MAMAGREEN CEO Vincent Cantaert, on emerging stronger after the COVID-19 pandemic
A word from our CEO Vincent Cantaert, MAMAGREEN—
What we have learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and how MAMAGREEN is emerging stronger
We have been a trendsetting innovator in the casual furniture industry since MAMAGREEN started back in 2007. The shock of the pandemic initially scared us, yet turned into a wake-up call: “what can we do better,” “what do our customers want,” “how to improve our organization.”
During the spring and early summer of 2020, it became clear that a multi-level impact was reshaping the design furniture market. Projects for hotels and resorts grinded to a halt and we received less requests for custom designs. However, as we had a bit more time, our MAMAGREEN Design Lab could fully focus on developing new collections for 2021 and 2022. The next two years we are scheduled to release a large number of new introductions, introducing new styles, materials, and functions.
MAMAGREEN CEO, Vincent Cantaert
As spending patterns changed, due to quarantine restrictions, work-from-home policies, and travel bans, the “stay-cation” became the most relevant residential trend. More than ever before, people enjoy, value, and re-design their personal outdoor space whether it is a small balcony, a city backyard, or a sea-front property. Outdoor dining sets, lounge, and casual furniture designed to the residential market, saw an uptick in demand.
Fortunately, we have a relevant assortment in our distribution center in Richmond, VA and our small but diligent team could handle most requests. Production at our factory in Indonesia also continued, continually replenishing this inventory.
Since news of the vaccine spread, we have seen a steady growth in demand from the hospitality industry. Many commercial properties changed ownership and redesigning their outdoor space is considered absolutely essential. We are optimistic that the second half of 2021 will see the gradual reopening of fully operational hotels, resorts, and restaurants.
COVID-19 restrictions have severely impacted the global supply chain and many companies face delays and cost increases. More than ever before, we are happy that we decided to maintain control of our R&D and manufacturing operations. MAMAGREEN will increase its inventory levels, gradually reducing lead times for 2021 and beyond.
We have expanded our digital marketing support team, and added a dedicated residential sales director, as we are convinced that improved communication, in combination with a digital library, will lead to increased customer satisfaction.
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Me? I couldn’t be prouder to work with a leader like Vincent. One who in the face of so much uncertainty put our business infrastructure, and you… our customers first.
If you want lifestyle & luxury, contact me.
✌️ Be well, be safe, and be happy.