In the first retail event of its kind since pre-COVID, furniture manufacturer Symphony Group opened the doors to its Marketing Suite at its headquarters in Barnsley, South Yorkshire.

Over 100 retailers attended the event, which  featured product displays, training workshops and industry guests.

It included a rotation through areas of learning, such as: Sustainability, Product e-Directory, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, Haier appliances, Sensio Lighting, Kessebohmer and social media workshop plus Feedback Forum.

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Sustainability updates and initiatives were presented by Symphony’s sustainability analyst, George Burtoft who shared information about Symphony’s pledges and on-going activities

Symphony showcased its new Product E-Directory designed to help streamline the retailers’ workflows. It has been created to allows online access to product information.

There were conversations with the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, with whom Symphony has been supporting as a Gold Member since 2022.

In addition, there was an introduction to Haier Appliances, displays from Sensio Lighting and storage solutions from Kessebohmer.

A PR & social media workshop was led by Symphony’s marketing manager, Nicola Wiley, in collaboration with the company’s PR Agency, Sellers PR

Finally, there was a Feedback Forum for attendees to interact with key business managers and find out how Symphony can support their businesses.

The marketing suite played host to Symphony’s latest kitchens including its Langdale, Melrose and Princeton Paint to Order range.

Forthcoming ranges were also previewed, alongside a trends presentation from Symphony’s product manager, Ashley Brunt to provide insights on what to expect for 2024.

The day also included cookery demonstrations fromTV Chef Peter Sidwell, as well as a style board workshop with Graham & Brownand Johnson Tiles led by Symphony’s Design Manager, Josie Medved.

Head of Marketing Rob Newton commented on the event: “This was the first Open Day we have run since 2019, before Covid hit.

“This year felt like the right time to revive these popular events, and we aimed to make the first one bigger and better than ever before.

“We are really pleased with how it turned out and the feedback has been great.

“Regular communication and meetings with our retail partners is important to Symphony, and we want to offer them as much advice and support as we can – especially at a time when the industry is facing challenges as a whole.

“It’s times like these that we need to pull together and keep a positive mindset and remain top of mind for consumers in every way possible, ready to come out the other side stronger than ever.”