Back from BiC! (BoConcept Inspiration Camp)

Ok, so I have recently returned from Denmark where I attended a function called BiC. (BoConcept inspiration Camp). This was my first visit with BoConcept, representing the Canterbury Store.

Day one was held at a large conference centre in Herning. There was 791 members of staff in attendance from over 60 countries around the world.

The excitement was apparent with everyone eager to meet up with colleagues from around the world and learn about what’s to come later in 2018.

Anton van de Putte (BoConcept’s CEO) welcomed us and spoke about how the business had expanded and is due to expand even further with 200 more stores in the next five years. The commitment, excitement and passion for the BoConcept brand was evident and made me really proud to be included in such an amazing company.

Insights were given on new products to be released later in the year to the response of many oo’s and ah’s and even rounds of applause for some products! I’ve never experienced anything like this. And when the first seminar ended with fireworks going off, there was a deafening roar from around the conference hall with everyone standing and clapping.

The next few days were spent in ‘Base camp’ that was set up to show off all the new products and those in the pipeline. All I can say is that the new pieces of furniture are jaw dropping. This was followed by a day of showroom planning. This is where I had to work out what new designs to display in our Canterbury Store and to choose which items I currently had that need to be sold off to make room! This was a massive task and really exciting too! The store is going to look absolutely amazing. The good thing about BoConcept is that we don’t just sell furniture. We take time to understand trends and aesthetics, so not only do we display the furniture but the accessories to complement alongside changing the wall colours. We design and present the whole package so that our customers can follow and have a complete fit out from start to finish.

I feel very proud that BoConcept produce new and exciting pieces of furniture, making them in Denmark and shipping to hundreds of stores across the world. Whilst in Denmark, other stores were having to attend design fairs to find out what the latest trends will be. We, on the other hand, lead the way in design producing amazing concepts years ahead of the rest. BoConcept really does understand their market and prides itself on producing new and innovative designs every year. However, some pieces are timeless and this is evident with the iconic Imola chair. This year celebrates it’s 10th birthday with limited edition Imola Chairs being produced. When I arrived at my hotel, there was a tiny little Imola on my bed as a little gift from BoConcept. A wonderful surprise as I’ve always wanted one of these chairs! I now use this as a business card holder. Cute!

Photo Credit to BoConcept Hong Kong (BoConcepthk)

If anyone wants a real, life-size Imola then you should know that there are only four people in the world that can make and upholster them. So, if you do own one, then that really is something special. Not something that is mass produced and of course is customised to the fabric and colour of leg you choose. I watched one of these special guys put one together and trust me when I say there is an art to this.

One of the four talented people worldwide, who can make and upholster our Imola Chairs

At the end of all this, base camp hosted an awards night party for all staff. Amazing food and many trays of galliano shots (absolutely delicious!) ended my amazing trip to Denmark.

Now to return to the store and sell of many showroom pieces at hugely reduced prices so I can make room for the next generation!!

See you soon!

Kerry