PURCHASING PROPERTY in the Algarve is stressful at the best of times – when it comes to choosing furniture for your dream home, it shouldn’t be a nightmare.
This was how Mike and Nikki felt after completing their two-bedroom apartment in Lagos in 2004. “We totally underestimated that delivery times, price and quality would all fluctuate substantially from purchasing furniture back home,” they said. All of which posed huge problems when working on tight budgets and limited time to fully furnish the property. “On returning to the UK, we felt frustrated, anxious and were already planning our next trip to complete the furnishing and take delivery of the final items (eight weeks after the completion).”
The couple so often heard that it was easier and cheaper to purchase the furniture in the UK and transport it over – which got them thinking… “Our family has been manufacturing, sourcing and retailing furniture in the UK for the last 60 years. With the expert knowledge and sourcing facilities that we possessed, we were in a great position to fulfill our dreams and open a retail branch specifically for the Algarve,” they said.
The new venture required weeks of careful research, as it became apparent that there was a huge demand for good quality British beds and mattresses. From this, Mike and Nikki contacted Silent Night, Sealy and Layezee, all of which are world famous brands that manufacture the best mattresses in the world, and also serve the international hotel industry. And so, the couple has recently opened Planet Sofa in Lagos.
“We are now the Algarve’s retail agent for these companies and stock large quantities of both mattresses and divan sets. It has to be said that our research has definitely paid off, as already, after only five weeks of trading, we have sold over 70 mattresses and 43 divan sets!”
The main business focus was on all the “problems” that they first encountered buying furniture in the Algarve. Trading from a 500sqm showroom and the facility to carry vast quantities of stock, Mike and Nikki aim to provide their customers with an unparalleled service; promises that are kept, delivery that is reliable and punctual, and the best quality furniture at “down to earth prices”. “We are proud to be different!”
Planet Sofa also stocks fine quality fabric, genuine leather sofas with sofa bed options, dining room tables and occasional furniture to complement your home. Also on offer is a “Ready Rooms” service, in which qualified staff fully co-ordinate various room sets for the lounge, dining room and bedroom, according to style and budget.
Why not pay Planet Sofa a visit? It is located in Lagos, on the road to Praia D’ Ana, opposite Hotel Golfinho. Tel: 282 762 070 or visit www.planetsofa-algarve.com
