All change for Arighi Bianchi’s 170th birthday

Macclesfield’s iconic interiors furniture store, Arighi Bianchi, has undergone a complete revamp of the business to coincide with its 170-year anniversary.

The store revamp is also reflected in a revised corporate identity and updated ecommerce channels.

The renowned furniture destination was established way back in 1854, by Antonio Arighi and Antonio Bianchi, who chose Macclesfield as the ideal UK base for their native Lake Como chic.

Arighi’s (as most locals know it) has now been run by five generations – surviving world wars, pandemics and countless recessions – making it one of the longest established, family-run, independent retailers in the UK. 

The transformation of the business is the culmination of 18 month’s intensive work, based on extensive market and consumer analysis. Nothing was deemed out-of-bounds within the strategy – which encompasses the complete evolution of product, e-commerce, store experience and the look and feel of the new Arighi Bianchi corporate identity.

The senior management team, led by fourth-generation family member Sarah Bianchi, looked beyond the interiors industry, to see how the world’s best lifestyle offers achieve success – observing that great brands don’t just sell – they build communities, whilst fostering relationships with their customers.

Sarah told ilovemacc: “It’s a staggering achievement, to think we have been around for 170 years, however now isn’t the time to rest on our laurels.  Evolution has always been central to Arighi Bianchi’s success.  We spent the last 18 months looking both inside and outside the business to ensure that this amazing legacy continues.

“We’ve been helping people make their house a home for nearly two centuries and our standout product offer has always been central to this and will continue to be.  However, what we have learned is that today’s consumers are looking for more from brands than just great products, it’s about inspiration, curation, ease-of-shop, stand-out customer service, value – and events that help to build a community they feel part of.

“Today marks the start of an evolution – from an iconic homeware’s retailer, to a true lifestyle brand, ensuring that Arighi Bianchi will remain in the heart and minds of customers both in the North-West and beyond for the next 170 years.”

New Marketing Initiatives
A new marketing campaign entitled ‘Postcards From’ – launching for Spring 2024 – will showcase the most coveted global style and ‘how to get the look’ from leading destinations around the world – including Beverly Hills and Sicily.

This season also sees the introduction of ‘Giornale’ – a 16-page publication – available in digital and print versions, offering inspiration covering interiors, luxury lifestyle, travel, food and drink, and beauty. 10,000 copies of Giornale will be distributed at key locations across the country.