Don't Go Crazy, Go Mad About Furniture!

When two entrepreneurs visited Spain on holiday nearly seven years ago, they discovered that something was missing from the developing paradise known as the Costa del Sol. An idea was sown and that missing element was to become their niche to fill in the home furnishing market.

Mad About Furniture Pictue 01 Steven Dixon and David Gibson, the owners of Estepona-based Mad About Furniture, realised that what people buying property here needed was a business offering them a full furniture package service. It was their opportunity, and they took it!

Not the types to rush into something without having researched their idea thoroughly, they spent a couple of years putting their plans into motion and moving over to the Coast, opening their doors to the public in January 2001

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A one-stop shop to completely furnish and accessorise their new property

The idea behind the business was initially to offer a complete service whereby Spanish property owners based abroad could, in effect, visit a one-stop shop to completely furnish and accessorise their new property. And as more and more people continue to flood into Spain, either buying investment properties, holiday homes or permanent residences, the two owners have certainly noticed a few changes during their five and a half years of trading. As Steven points out, “We started out with three container loads of furniture from Mexico and the UK – that was to last us through the first year. This month, we’ve already taken delivery of six full container loads!”

Mad About Furniture Pictue 02 It’s a concept that has really taken off and the competition has increased enormously over the years. But Steven and David are up to the challenge and are constantly sourcing new and exciting stock for their customers. “It’s important to keep adapting to changes in the market and ensuring that we are still offering the best products to our customers,” explains David. “That’s why we now travel all over the world to furniture shows and suppliers to make sure that we keep our ideas fresh and incorporate the latest designs into our stock.”

So how does it work?

With so many people still buying properties off plan, it is essential for the staff at Mad About Furniture to have a thorough understanding of the purchase process here so that they can reassure their customers, especially when problems occur. First contact is often via their website, where potential purchasers can view a selection of furniture items available, as well as learn about the concept behind Mad About Furniture and the services they can provide. All the staff in the shop are trained to be able to create bespoke quotations for each of their customers, even if access to the apartment or villa is impossible. “Many of our customers have never even seen the inside of their new property when they first speak to us. Some of them have plans of the property but if not, we can usually give them an accurate idea of what will work in the space they have available. If in doubt, we will visit the development ourselves, have a look at the show apartment and discuss dimensions with the sales staff onsite to make sure we are aware of all the requirements in a particular property” explains Steven.

If customers are able to visit Spain prior to completion on their property, they are welcomed into the Estepona showroom and guided around the different options available. If travelling to Spain prior to completion is not practical for the customer, the staff are well versed in getting everything organised via email and telephone, liaising with lawyers for access, arranging post construction cleans and electricians, and ultimately completely kitting out their customer’s new property. The end result? The customers just have to unpack their suitcases when they arrive and enjoy their new property, furniture and environs.

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Supported by four excellent members of staff, the business has continued to grow and develop while still offering a very personal service to its customers. Mad About Furniture has also been approached by a number of real estate agents and developers to furnish their show apartments – a true demonstration of their unique flair, professionalism and reliable service. They’ve even been featured on BBC television demonstrating just how they go about furnishing an entire apartment, from lighting through to furniture, accessories and kitchen packs, in just one day.

Always appreciative of the support of friends and family, as well as the hard work put in by their staff, they pride themselves on being the approachable furniture company. Clients come back again and again, just to say hello, ask for local recommendations or general advice on living in Spain. As Steven explains, “It’s very exciting for us to see the business grow, but it’s hard work and we really appreciate our staff who work so hard to provide such a great service to our customers as well as the loyalty demonstrated by the customers themselves over the past five years.”

So, what does the future hold for Mad About Furniture? Once again they will be showcasing their latest furniture offerings at the third Homes & Gardens Expo taking place in Malaga in October. “It’s a great opportunity for us to demonstrate our products and our service to a wider audience.” With numerous furniture shows and exhibitions coming up over the next few months as well, it looks like more busy times ahead for this entrepreneurial duo.

If you would like to receive a Free, No-Obligation Furniture Pack Quote, please complete the Enquiry Form below with your details below and we will get back to you immediately.

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Mad About Furniture, Atalaya Park, N340 KM168, (b/w Estepona and San Pedro), Marbella, Spain www.madaboutfurniture.com