INDUSTRY UPDATE NEWS
New High Street Flooring Chain Launched
A brand new flooring retailer, Tapi, owned by former Carpetright director Martin Harris has launched nationally with the first store opened on Tooting High Street, London last month.
Harris, the son of Carpetright founder Lord Harris, told Retail Week magazine that now is the perfect time to set up a big ticket business. “The economy is starting to hot up, people are desperate to find homes and there’s not enough choice out there,” he said.
Harris told Retail Week: “People love spending money on their homes, there are TV programmes about it, but I don’t think the flooring sector has embraced that, it’s been very stale for decades.
“Normal carpet shops are dusty, musty and price focused. I think Tapi is very different. This is light, airy, inviting; it’s a pleasure to be in. We’ve raised the standards of retailing.
According to Retail Week, the shop has neutralised the normal smells associated with a carpet shop and plays music to relax the shopper. Harris said Tapi focuses on a “sensory” experience. “This whole store is about sensation – touch, smell, sound, sight,” he said.
The business is modelled on a partner- owner structure as Harris said he didn’t want employees but invested partners. Harris is looking to establish around 200 stores across the UK with sites on high streets and retail parks as well as the more unconventional setting of shopping centres.
“We want as many sites as possible. If we can put Tapi in places where there are people, we will be successful.”
Tapi, whose name comes from the French word for carpets; Tapis, is aimed at the mid-market and sells 70% own brand product. A second store was opened in Great Yarmouth on 4 June with one in Ipswich to follow.
www.tapi.co.uk
Sylka Carpets Caption
Andrew Bannister, Steve Farrell and Aaron Davis celebrate SYLKA being named National Brand of the UAE.
proud and makes me feel humbled by the support of our clients, their trust in us and their belief in what we are doing. Tonight is further proof that what we are doing is appreciated. This award means so very much to everyone I work with”.
Steve added: “SYLKA has gone from strength to strength since its inception in 2012 and it is incredible to think how far we have come in such a short time”.
SYLKA has experienced unrivalled success in the Middle East and seen the sale of their carpets and rugs soar thanks to its offices and showroom at the Gold and Diamond Park, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. SYLKA are now looking forward to the launch of their production facility in Dubai, which will become operational later this year.
www.sylkacarpets.com
Tomorrow’s Retail Floors Summer 2015 | 07
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