DE S IGN CENTRE
costs to run them are substantial – therefore the space, activities, product mix and time must work in concert and be fully optimised.” This has prompted an update of technology, and a functional and physical redesign of existing showrooms, to more closely dovetail with what customers are looking for. Like Porta Romana, newer showrooms, too, have been
appreciating that there is strength in numbers, including hardware brand Studio Franchi, which opened in spring in Design Centre North. “It’s great
to have the full
support of our landlord, who really does care about our mutual success and growth,” says CEO Marco Franchi. “We are planning lots of events now that the challenging pandemic and associated restrictions have finally eased up. We firmly believe we will see a huge uptake in studio visitors in the coming months.” The company was one of the Design Centre’s first-ever tenants 25 years ago, but recently returned after a 13-year absence: “We always wanted to return but it was just a question of timing, so when this opportunity came up we grabbed it with both hands,” says Franchi. “It’s fantastic to see the entire estate pretty much at capacity with the best of British design and beyond – so different from our initial arrival 25 years ago.” The Design Centre’s showcases have also expanded greatly, offering more ways for brands to get in front of a discerning audience. Other showrooms have delivered on expansion plans,
including Vaughan, which recently moved into a larger space in Design Centre East that will allow them to better show off their lighting and furniture collections. “We were seeking improved visibility and footfall, and the new showroom has delivered both,” says the brand’s co-founder Lucy Vaughan. “We like the position of our new showroom and we’re very pleased with the internal layout of our new space, which has higher ceilings.” She agrees that having a physical
showroom is
essential for building the business: “The key advantage of bricks and mortar retail is that it builds and maintains key client relationships. It improves communication by being able to physically see and discuss new and existing products on a face to face basis. This is particularly important with our larger pieces such as chandeliers and lanterns.” Sacco Carpet is also set to expand by taking over
the adjacent showroom to its current site in Design Centre East, and there some new arrivals to expect, too, including Ecco Trading London, Australia’s ABI Interiors, which sells sanitaryware and hardware for the kitchen and bathroom, and furniture-makers Visionnaire from Italy. It’s significant that many are international brands: many companies choose the Design Centre for their first UK or European outposts, not just because of the excellent company they will be keeping, but because of the additional professional support and strategic marketing that ensures they are in a safe space to grow their business. “The Design Centre has a strong collective, unseen
ABOVE, TOP TO BOTTOM: Hardware company Studio Franchi, a new showroom in Design Centre North, recently returned to the Design Centre after a 13-year absence. Showcases in the Design Avenue: these windows offer brands even more opportunity to get in front of a discerning audience
anywhere else,” says its managing director Claire German. “As beautiful as the designs within it, it’s no coincidence that every aspect here has been conceived to create the ultimate environment to experience the brightest and best of world-class talent. This confident approach is more important than ever in a changing world.”
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