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Take my hand, hop in the DeLorean, and join me on a journey 10 years into the future … While editing Furniture News, I'm all about context and perspective, but I nonetheless thought it was about time we indulged in a little wild speculation and considered what the furniture industry might look like in the (not-so-distant) future. What do you imagine? VR gloves that let us ‘touch and feel’ furniture online from our home? Personalised mattresses, 3D printed to suit? A pill that means we never need to sleep? Alongside the more leftfield suggestions, in July's issue you’ll find common themes uniting our contributors’ thinking – AI assistants, automation, smart furniture, and the rise of D2C among them. How likely are these outcomes, and will your business be ready for them? A theme cited by the majority of respondents is the growth of sustainable practices and the circular economy – from net zero operations to material reuse – driven by both consumer demand and stark economic realities. In this month’s issue, you’ll also find our latest look at the furniture industry’s eco-conscious directions, with the repurposing of waste materials a common thread. On 10th July (electioneering behind us), it’s again going to feel like time travel when, after a five-year break, we return to Manchester Central to enjoy the popular summer buying event. Packed with new product, special features and opportunities to socialise, Manchester Furniture Show promises a return to form – and you’ll find Furniture News there on stand A36. Read our preview feature to get a taste of what to expect … Elsewhere in July’s issue, we’re looking back at Long Point and the Spring Furniture & Bed Show, and celebrating this year’s Design Guild Mark recipients. MattressNextDay’s principals talk us through their winning strategies, Emma’s director of European retail gives us the lowdown on the brand’s new flagship store, and we’re ‘getting personal’ with furniture consultant Nathan Edwards. You’ll also find valuable retailing tips from regular columnists Gordon Hecht, Adam Hankinson and Steve Pickering, and opinion pieces on AI in design, cash flow, and return-to-vendor (RTV) situations – all capped off by a look at how to remain optimistic when faced with bad news. So take a seat, fire up the flux capacitor, and spend some time with July's Furniture News! Read it at https://lnkd.in/gQ_5fwhE #b2b #magazine #furniture #furnitureindustry #trade #future #insight #news #product #tradeshow #events #beds #upholstery #cabinet #furnishings #predictions #business