricks-and-mortar retailers can stock our collections, safe in the knowledge that they’re not being discounted online, and ensuring our customers earn the right margin.
Why don’t more suppliers work together in this manner?
Michael: You’d have to ask them! The industry has seen some very good partnerships in the past … but I suppose smaller companies can be more nimble. Personally, we’re always looking to make new friends and contacts.
Phill: I don't think it’s a normal occurrence, and I wouldn't say it’s easy. In our case, it has come about slowly, through many, many conversations – but I’m looking forward to seeing where it goes!
Pictured: Taylors’ Manchester stand, complete with Wilde Java statement accessories
