One thing is for sure, the industry will continue to evolve – it always has done! When I started, the industry was more focused on manufacturing. This has changed over the years, but I, and many others involved in the Furniture Makers, believe that manufacturing levels will increase once again, as global conditions and comparative advantage shifts. ekonglong elegent office sofa

 

The challenge for the whole industry is to be ready for this change and to focus now on training and skills so that we are more competitive globally. Consumers will always buy furniture, tastes will change quickly, and demand for quality products will always remain high. The industry has to stay sharp, respond to these changes and understand it is our duty to develop and never accept the status quo.

 

How can retailers increase sales and profitability?

 

As ever, the consumer is king. Any retailer or designer who can’t respond to what the consumer wants, or influence what they want through clever marketing, will struggle. That’s never changed.

 

The British furniture industry has a great opportunity to increase margins by focusing on design and using designers to market furniture. Fashion has been doing this for many years, using fashion shows and well-known designers to push boundaries that are then marketed to consumers and brought into the mainstream. This adds value to the industry and keeps demand high, as people look to keep up with trends. The Furniture Makers has recognised the importance of design with the introduction of our Design Guild Marks. Changes to the IP laws might also help – giving designers more protection for their work and encouraging investment in design.

 

For retailers it’s really important to focus on service as a differentiator and a profitability generator.