Showroom manager of Halcyon Interiors Graham Robinson says 2024 overpromised and underdelivered but says 2025 looks promising

Firstly, I want to reflect briefly on 2024 a year that started busy with good intake of orders, which quickly diminished.

Similarly to the promise of sun in the UK, this year, we were disappointed on this front too. Summer was very quiet indeed.

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There is still underlying uncertainty but overall few are finishing the year better than the summer led us to believe.

Saying that, and speaking to others at an industry event, it’s still not easy out there to get the final “yes” from clients.

2025 and beyond

As for 2025, we have taken a number of initial deposits and increased number of enquiries so it’s looking promising for next year.

We have found it beneficial to get commitment from clients with a design fee earlier on in the process.

This alters the dynamic of the relationship as they really value your time and they have all resulted in sales.

More than ever,  it’s important to develop relationships with clients so they feel comfortable.

In turn, we also find this helps with the design process later down the line too, and eventually leads to recommendation, which is always good.

As well as good working relationships with clients that’s also true of suppliers too, having conversations and working together as one, arranging events or photography and boosting online presence is key.

Retail that we knew from years past has changed; it’s not enough just to have a physical showroom, without driving people to it.

We do benefit from the draw of Wigmore street, but it’s not as busy as it once was.

I try not to get too influenced by the mainstream media, as it can make me doubt and as result feel less positive –  all not good when designing and ultimately selling.

That said, I’m currently wearing a jumper brought as direct result of an Instagram post. Social media sells!