Ready to refresh and revamp your furniture sales team? In this article, industry training specialist Adam Hankinson (Furniture Sales Solutions) dives into how to size up their training and development needs so that what you teach is right for them – and for your customers … If you’re a furniture retailer, how should you begin to create a training needs analysis framework that grows your team, and your sales ..read more

The John Lewis Partnership, which comprises Waitrose and John Lewis, has reported a return to profit, publishing its unaudited results for the 52 weeks ended 27th January 2024. Following a "challenging" set of results in 2022/23, profit before tax and exceptional items was £42m, a £120m improvement on the prior year loss of £78m. Improvement was achieved through a combination of sales growth, gross margin rate improvement and sustainable productivity improvements. PBT was £56m, up from a loss of £234m in 2022/23.  ..read more

The Furniture Awards returned at this year’s January Furniture Show, to single out the suppliers setting the pace in their respective fields. From local leaders to innovative importers, this year’s winners represent just what our industry is capable of ..read more

ADP Distribution is a family-run company based in the West Midlands, which boasts over 50 years' combined specialist experience in the visual merchandising industry ..read more

Social enterprise and luxury mattress manufacturer Glencraft has signed its first retail partner contract in North America. The contract, expected to yield Glencraft an annual six-figure turnover, has been secured with Inform Interiors, a high-end furniture retailer based in Canada.  Established in 1963, Inform Interiors is a family-run furniture, lighting and home accessories retailer which supplies furnishings from an array of global manufacturers. Inform Interiors will showcase Glencraft’s Sovereign and Heritage mattresses, as well as its range of mattress toppers ..read more

Sleepeezee has launched a new uniform for its staff in commemoration of the company’s 100th anniversary. As Sleepeezee marks its centennial milestone, the introduction of new staff uniforms symbolises "the company’s dedication to embracing the future while honouring its rich heritage", says the bedmaker.  ..read more

PwC has launched its latest figures for stores opening and closing across Great Britain, using research undertaken by the Local Data Company. The biannual report tracks over 200,000 outlets in over 3500 locations to gain a picture of the changing landscape of high streets, shopping centres, retail parks, and other out-of-town areas ..read more

Barker and Stonehouse is trialling a prototype hydrogen delivery vehicle, as it continues its commitment to reducing its emissions above and beyond its own carbon footprint. Barker and Stonehouse is a Carbon Neutral Plus company, a status it achieved in April 2021 – the first UK furniture retailer to receive this certification. Its new hydrogen delivery vehicle emits zero emissions and is highly energy efficient, marking the retailer’s first step in introducing a more environmentally friendly delivery service ..read more

Fabb Furniture will open its first Nottingham store this Friday (15th March), on Castle Marina Retail Park.  The store, the retailer’s 22nd nationwide, represents the partnership debut of Fabb Furniture and Bensons For Beds ..read more

Arlo & Jacob is planning to open a new showroom in Solihull this spring.  The business, which has its roots in the East Midlands, where it makes a range of sofas, chairs, footstools and tables, operates showrooms across London, Marlow, Bristol, Harrogate, Wilmslow, Guildford and Ely, with a curated display at its creative HQ and workshop in Melbourne. Now, the furniture brand is looking to serve more of its West Midlands customers with a physical store in Solihull’s Mell Square ..read more