As we close the chapter on 2024, it's impossible to ignore the waves of change and challenge that have shaped the year. High inflation tightened wallets, reducing discretionary spending, while soaring operational costs tested the resilience of businesses across industries. Yet, in the midst of these headwinds, Singaporean furniture brand Commune found ways to adapt, innovate, and stay true to its vision of delivering high-value designs to its customers.
In this exclusive interview, Joshua Koh, CEO of Commune and its premium brand, ALT.O, reflects on a turbulent year for the furniture industry, shares his outlook for the future, and offers a glimpse into the brand's exciting plans for Maison&Objet where the premium brand ALT.O will make its debut.
Left: Joshua Koh. Right: Hotel Paradiso Collection.
How do you look back on 2024?
'2024 has been a challenging year with demand slowdown due to high inflation resulting in reduced discretionary income and high cost of operations affecting margins.However, we continue to push through with development of new products that aim to provide high value for our customers.'
What was the biggest challenge for the industry in 2024?
'Managing margins given the slowdown in demand coupled with higher operating costs. But as interest rates are coming down, I'm hoping for demand for furniture to improve given the higher disposable income.'
Hotel Paradiso Collection.
You'll soon be at Maison&Objet. What are your expectations for the fair?
'We hope that as demand increases, there will be renewed interest in retailers taking on new brands to refresh their offerings. The hiatus of imm cologne should also help to drive more traffic to the show.'
What are you showcasing at the fair?
'We will be introducing our new collection, Hotel Paradiso. Inspired by the sun-soaked Mediterranean coastlines and the vibrant European glamour of the 60s and 70s, Paradiso celebrates bold colours, intricate textures, and vintage opulence. This collection merges sophistication with playfulness, featuring ribbed lines and fluted panels reminiscent of Italian architecture, alongside a mix of natural tones and retro patterns. Paradiso captures nostalgia and timeless elegance, infusing modern living spaces with its charming and sophisticated retro flair.'
Hotel Paradiso Collection.
'Apart from Hotel Paradiso, we will also be showcasing Commune's Volta collection, our iconic and best-selling collection under the Commune brand for the past 5 years. The Volta collection stands as a testament to Commune's transcendent journey toward design eminence. Radiating an air of unbridled confidence, Volta celebrates the symphony of audacious contradictions, weaving together the threads of divergent creativity. Beneath its veneer of sophistication lies an untamed and insurgent essence, embracing the ethos of Elegant Rebellion, Contemporary refinement, Garage Chic allure, and Industrial Glamour with unrivalled aplomb.
We are also excited to share our Hegen range, which is our first foray into the children's furniture market. We have teamed up with Hegen, another home-grown Singaporean brand, to introduce a thoughtful and holistic solution for new parents: a versatile, sustainable, and multifunctional nursery collection. This innovative furniture effortlessly transforms to meet the needs of parents beyond the nursing phase while seamlessly integrating into their current, modern aesthetic, eliminating the need to discard baby furniture as the child grows. The collaboration brings together Commune's expertise in luxury furniture and Hegen's innovative approach to baby products, resulting in a unique offering that enhances the experiences of both mother and child while promoting sustainability.'
Commune x Hegen Collection.
More information:
Commune Lifestyle
[email protected]
www.thecommunelife.com
ALT.O
www.alternative-objects.com
Singapore