The Wall Bed Furniture Shop is unique in the whole of Asia
by Barry Kenyon as Printed in Pattaya Today Newspaper
Just occasionally, you get to meet someone with a highly original idea to market in Pattaya and Jomtien. Only in Stuart Simmons’ case, the business concept is unique throughout the continent of Asia. His company, known informally as “those foldaway bed people”, was set up in 2005 to enable customers to take advantage of the space saving to be made in your typical condo which can be small or large.
So the wallbed & Furniture Shop is all about saving space and making your average condo “bigger”. Yet wall beds are not limited to one room condominiums as they are ideal for that second bedroom. For example, the room can be utilized as an office or children’s playroom and still be available as a bedroom as and when required for friends or relatives who are staying over.
Interestingly, the idea came to Stuart when he was buying his own condo in Jomtien a few years back and failed to find a company offering this particular service. He checked out the costs of importing a foldaway bed structure and found that, with various import taxes, the total would come to almost 100,000 baht which he felt, understandably, was ridiculous.
And so a business plan was born! We can arrange for a cabinet maker to come to your home and advise in detail on the right type of furnishings taking into account existing furniture, wood and finish. Because the cabinets are custom designed, they can also take into account any design alterations you have in mind and, most importantly, can utilise your existing mattress.
It’s no wonder they have received export inquiries from all over the world, noticeably from South America, but his company was not set up with the overseas market in mind. “Our customers locally have included Yensabai Condo, Residence Number One (Cosy Beach), Residences Two and Three and View Talay Condominiums, and we cater for all types of accommodation both modest and upmarket.”
And the company isn’t standing still. They also make custom furniture, better to serve the needs of their largely western clientele. “Space Saving Furniture” will be the name of the game and will include – apart from the wall beds of course – tables (with the chairs fitting snugly under the folding leaves), book cases, wardrobes and cabinets of any type. Given the high quality of the product range, the potential for growth is surely exceptional.
