Sofa firm touches base from cyberspace

Feb 12 2010 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

A CYBERSPACE furniture business now has floorspace as part of its ambitious multi- million-pound plans to expand across the UK.

Sofaitalia.co.uk, set up as a web-based business from headquarters in County Durham three years ago, has opened the first of a planned network of 15 or more furniture stores around the country within the next five years.

The specialist company has invested more than £250,000 in a 10,000sq ft store, which recently opened on Portrack Lane, Stockton, creating several new jobs with hopes of hitting £1m sales in the first year.

Initially established by Durham businessmen Paul Smith, Karl Utley and Robert Hall, the management team was boosted last year by the appointment of executive chairman and experienced retailer Steve Adams.

While developing the existing online business, the management team quickly realised that many customers wanted to experience the products in a better setting than their existing Durham warehouse.

Mr Adams explained: “Our range is high- quality, stylish and upholstered in finest top-grain Italian leather. All our emphasis and focus is on the product and the customer. If we continue to get that right then the profits will follow.”