TOP BR ANDS:
WHAT’S NEXT?
LIBERTY
The Interiors Emporium at Liberty’s physical store is a homeware
enthusiast’s dream, but even so, online sales have increased from 29
per cent of turnover last year to 36 per cent in 2019. Many customers
don’t own property, but are still investing in affordable art, smaller
furniture and statement pieces that can be moved between homes.
Consumers are now braver when it comes to mixing styles, so Liberty
is combining its heritage brands such as Fornasetti with cult pieces by
the likes of Anissa Kermiche and Luke Edward Hall. Autumn developments
include a new fourth-floor bedding department, which will showcase
the debut Liberty London Bedding collection, featuring the brand’s
iconic florals and reworked prints. libertylondon.com
HEAL’S
This 200-year-old British heritage brand now has
six stores, with outposts in Birmingham and
Westfield London having recently opened. Stores
are organised by furniture type, such as sofas or
tables, to ease shopping functionality. Heal’s is
also growing its e-commerce, which currently
accounts for 40 per cent of turnover. Instagram
is a key part of the strategy for younger audiences.
Products on offer at Heal’s have shifted from
generic items to unique, handcrafted pieces to
treasure. Meanwhile, the retailer’s emphasis on
collaborations with emerging designers continues- the ‘Heal’s Discovers’ initiative is evolving to
offer business coaching for designers. Sofas are
its bestselling category, with four new designs to
come this autumn. heals.com
THE FOCUS IS
NOW ON UNIQUE
PIECES TO
TREASURE
‘Isola’ armchair, £2,599,
and ottoman , £1,099,
both by Lucy Kurrein;
‘Paris’ chandelier, £449;
‘Cezanne’ side table,
£449; ‘Ripple’ carafe, £29,
and champagne saucer,
£35 for two, both by Ferm
Living; ‘Balloon’ vase by
Louise Roe, £70, all Heal’s
‘Sea Grass’ cotton
sateen duvet set,
from £300, Liberty