With emphasis still on Saudi Arabia, "And So To Bed", home of UK-based luxury hand-made beds, mattresses and linens, plans to expand to other countries in the Gulf, declared Roddy McFarlane, Middle East Account Manager of And So To Bed, UK who was in town recently for a franchise visit and exclusive client meetings. While in the Kingdom McFarlane also traveled to Riyadh where Saudi franchise holder Alshaya Home Co. opened its third And So To Bed showroom after Jeddah and Dammam in 2014. He was accompanied by Erwin Carpena, Alshaya Home Sales Brand Manager. McFarlane said their UK head office is regularly in touch with their franchisee such as Alshaya and still doing a decent business despite the not-so-rosy Saudi economy. He pointed out that Alshaya enjoys a special place in the eyes of its English principals. "Saudi is an important market, significant franchise. It's a growing success. A solid growing market," said McFarlane who unveiled during his visit a new And So to Bed collection. And So to Bed, a highly popular brand that has the rock icons The Beatles and Rolling Stones among its A-lister clients, opened its first Saudi showroom, in Jeddah, in the last quarter of 2010 and never looked back. Expected to arrive in the Kingdom before the year ends under the new collection and expected to pique the interest of potential buyers are the Pimlico and Bronte Beds. Replying to a question, McFarlane remarked "we'll introduce new stuff. It's very important in this business." "We are considering to open two or three more showrooms in the Gulf. Kuwait and Qatar are on top of our plans," McFarlane revealed, adding the company is restructuring as it tries to grow with the market. "For example, we have consolidated our two franchises in the UAE into one. It was the right thing to do. Now it's huge business. The business is rocking, great time," he said. Why would one invest in a high-priced bedroom furniture like And So to Bed? "Individuality, exclusivity is the key. Money is not an issue. What the customer wants is what we give. From the top-end to the middle market. We are a design-led company," said McFarlane. During his visit at the Jeddah showroom on Tahlia Street, McFarlane got a couple of customers to share their experience with the brand. Dra. Sarah Feteih, a Saudi dentist who is also a jewelry designer, said: "At the end of the day we formed a relationship with the sales people. The Alshaya Staff make us feel very special each time we visit the showroom. They are very professional and I am very happy with my bed and my mattress. Even all my family and relatives love to stay in my room and lay down to my bed." For his part, Captain Wael Idris, a Saudia Airline Captain, shared: "The product is extra special. The showroom staff are nice to the point a bond quickly develops. We really appreciate that a customer is treated VIP in And So to Bed. We've bought our Bed collection and mattress since 2012 and we are happy about it." And So To Bed of London Bedroom Brand of Alshaya Home is a Luxury Brand that tickle and surprise the Saudi Market, yet still to be seen by many. Technical descriptions of some bed collections: The Pimlico: a masterpiece in modern design. The Pimlico bedstead is a symphony of craftsmanship and contemporary detail. The frame, which can be made from either brushed brass or polished nickel, is a work of art with its slim and elegant profile. Its oblique edge facing construction creates a unique visual aspect which gently frames the luxuriously quilted velvet upholstery in almost any fabric or leather, allowing for a completely bespoke element. The Bronte: A timeless classic brass bedstead available in a choice of modern finishes with either brass or nickel accents. The unique chamfered finials and sculpted connectors elevate the Bronte from the traditional aesthetic to a more modern interpretation which is at home in both a modern or classic interior. Available in lacquered stainless steel with brass finishes or nickel with white or brass with white in any sizes.
