MFI: A different concept of furniture selling

At the Retail Conference held by stockbrokers Capel Cure Myers in June, MFI were one of three companies invited to speak. In his Chairman's introduction, Richard Weir of the Retail Consortium outlined the points of interest which these retailers (Sainsbury and Mothercare among them) had to offer. He emphasised the way in which a company such as MFI had a clear identity, aiming straight for its market in such a way that the customer could differentiate it easily from other multiples. Mr Weir thought this an asset at a time when so many companies are diversifying away from their original merchandise base. The following paper was presented by Arthur Southon at the conference, and it provides an insight into the workings of a major multiple and its plans.