THE new Decostayle UK operation has now been up-and-running for a few months, and according to its head of sales, Mike French, it’s been an exciting time. The company has reportedly welcomed new UK clients and helped existing ones redistribute their European production. So how has the pandemic changed the type and usage of sampling in the marketplace, and will those changes remain?
‘To be able to see and feel the product has always been of utmost importance and the reopening of retail will again bring that to the forefront,’ says Mike. ‘Product development didn’t stop, and we’ve continued to work with clients on innovative sampling and presentation ideas many of which are now in production, but one area has seen a major increase.’
The fast mailout delivery of a product sample direct to the client’s door has become expected in the marketplace, Mike points out. ‘At Decostayle UK we’ve continued to develop processes and applications with our clients ensuring quality samples with detailed information are always available for direct delivery and with the sales and marketing information to make this a very positive addition to the more traditional retail environment. We’re continually working with our clients to help create additional sales through sampling not to simply replace old product with new.’
Throughout these difficult times the specialist marketing and digital media arm of Decostayle UK, Cocon has supported its clients and ensured they have the strategies and information feedback to keep them moving forward, according to Mike.
As we enter the next phase what can we expect to see from Decostayle UK? ‘We continue to provide some of the highest quality and value sampling products for carpet, wood, luxury vinyl tiles (LVTs), laminate, vinyl, cork and associated products. Our continued efforts to provide capacity to ensure product to market in a timely manner and allow the free flow of development across world markets.’
Mike says providing a stockholding service on samples backed up with detailed data is another goal. ‘Our aim is to make the ideas of today the realities of tomorrow and aid you in showcasing quality product to as wider audience as possible in both traditional and innovative ways.’
Decostayle for many years has produced sampling for the retail, soft contract and specifier architect market in a range of products for many places across the world says Mike, adding this has been backed up by not only experienced production staff but administration, design and marketing people working as a team.
‘Decostayle UK has access to all that experience and knowledge to complement the UK production facility. A UK and European storage and distribution ability means we can work with your partners to help provide a seamless service. Retail stands with digital media already installed samples at the same time and other POS and marketing tools ready to start working for you straight away.’
