EP 215 | Retail & Direct-to-Consumer Sales for Interior Designers with Adene Lucas
March 30, 2021
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Should interior designers add a retail or direct-to-consumer component to their business?
In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Adene Lucas to discuss the realities of launching a retail and import business alongside an interior design firm.
While retail sales can create additional revenue streams and strengthen your brand, they also come with operational complexities, regulations, logistics, and financial considerations many designers underestimate. Adene shares practical advice for designers considering importing products or expanding into direct-to-consumer sales.
If you’ve wondered whether retail could become part of your business model, this episode offers valuable insight before you take the leap.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
• Why product research matters before importing goods
• The importance of understanding where products originate
• How customs brokers help navigate complicated import regulations
• Why designers should prepare for unexpected inspections and added costs
• The role of qualified receiving and moving teams in the import process
• Why retail markups may need to be higher than expected to remain profitable
• How retail sales can complement an interior design business strategically
DESIGN INTERVENTION
Keep your eye on the end goal in order to stay motivated.
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Legal Disclosure | This podcast is for educational purposes only and provides general business advice for interior designers and design professionals. It is not intended as individual legal, accounting, or professional guidance. Kimberley Seldon and Business of Design® make no guarantees regarding accuracy and are not liable for how information is used. Strategies shared may not apply to every situation—listeners should seek qualified legal, financial, or professional advice before making business decisions. References and resources mentioned may change over time.