Since launching InteriorDaily in January, we've published hundreds of news articles, including numerous insightful and exclusive interviews that have resonated well with our readers. As we're nearing the end of 2024, we're taking a moment to revisit some of our most popular interviews.
Last week, we've revealed the first articles in our top 10 most-read interviews. Read them all here:
- Number 3 & 4
- Number 5 & 6
- Number 7 & 8
- Number 9 & 10
Today, it's time to share the most read interviews of this year: number 1 and 2!
Victoire Dauviau Lambert.
2. Head of marketing at Akante Victoire Dauviau Lambert
'Standing out in contemporary furniture is challenging'
Established in 2012 by Olivier Vanhaecke and Olivier Tocino, the French furniture company Akante was born out of a shared passion for design and industry innovation. The duo envisioned transforming the realm of contemporary furniture by offering distinct products that deviated from the general choice in France at the time. 'In their home in France there was a lot of the same furniture. Everyone had the same table, the same chair', says Victoire Dauviau Lambert, head of communications and marketing at Akante. In an interview she shares insights into the company's journey, innovations and future plans.
The innovation-centric approach at Akante revolves around their distinctive mechanisms that extend or adjust the height of tables. This distinguishes their products in the furniture market. Victoire highlighted that three in-house designers develop and test new mechanisms. The Luna dining table, for instance, embodies this philosophy. It was first created in 2016 and features a hidden mechanism beneath the table top, which, when activated, transforms the table into a circle. 'Standing out in contemporary furniture is challenging, but our innovative approach and mechanisms allow us to elevate the brand above others.'
1. Managing Director at Notto Krzysztof Dukat
'The European market, particularly in countries like Germany, is not faring well'
As the furniture industry faces significant challenges across Europe, Krzysztof Dukat, Managing Director at the Polish furniture manufacturer Notto, offers insights into the current market landscape and how the company adapts to the challenges in the industry.
Krzysztof candidly discusses the seasonal trends and ongoing challenges in the furniture industry. 'Typically, summer is a quieter period for furniture sales,' he explains. 'While this is expected, the real concern lies in what the upcoming weeks will bring. The European market, particularly in countries like Germany, is not faring well. We're witnessing a noticeable drop in orders compared to previous years. The big question is whether customers will return to stores with an interest in purchasing furniture as we approach September and October.'
Especially the German market is struggling, according to Krzysztof. 'There have not been any improvements since the beginning of the year. Unfortunately, it remains very calm. The main issue is the lack of foot traffic in stores. Every supplier can see this trend.' Jokingly, Krzysztof says: 'I often say that you can tell how bad things are just by looking at the empty parking lots. While smaller items like decorations are still selling, larger furniture pieces are struggling to move.'
Read the full interview here!
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