Are you planning to expand into the European or EMEA market? Wondering how to best manage the production and delivery of store fixtures and POS displays? Have you been sending them from the USA until now because you wanted to have full control over the quality and image? As you grow, this strategy may no longer be good enough. Maybe it’s time to consider European store fixtures supply?
How about a cooperation with a European partner who will offer a comprehensive service? From the production of shop furniture to logistics, installation and more – full supply chain taken care of. Such a solution can bring concrete benefits to your company and significantly improve your expansion and operations in Europe. Want to learn more? Read our article in which we advocate why a responsible and experienced furniture manufacturer in the heart of the Old Continent may be the best business option.
Why do American companies ship store fixtures from the USA?
There are several reasons why American companies choose to produce store fixtures and shop displays from the USA, even though they operate on the European market. Here they are:
- Lack of trust in local suppliers and manufacturers of shop furniture from Europe.
US companies are often concerned about quality if production takes place outside their direct control. This can also affect the brand image. - Lack of experience in cooperation with European suppliers.
For many American companies, research and conversations with potential partners are too much of an organizational challenge. Or, it can be very expensive if some consulting partners are involved. Only some brands can afford it. - Initial small scale of operations.
With a small number of stores in Europe, US companies often find that “sticking” to production in the US is more reasonable. And it’s not worthwhile to make the change.
A European shop furniture manufacturer who understands American business
The solution is to go beyond old patterns and mental maps that are not conducive to expansion. In other words, American companies need a reliable and experienced partner in Europe. The partner who, in addition to being a furniture manufacturer, provides its own technological and logistics facilities and guarantees the desired quality. Plus effective communication at every stage of cooperation.
Production of shop furniture + complementary services (h3)
Ideally, the European partner also offers a full package of complementary services – a so-called “one-stop shop”. This means that one supplier will take care not only of production, but also of design, warehousing, logistics, assembly and even maintenance services for stores after opening.
Read here about our one-stop-shop services to retailers.
What are the benefits of working with a European retail fixture manufacturer?
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Lower production and transportation costs
Manufacturing store fixtures in Europe, especially on a large scale, is more financially beneficial than carrying out the entire process in the USA. It also avoids adding massive transportation costs to the equation. Local production of shop furniture eliminates these expenses and significantly improves and speeds up logistics processes.
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Smaller carbon footprint
Transporting store fixtures within Europe significantly reduces the carbon footprint compared to transporting furniture from overseas. Especially if the company has a base in the very center of the continent. This is also extremely important because more and more consumers expect companies to include environmental protection as part of their corporate social responsibility. This aspect is especially critical to younger generations. Thus, by collaborating with a European manufacturer of shop furniture, American companies can use “green” facts as an important promotional argument.
Find out about CAPS sustainable solutions for the retail industry. -
Faster response and flexibility
A responsible and experienced furniture manufacturer in Europe, which has its own technological resources and a team of experienced specialists, also guarantees faster reactions to dynamic market changes and adaptation of deliveries to new trends. Speeding up order fulfillment also means that your stores can operate more efficiently and respond faster to the changing needs of customers from specific target groups.
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Additional services: warehousing + logistics + more
It’s not just about fixture manufacture. To make your whole operation complete, you need a partner who can take care of all related services to help you grow smart:
– design – a European supplier can develop a design that will perfectly fit to the local market and meet specific legal requirements
– storage – a “local” partner can store shop furniture in their warehouse, which eliminates the need to invest in own facilities or engage in long-term rentals,
– logistics and assembly – managing logistics and assembly means saving time and simplifying processes. Therefore, an important aspect is the comprehensiveness of the service provided by the European partner: in addition to the production of high-quality shop furniture, this also includes logistics, storage and assembly. It allows a company to focus on core competencies like development, sales and marketing instead of fixtures operations.
– store maintenance services – the dot on the “i” is an ongoing service. In this context, it is worth choosing a furniture manufacturer in Europe that provides maintenance services. And gain peace of mind and certainty that brand operational standards throughout the stores will be
maintained long term.
Planning expansion to the European market and are looking for a European furniture manufacturer who will meet all your requirements as a responsible partner?
Get in touch and find out how can support your European store network!