Recently, RV Design made a strategic decision to resume furniture production in Europe, a shift that is already beginning to pay off. Over recent months, RV Design's sales representatives and agents have engaged with numerous customers, including those at prominent industry events such as the Brussels Furniture Fair, M.O.W., and Meubelhart Beusichem. A clear trend has emerged: European-made furniture resonates strongly with customers, especially in the UK market.
RV Design's return to European manufacturing, following a period of exclusive production in Asia, was driven by substantial fluctuations in container shipping costs, making local production increasingly attractive. European production allows the company to respond faster to market demands and to offer a broader variety of fabric options, essential for growth in the luxury segment.
Ronald Verdult, owner of RV Design, at Brussels Furniture Fair 2024.
Meeting specific UK requirements
By moving production closer to home, RV Design is well-positioned to expand its offerings in the UK, where products often need to meet distinct standards. "The UK market has unique regulations, such as requirements around specific types of foam used in furniture. By localising production, we gain the flexibility needed to better address these specifications," Ronald explains.
A significant opportunity lies within the UK's premium segment. Ronald elaborates, "While there's ample choice in the lower end of the UK market, there is a clear demand for luxury models that emphasise comfort and quality." He adds, "Our premium designs are ideally suited to what British consumers are looking for: seating that provides enhanced comfort and refinement."
RV Design's transformation
In recent years, RV Design has been shifting its focus toward the luxury segment. "We've gradually expanded our range to highlight models centred on comfort and quality," Ronald notes. "Today, we offer chairs with various base options, optional swivel mechanisms, and even incorporate pocket springs and memory foam into our seating products. All of these elements contribute to a higher level of seating comfort, adding significant value to our offerings."
Cross-channel partnership
RV Design is no newcomer to the UK market, having collaborated with Richard Stamp Agencies—a seasoned UK-based agent with deep market expertise—for over a decade. However, Ronald has observed that the shift to European production is opening new doors. "This move strengthens our ability to grow the brand within the UK," he says enthusiastically. "In many ways, RV Design has reinvented itself and is now well-prepared to make strides across the Channel."
More information:
RV Design
Minervum 7334 (Office)
4817 ZD Breda, The Netherlands
+31 (0)765711922
[email protected]
www.ronaldverdultdesign.nl
Strategic change at RV Design opens new doors