Staying calm under pressure is sound advice for any business. For this year’s Best of British feature, we asked several industry spokespeople why buying British continues to appeal to consumers despite the challenging economy, and what makes them hopeful for the sector’s future.
Key themes emerge. Quality. Reliability. Assurance. Flexibility. Innovation. All qualities which any supplier or retailer must look to impart when times are hard.
At the heart of all this is the product. In July’s issue, trend forecaster Shelley Bou Chrouch explains that consumers are (understandably) cautious about making big purchases right now, so a retailer’s product portfolio needs to exude confidence – while Clare Bailey explains why retailers need to get better at managing the ranges they stock, rather than being managed by them.
There’ll be another chance to evolve that offer as the Manchester Furniture Show returns from 5-6th July. You’ll find our preview here, plus reasons why the Women in Furniture Network session should not be missed.
We’ve also interviews with The Cotswold Company’s Ralph Tucker, Bensons’ Carrie Westwell and Harvey Norman’s Lachlan Roach, while Greg French brings Spain’s Kave Home to Redbrick and Staingard marks its 20th anniversary.
Natalia Samodina suggests how to build supply chain resilience in the face of foam shortages, and Tim Hudson reveals what it takes to really understand the product you’re selling.
We’ll reveal the winners of this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards in August’s issue, and hope to see you in Manchester in the meantime.
Until then, keep calm, carry on, and enjoy the read.
