I expect, like us, in between getting ready for Christmas, you are all wondering what the New Year will bring in terms of business. We know it’s going to be another challenging one but, as it’s the season of good cheer I’m taking the glass half-full view. There is still business to be had out there and if it means we have to try a bit harder to earn it, is that such a bad thing? Yes, price is going to be a sensitive issue and all our margins will suffer as a consequence but customers can be wooed by other attractions as well – quality and service do matter. My New Year’s resolution is going to be to stay focussed, stay positive and just to keep on trying to give the best possible service we can.
We are also going to be bringing you lots of exciting new ranges to whet the appetite in 2012. Of course you’ll be able to see them at the Interiors UK event on 22-25 January (we’re in our usual spot, Hall 5 stand E50). But if you’re coming to Cologne the week before (16-22 January), then please come and say hello and enjoy a sneak preview – Hall 7.1 Stand B041.
What have we got in store for you?
Well, on the promotional front, there’s Donna, in an exciting new finish, aptly described as ‘rough cut oak’ and Astoria in beech, which is a bit more traditional in style, complete with locks and keys on the wardrobe doors, which we think will be a really welcome addition. Then there’s Atlanta, a great new budget-priced mirrored sliding wardrobe in either walnut or golden maple.
We’ve got two exciting new ranges with overhead bridging units – well, strictly speaking one’s not new as we’re bringing back the London in golden maple as an entry level product; but Brooklyn in oak and high gloss white is brand new – and looks simply terrific.
And then we’ve got two other new collections as well – the rather smart Amsterdam, with grey or white carcases coupled with grey or black glass doors; and the ultra cool Rimini, looking very sharp with black carcases and black doors – but still at a really good, entry level price.
So, plenty of reasons to look us up in Cologne or, more probably, as it’s a bit closer to home, – in Birmingham in January, where Kai, Elaine and I and the rest of the team will be ready and waiting to welcome you cheerfully with a drink (coffee, German beer…). So, yes … I will say, it… May I wish you all a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
