The Furniture Awards returned at this year’s January Furniture Show, to single out the suppliers setting the pace in their respective fields. From daring designers to green giants, this year’s winners represent just what our industry is capable of …
The winner of the Global Player category this year was Wiemann.
With fluctuating prices and problematic supply chains still an issue, imports remain a difficult juggling act, and the Global Player category recognises the businesses that live and breathe it, and are able to demonstrate strength in product development, pricing and fulfilment, as well as an offer tailored to the unique tastes of the UK marketplace.
Wiemann – which was highly commended in this category in 2022 – boasts impeccable business credentials. Designing and making high-quality, attractive bedrooms in its native Germany, before deploying them through a proficient delivery and installation network, this supplier knows that customer service is key.
Last year saw Wiemann enjoy double-digit sales growth in the UK and Ireland, driven by new distribution, but with a focus on working with existing customers to build stronger repeat sales from the same floor space. Wiemann says the formula for its ongoing success is “producing top-quality, well-designed and appealing furniture, driving value for retailers, coupled with high-calibre customer service”.
While supply chain difficulties in many sectors hit the headlines throughout the year, Wiemann’s factory output was never an issue, says Simon Hewitt, MD of Wiemann’s agent for the UK and Ireland, Litmus Furniture. “This was thanks to the smart sourcing of raw materials and a spotlight on efficiency at the factory,” he says.
Wiemann is especially proud of its HDI (home delivery and installation) service, and a key focus in its success is its HDI capacity. The company has built this in partnership with its HDI providers, by optimising pockets of capacity and bringing on new providers where necessary. The result is an effective service which is held in high regard by its customers.
Litmus has enjoyed a successful 19-year partnership with the family-run German company, ensuring it remains not only contemporary and exacting in its products, but mindful of delivering outstanding customer service. Litmus is able to identify what works best in each territory, and has helped Wiemann grow market share through a network of strong sales agents and a mix of national and independent retail clients.
Wiemann launched four new collections at the show, as well as updating six favourites.
The judges said: “They design for specific markets, and they back it up. Wiemann are working in a lot of countries, and that means overcoming myriad logistical issues, and meeting so many different expectations. Here in the UK, their PoS and logistics are executed brilliantly – so many importers get that bit wrong, but Wiemann (and Litmus) manage to tick all the boxes. They have all their ducks in a row, consistently exceeding expectation, while growing demand.”
Read more about this year's award winners in the March issue of Furniture News, here.
