AIS Head of Marketing and Communications, Helen Bevins, and Communications and Content Assistant, Evie Bowers, set off to visit AIS Member, RIVA Home. Read about their marketing adventure ...
On 23rd July, Helen and I made our way to Leeds, to meet the new and exciting AIS member and supplier – RIVA Home. We both had an early start, alarms sounding at 5.30am. We travelled from Uttoxeter and Leicester respectively and met at Derby train station. We caught the 7.45am train to Leeds, using the journey to prepare content ideas and questions for the RIVA Home team.
Arriving in Leeds, we grabbed an Uber to the RIVA Home headquarters, taking in the bustling sights of Leeds as we went. On arrival, we were warmly welcomed by Jono Clark, Head of Sales, and members of the AIS Homewares product team. Instantly impressed by the spacious reception area, our excitement grew as Jono led us through the breathtaking showroom, featuring Sanders and Morris & Co curtains, as well as some Voyage Maison designs – RIVA Homes’ heritage brand.
Moving further through the office space, we were mesmerised by the vast array of beautiful cushions, throws, bedding, lighting, blinds, and sculptures. The walls were covered in beautiful and unique cushions, echoing RIVA Homes impressive stance as the UK’s largest cushion supplier.
Jono picked out his favourite item, “the Meridian cushion, because of the flexibility of the design, it’s the most commercial item as it’s universally appealing – in fact, I love it so much, I have it in my living room in Charcoal Moss.” Helen and I also loved the striking contrast of colours.
We were guided through the extensive brand range, each boasting a distinctive look. Paoletti, RIVA Homes’ first and most mature brand, featured plenty of luxurious velvets and embroidery. As Jono continued the tour, he expressed RIVA Homes’ mission to “provide people with products that make a home look pretty.” This certainly resonated with Helen, who was already thinking up a shopping list for her new home!
Eye-catching designs were apparent wherever we turned; hand designed countryside animals adorned Evans Litchfield cushions, while the outdoor range, a member favourite, showcased energetic Mediterranean patterns, sure to brighten up the garden even in typical British weather! We noticed the RIVA style even carried on into the toilets!
Sustainability and quality are incredibly important at RIVA Home; they employ industry experts to execute projects to the highest of quality. Additionally, The Evans Litchfield factory makes over 25,000 products in the UK each week, supporting Great British design. RIVA Home also make a range of cushions that are 100% PEP – made from recycled bottles – with the rest of ranges including 30% PEP. Draught excluders have been at the forefront of production, as UK homeowners look for new ways to save energy costs. Helen and I were both impressed by this clear strive for sustainability.
As we progressed through the maze of homeware, we couldn’t help but get excited at the thought of the newness RIVA Home will bring to INDX. Not to mention their willingness to craft bespoke designs for members, providing them with exclusivity.
Rachel Breen, Head of Home, fell in love with the Yard Living bedding range “I love gingham, and the softness of the colourways, simplicity of design, along with the quality of the and feel of the materials, makes this my favourite item.”
After a quick coffee break, Helen and I were shown into the extensive onsite warehouse and factory. Holding over 1M items of stock, the shelving units towered above us, resulting in a surreal experience. Their uninterrupted supply chain has allowed RIVA Home to thrive, even during COVID – where they saw a 60% uplift.
Back in reception, Jono presented the blackboard wall, featuring their fundraising scheme for Martin House Charity, involving a sponsored walk along the 3 peaks in Yorkshire. 1p from each RIVA Home sale is also donated to the charity, who provide family-led hospice carefree of charge to children and young people with life-limiting illnesses. We were moved by their passion to give back, and we would like to encourage readers to find out more about the cause.
Towards the end of our visit, we sat down with Anna Jones, Brand lead at RIVA Home. She has developed several brands for the company, including Furn, a fun and youthful range. Anna was excellent at proving insight into why RIVA Home had chosen to become a supplier of AIS. With a strong ethos of ‘bring quality to life,’ Anna felt this aligned with AIS and its members, and looks forward to connecting with a new generation of buyers. Helen and I couldn’t help but be in awe of Annas’ passion and commitment to RIVA Home and Great British design.
As Helen and I left RIVA Home, we each expressed how impressed and awed we were by the team and their products. Hopping on the train back to Derby, we discussed how unique their brands were, and the exciting new possibilities for AIS members.
It was a fantastic day and an eye-opening experience. The team were delightful, and we very much look forward to working with them as an AIS supplier. We know our AIS buyers will love the products just as much as we do!
