Raft Furniture has unveiled House of Raft, a 20,000 sqft hybrid showroom and workshop in London, offering what it describes as a "totally new premium retail experience". The new space merges a sofa artisan workshop, interior design hub, furniture showroom, and outlet centre, all under one roof.
© RAFT
Customers can witness the entire production process, from design to handcrafting, creating a transparent and immersive experience. Once a sofa is purchased, Raft's in-house artisans begin crafting it by hand, with buyers invited to book appointments to observe their sofa being made.
Mick Quinn, Raft co-founder and director, says the initiative responds to a "cultural revival" in which consumers seek out local, heritage brands: 'Merging our workshop with a retail space creates a genuine connection between consumers and craftsmen.'
House of Raft follows the closure of Raft's Edgware Road store earlier this year. The new concept was made possible by a redevelopment opportunity that allowed the company to refurbish and expand its operations.
The showroom, outlet, and design hub will open on 5th July, while the trade-only artisan workshop is scheduled to open later in the summer. Raft aims to set a new standard in retail, combining craftsmanship, transparency, and local identity.
Source: www.furniturenews.net