JJO
plc Brings its Bedroom Range Under the Colonial Banner
J&J
Ormerod PLC
(JJO plc), the independent UK manufacturer of quality bedrooms and kitchens,
has revealed that it has brought its Stately Bedroom range under the Colonial
brand. This will mean that the Colonial brand now includes JJO plc's top-end
kitchen and bedroom ranges, while its entry-level kitchen range remains
under the eco brand.
To
mark this change, JJO plc has launched a new Book of Bedrooms, a brochure
that illustrates the full range of quality bedrooms the company has to
offer. The brochure is an easy-to-use bible, and includes a quick reference
guide at the rear which details and illustrates each design and colourway
enabling customers to easily find the look they are searching for. The
Colonial Bedroom range has something to suit every taste, from the traditional
to the contemporary and everything in between. The collection can also
be found online at http://www.jjoplc.com.
‘Our philosophy is to make it simple for our customers, and it had
become apparent that the Stately brand didn't have the brand awareness
that Colonial has achieved, therefore it made sense to move forward with
just the two brands - Colonial and eco,’ said Richard Proctor, Sales
Director, JJO plc. ‘We want to stick to this branding structure,
so any further product ranges we bring on will fall under either one or
the other.’
The Colonial Bedroom range is manufactured to the highest standards with
an 18mm carcass and is available in a wide range of wardrobe, drawer and
cupboard options including stable doors, four sizes of corner wardrobes,
angled or diagonal corner robes and an L-shaped corner cabinet for planning
flexibility. A range of internal accessories, including internal drawers
and shelves, maximises the use of available storage space. Glass and mirror
wardrobes are available in all finishes which, together with a choice
of cornices, pelmets and pilasters, creates a very personal space.
Colonial Bedrooms retail pricing starts at £185 incl. VAT for a
300mm wardrobe and £84 incl. VAT for a 200mm bedside cabinet in
Ascot and Melford.
JJO plc is a corporate member of the KBSA (Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialist
Association), a long term member of ASFI (Association of Suppliers to
the Furniture Industry) and a supporter of FIRA (Furniture Industry Research
Association).
For further information please contact JJO plc directly on 01706 877877
or alternatively email Natalie Peters on npeters@jjoplc.com.
Mattress
Manufacturer Komfi Supports Stockists by Launching First Consumer Catalogue
Yorkshire-based
mattress manufacturer Komfi has launched
its first consumer catalogue to promote the company's full range of sleep-related
products and generate more business for stockists.
Komfi
is best known for producing luxury memory foam mattresses and pillows.
However, the company also supplies products that complement the whole
sleep experience and these are all featured in the catalogue. They include
innovatively designed bed bases, high quality bed linen and top-of-the-range
duvets.
Rather than seeing the introduction of a catalogue as a threat to revenues,
current Komfi stockists support its introduction because its effect is
to both enhance brand awareness and drive footfall into retail outlets.
Komfi general manager Sara Crawford explained: 'We have worked very closely
with our stockists to ensure that the catalogue provides them with distinct
benefits. Consumers who contact us can buy direct, but we are recommending
that they try out our products first - especially the mattresses - at
their local stockist.
'Before launching the catalogue we also established that our stockists
would be able to sell every product displayed at prices lower than those
in the catalogue whilst still maintaining a healthy margin. We have had
a very good response to our initial mailing of 15,000 catalogues which
is already producing mutually beneficial results.'
The 28 page oversized A4 catalogue contains information on mattresses,
children's beds, storage solutions, adjustable beds, iron beds, pillows,
linen, travel and healthcare products and nightwear.
Sara continued: 'By thinking laterally, we have been able to use a direct
sales tool to provide a tangible benefit to our stockists. We have developed
an innovative marketing strategy for Komfi that is focused on both enhancing
consumer brand awareness and establishing more stockists - the catalogue
is the first of many tactics that will help us achieve those objectives.'
Komfi is a division of the GNG Group, a manufacturer and worldwide distributor
of a wide range of foam based products. Established in 2003, Komfi employs
35 people and has a turnover of £3m. The company operates from a
purpose built 25,000 sq ft office and manufacturing facility located near
Leeds. For further information visit http://www.komfi.com.
Bedroom
Furniture Market - UK 2006
AMA
Research has published its latest review ofthe 'Bedroom Furniture
Market - UK 2006' report. The report is informed, comprehensive and up-to-date,
and represents an aid to sales and marketing professionals involved in
the industry.
The report analyses the principle product sectors, market size, key trends
and influences, product mix, market shares, and distribution channels.
Emphasis is given to both quantitative and qualitative assessments ofmarket
developments - with interpretation of relevant data to support key trends
and to provide a basis for extrapolating future prospects.
This 80+ page report is available now and is priced at £595.
Summary:
The Bedroom Furniture sector accounts for just over 13% of the overall
furniture market with an approximate value in 2005 of £508 million.
Forecasts over the next 4 years estimate fluctuating annual increases
of between 1-2% to reach a value of £536 million in 2007. The following
chart illustrates the development of the bedroom furniture sector in recent
years:-
The
table illustrates that the bedroom furniture market has grown since 1999,
although the market has struggled in 2004 and 2005. Lower levels of consumer
confidence, a weakening economic climate, a slowdown in the housing market
and higher interest rates have all contributed to the poor performance
of the sector, as well as the fact that a number of key manufacturers
and distributors have vacated the market in the last two years.
The bedroom furniture market has also failed to benefit from increased
RMI activity in the same way as the kitchen and bathroom markets have,
and while some increase in spending has filtered through to this sector,
the bedroom is not seen as such an important room as the kitchen or bathroom
for renovation activity.
The level of imports has increased substantially in recent years and they
now account for well over half the market. This increase has significantly
affected the performance of the market due to their lower value, which
has restricted overall market growth. The increase in new entrants to
the homewares retail market offering flat-pack products has also affected
value growth.
The furniture market is very responsive to swings in consumer confidence,
changes in disposable income and to activity in the housing market. Due
to the deferrable nature of big-ticket items such as bedroom furniture,
there is often a lengthy replacement cycle, with purchases often seen
as non-essential and delayed during periods of financial uncertainty.
The bedroom furniture market continues to be dominated by the freestanding
sector, with market share remaining constant and estimated at just under
75% in 2005. The fitted sector accounts for around 25%, but continues
to be constrained by pricing pressures and is driven by activity in the
housing sector. In addition, with the growth o fmodular furniture ranges,
a blurring between the two markets is occurring.
Household penetration levels of fitted bedroom furniture were estimated
to be around 14% in 2005, with forecasts expecting a steady rise to reach
around 17% in 2009. The trend towards smaller new builds in the housing
sector and the shrinking size of bedrooms, requires a greater emphasis
on space-saving storage solutions, which will also benefit the overall
market.
The self-assembly sector has gained share in recent years with the rapid
expansion of IKEA, and the growing significance of Argos, as suppliers
in this sector. A rapid increase in the level ofimports has also benefited
the self-assembly market, with the majority of imports into the UK made
up of this type of furniture.
In recent years the use of the bedroom has changed from a place for sleeping
into a multi-purpose roomjused for both working and relaxing. In particular
many second or third bedrooms have been changed to incorporate a home
office facility, and some bedroom ranges now incorporate dual use furniture
that can be used for both storage and office use.
The majority of bedroom furniture is now offered in contemporary styles,
at the expense of more traditional furniture. Some ranges of traditional
furniture have been updated with contemporary features such as modem handles
in an effort to compete. Light woods and veneered finishes remain popular,
while the pine market has witnessed further decline.
There has been significant activity within the supply and distribution
sector with a number of key companies ending their activities within the
bedroom furniture market. Silentnight has sold off its bedroom furniture
arm; Durham Pine and Stag Furniture have been placed in administration.
Leading suppliers to the bedroom furniture market include MFI, Homeform
Group and Hammonds.
The distribution sector has also witnessed a high level of corporate activity,
with major suppliers such as Courts and Furnitureland going into administration.
Furniture Multiples continue to dominate the overall distribution sector
while the growth of companies such as Argos within the market has seen
the share of catalogue retailers increasing.
The future performance of the market will be dependent on a number of
factors including the performance of the housing market, interest rates,
the future level of imports and general levels of consumer confidence.
Tel: 01242 235724
Email: sales@amaresearch.com
Web: http://www.amaresearch.co.uk
Arlington
- The Lifestyle Centre
After
family run business Arlington International Agencies
achieved success in kitchens, the company was sought out to represent
Driftmeier bedrooms as exclusive UK agents, for new product ranges including
ADA upholstery, Hummelt living furniture and Brinkmann media furniture.
Retailers will now be able to create a complete Arlington Lifestyle Centre
for their customers - and reap the benefit of a complete service. And
all with the same renowned levels of support and service retailers have
come to expect from the company.
‘I feel that we now have the perfect mix at Arlington offering the
highest quality of products at great value prices’ enthuses Barry
Abrahams, Managing Director of the Arlington Group, ‘We feel the
way to succeed in current conditions is to employ the lifestyle concept,
offering a wide product range catering for many rooms in the house ensures
retailers can stay buoyant whatever the market conditions, all of the
products transcend age barriers and appeal to the interior specialists,
specifiers and enthusiasts alike’
Tel: 0113 2323233
Email: info@arlingtondirect.co.uk
Web: http://www.arlingtondirect.co.uk
Blum's
'Quality of Motion' Moves to the Bedroom and Beyond
The BLUMOTION system from Blum ensures
that even when slammed hard the frontals automatically brake at about
80mm from closed and then gently glide shut. The reaction from consumers,
when first encountering these closing actions, has been phenomenal - they
have become a ‘must-have’ feature in any kitchen.
Kitchen
manufacturers from high end bespoke practitioners to the multiple chains
have universally adapted the system as can be testified to by ‘soft
close’ being highlighted as a central selling point in advertising
campaigns on national television!
‘BLUMOTION which now joins its established sister products like TANDEMBOX
and CLIP top hinges once again is generally acknowledged as setting the
industry trend to the extent that many similar products in these categories
are asked for by consumers as ‘Blum’.’ Says the company.
‘It has become inevitable that Blum would start receiving enquiries
about these products being included in other furniture types - mainly
bedroom, living room and office. Indeed Blum already supplies to an increasing
number of forward thinking manufacturers in these non-kitchen sectors
and anticipates that the trend will only increase.’
While the bulk of kitchens utilise fully extending drawers (for ease of
access) Blum are conscious of the fact that certain cabinets do not lend
themselves to the same applications (a freestanding piece could potentially
topple over if loaded drawers extend beyond the cabinet). Blum has therefore
introduced a dedicated range of single (2/3rds) extension runners, with
a specially adapted version of BLUMOTION controlled close mechanism incorporated.
These can be used with solid timber, MDF or chipboard drawers (3 or 4
sided) and include all of the exceptional running qualities of their full
extension counterparts.
The addition of these single extension runners, alongside the BLUMOTION
mechanisms for hinges, means that Blum can now offer a comprehensive programme
of controlled close components to every single sector within the furniture
industry.
The applications and permutations can be design inspirational - pull-outs
carrying delicate loads like electronics and hi-fi. Don't wake that baby
every time you close a drawer on the nursery! Imagine the change to the
working environment in an open plan office with silent closing doors and
drawers. The applications widen themselves all the time.
Tel: 01908 285700
Email: info.uk@blum.com
Web: http://www.blum.co.uk
Luce
from Mg Marga Design - a Combination of Functionality and Aesthetics
The
latest furniture collection from Mg Marga Design
is entitled ‘Luce’ and is ideal as a focus piece for a bedroom.
The motivation for this range was to bridge the divide between minimalism
and decorative design. The company says that this has been successfully
executed culminating in a range that is a combination of functionality
and aesthetics.
The
chairs are distinguishable by their profile - a smooth flowing curved
line best described as ‘a sinuous curved trace without a breath’
says Matteo Margaroli.
Working harmoniously with this is the application of oversized floral
graphics making a bold visual impact.
Although the foremost quality of the chairs is to provide comfortable
seating they are simultaneously sculptural objects dually for commercial
and residential use. The chairs are built with a recyclable steel frame
covered by polyurethane foam and finally upholstered in suedette. The
comfort of the seating is enhanced by the springing movement of the chair
back.
‘In a world dominated by mass market culture, we have tried to exert
our belief in skilled artisan workmanship. Creativity has gone hand in
hand with technical acumen. As a result expertise, passion and specialist
skills are the vital elements behind our range. Each piece of furniture
has been expertly handcrafted to bring you a range that is a perfect combination
of functionality and aesthetics.’ Says the company.
Tel: 0207 581 9793
Email: info@mgmarga.com
Web: http://www.mgmarga.co.uk
Allersafe
Launches Complete Healthy Sleep System for Allergy Sufferers
The
number of people demanding anti-allergen products is increasing by almost
five percent a year - with up to one in three people now having an allergy-related
problem at some time in their life. A new online retailer, Allersafe,
dedicated to providing healthcare solutions for allergy sufferers, says
that it has become the first retailer to offer the complete healthy sleep
solution globally.
With customers across Europe and a flood of enquiries from America, Allersafe’s
collection contains an essential range of products that have been specifically
designed for people with sensitivity to allergens providing consumers
with quality anti-allergen products at a price they can afford.
The company’s new Amicor Pure Healthy Sleep System range provides
the most comprehensive collection of speciality, dust mite proof, anti-allergy
bedding, making it easy for customers to select and buy exactly what they
need. The full range which includes anti-allergen bed linen, pillows,
mattress protectors and quilts is proven to be even kinder to the skin
than 100% cotton and is suitable for all allergy sufferers – toddlers,
children and adults.
‘Allersafe is a unique and cost-effective option for consumers, providing
a one-stop-shop for all their anti-allergen needs,’ said Roland Cox,
brand manager for Allersafe. ‘The Allersafe Healthy Sleep System
is scientifically proven to increase the long term wellbeing of allergy
sufferers and help prevent sensitivity - a further example of our commitment
to providing customers with the best anti-allergenic products on the market.’
The Amicor Pure anti-bacerial and anti-fungal fibre used to make Allersafe
bedding is a major breakthrough in tackling dust mites and related allergens
as not only does it create an environment that ensures dust mites are
unable to survive but it also retains its anti-allergen efficacy for the
lifetime of the product.
Until now, allergy sufferers have had three main options when choosing
bedding. Barrier fabrics which are not as comfortable as regular bedding
due to their tight weave which lacks flexibility and softness; spraying
bedding with insecticide or buying bedding that has already been sprayed
by the manufacturer – none of which will last very long.
Allersafe’s hypoallergenic bedding carries the Allergy UK Seal of
Approval and is recommended for people with asthma, allergic rhinitis,
sinusitis and eczema. For further details of the Allersafe anti-allergen
bedding range visit http://www.allersafe.co.uk