A far eastern based furniture factory has made the move into the UK wholesale market. The business had previously supplied UK wholesalers since 2008 directly from its 12 factories in Northern China. However last year, bosses at the company recognised the need for a shake up in the market and severed its links with all its UK wholesale partners. Instead, the company will begin to deal directly with retailers.
Interface, Milikan, Amtico, to name just a few, did the same a few years ago. Only difference is, the middle men, were us !
The recession plus big boys going direct nearly blew me out too.. I've survived it but had to go back on my knees for the last 4 years just to feed the family... When I was aloud to sell on this forum (thanks Matt) it's put faith back into wholesale for me.. Problem is now I've diversified a lot and been asked to supply other things too. Mopeds and now garden furniture for next year, Rattan garden furniture..lol
Mario, dyou mind me asking the name of the furniture company? Unfortunately the whole uk market has been put to its knees by the consumer. For years the UK has been regarded as having some of the finest tradesmen/cabinet makers/upholsterers etc but due to the lure of cheaper alternatives from china we have lost our way. The consumer only sees the value of their purchase on the day not all considering the bigger picture of a decline in UK production.
You're right mate, it's all our doing.. I now have certain customers that are desperate for door bars that have more guts to it as they did 5>8 years ago.. but can't source any anywhere... Which company are you talking about? the first post or second that I made
I've just been reading about in cabinet maker. The second story unfortunately is all too common in the magazine this past 4-5 years.
Mid to upper end. We cover the whole house from the flooring to curtains, blinds, beds, bedroom furniture, dining and suites. We try as much as possible to buy from UK manufacturers but in some cases its just not possible. If you do search for House To Home Furnishers on facebook you'll see the shop, not a huge shop but its fine for us
We are working on a site just now, unfortunately because we're so usy with fitting I'm not a chances to sit and go through the progress with the builder. Not a huge Facebook fan myself but I accept it is now part of society and that's why we put a page together. We struggle with folk predetermining what we sell and won't even come in and find out for themselves, so at least with the Facebook page and the site to follow folk will get the chance to see what we offer and maybe give us the chance for their next job.
