Moving, trade shows and growth: Richmond Interiors looks back on a successful year

With the relocation of hundreds of shipping containers to modern premises, a series of international trade shows and growth in markets such as France, England and Romania, Richmond Interiors had a hectic year. While part of the industry struggled, the interior wholesaler managed to capitalise on their balanced mix of customers and goods. In short: "It was a good year," concludes managing director Lex Tiggeler, just after the turn of the year.


Lex Tiggeler in Richmond Interiors' showroom.

Moving to new premises without interruption
When asked about the highlight of the year, Lex obviously does not have to think for a second: the move to the new, modern premises. A process that was carefully planned over a period of two years and in which "not a week was lost". During the building's opening, he already praised the staff. Even now, he is proud of the team. "We moved 200 containers and built for a year and a half. That went very naturally, thanks to the hard work of our team." The new premises not only offer more space, but also new features, such as a professional kitchen and a showroom accessible to retailers and interior designers.



Introducing trade days
Richmond Interiors plans to introduce a new tradition this year: trade days on Mondays. "A fully professional kitchen has also been installed in the new premises. We will put this into extra use. We notice that many professional visitors use our showroom on Mondays. Therefore, we want to pamper them even more with lunch and extra attention," Lex says.

Mix of customers and goods
In a challenging market where quite a few interior design companies were struggling, Richmond Interiors managed to continue to grow. Lex points to the broad customer base and diversity in products as key factors. "We have a perfect mix of customers and goods. When things are quieter in Germany, France, for example, rectifies that. And when retail is struggling, the project market jumps in."

That project market has become increasingly important for Richmond Interiors. The company distinguishes itself with fast deliveries thanks to a large stock. "That is ideal for interior designers who need last-minute furniture for a project," says Lex.



A busy trade fair year
Participation in a large number of trade fairs also contributed to the success. Richmond Interiors was present at international events such as EquipHotel Paris, Maison&Objet Paris and Decorex in London, Feria Valencia, Furniture Fair Brussels, Warsaw Home Furniture and the Springfair in Birmingham. "It was a bit crazy, but it opened a lot of doors. Next year we will do a little less of them," Lex says with a grin. The English and French markets in particular benefited from the extra visibility. "That's extra special because our roots are in the UK. My father used to buy up antiques there to sell in the Netherlands."



Unexpected peaks
Not only the UK and France, but also Romania is showing growth. Where the country was previously just a manufacturing base, Richmond Interiors is now increasingly selling furniture in cities such as Bucharest. Still, the year was not without its challenges. Until the summer holidays, sales were moderate, but from autumn onwards they began to pick up. "Since the Brussels Furniture Fair in November, things have been much better. Black Friday also gave a boost, and now it was quite challenging in December," says Lex.

Looking ahead to 2025
For 2025, which has now started, Lex considers two scenarios. "Either the line from now pulls through, or we get a slowdown in the summer, with a resurgence in the autumn - as was common before the pandemic." Whichever way it goes, Richmond Interiors is prepared. "I cordially invite all interior design professionals to visit our trade days on Mondays. We have a lot in stock and the showroom is in tiptop shape again."



More information:
Richmond Interiors
Echo 1
1704 EG Heerhugowaard
+31 (0) 226 45 16 35
[email protected]
www.richmondinteriors.nl
The Netherlands