Avian’s Vision For Luxury Furniture: Innovation, Comfort, And Personalization

FDT Bureau

In an exclusive interview with FURNITURE DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY (FDT), Angad P. Puri, Retail Head of Avian, shares insights into the company’s journey from wholesaling imported furniture to becoming a key player in the retail luxury furniture market in India. With a keen focus on offering a personalized shopping experience and introducing innovative designs, Avian has positioned itself as a trendsetter in the Indian furniture industry. Here, Angad speaks about Avian’s unique approach to luxury furniture, the importance of aesthetics, and the future of the furniture market in India.



AVIAN’S JOURNEY BEGAN IN 2010, CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT HOW IT ALL STARTED AND HOW YOUR FOCUS SHIFTED TO RETAIL?
Angad P. Puri: We started in 2010 by wholesaling imported products, primarily outdoor furniture from Germany, Italy, and Turkey. By 2012, we saw an opportunity in the retail space, especially in a booming market like MG Road. That’s when we opened our first store, and now we have expanded to four stores in Delhi and Gurgaon, catering to both the luxury and mid-luxury market. We carry around 65 brands from 30 countries, offering everything from outdoor sofas to living rooms and bedrooms. We believe in offering products that are unique, not copying existing designs, and focusing on aesthetic comfort.

WHAT DIFFERENTIATES AVIAN’S FURNITURE OFFERINGS FROM OTHERS IN THE MARKET?
Angad P. Puri: The key differentiator for Avian is that we don’t follow trends or copy designs from other markets. We bring in unique, copyrighted designs directly from the source companies. For example, while metals are popular right now, we believe wood is the next big thing. We focus on unique materials like steam beech, walnut, and elm wood, which are mostly found in European countries. Our designs are not only visually appealing but also built for long-term comfort and maintenance, ensuring that customers enjoy their products for years.




COULD YOU TELL US ABOUT AVIAN’S FLAGSHIP BRAND AND YOUR FOCUS ON INTERNATIONAL PRODUCTS?
Angad P. Puri: One of the flagship brands we’re currently marketing is Enza Home, a Turkish brand from the Yataş Group. With 1,800 stores worldwide, they have a very distinct design language and offer everything from sofas to lighting and home accessories. We’re really excited about their launch in India, as they’re one of the few brands where the embassy and government of Turkey are involved. Apart from Enza Home, we work with numerous European, Turkish, and even Indian manufacturers to bring the highest quality products to our stores.

HOW IMPORTANT IS CUSTOMIZATION TO AVIAN, AND HOW DO YOU APPROACH IT?
Angad P. Puri: Customization is a major part of our business, especially for ultra-luxury clients. We have a plant in Manesar where we produce customized products, and we focus heavily on finishes to ensure the highest quality. Customization isn’t just about the product itself; it’s about the experience. Our designers work closely with clients from start to finish to ensure the product aligns with their vision and fits perfectly into their home. It’s not about mass production but offering a unique, personalized experience that lasts.

WITH DELHI BEING A SIGNIFICANT MARKET FOR LUXURY FURNITURE, HOW DO YOU SEE THE EVOLVING TRENDS IN THE INDIAN MARKET?
Angad P. Puri: Delhi is truly the heart of furniture design in India, and the city is a trendsetter. Customers here are highly aware of trends and are quick to adopt new designs. Currently, we’re seeing an interest in fabrics like Bhopal fabric and expect wood to be a prominent trend in the next 6 months. The future of furniture will be more homely, comfortable, and subtle, moving away from metals. We’re also focusing on Tier II and Tier III cities, where there is a growing demand for quality furniture.



HOW DO YOU ENSURE A PERSONALIZED EXPERIENCE FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS AT AVIAN STORES?
Angad P. Puri: We don’t focus on bulk selling. Our stores are designed to offer a personalized shopping experience. Our in-house designers assist customers with space planning, color selection, mood boards, and more. The goal is to understand the client’s vision and create a product that seamlessly integrates into their home. We want our customers to feel confident in their purchase, knowing it will complement their home for years to come.



HOW IS TECHNOLOGY PLAYING A ROLE IN AVIAN’S BUSINESS MODEL, ESPECIALLY IN TERMS OF CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE?
Angad P. Puri: We’re integrating technology into our customer experience to make it as seamless as possible. For example, Enza Home offers a VR experience where customers can visualize how products will look in their homes before making a purchase. We also have a highly active Instagram presence and a website where customers can explore products, check sizes, colors, and even pricing online. We’re bringing the store experience to the customer’s fingertips while ensuring they have all the information they need before making a decision.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO CONSUMERS WHEN CHOOSING FURNITURE FOR THEIR HOMES?
Angad P. Puri: Don’t focus too much on trends or price alone. Your furniture is a long-term investment and will become a part of your life for years to come. Focus on comfort, design, and how the pieces will integrate into your home. Don’t just buy something because it’s in vogue. Choose what makes you happy and fits your space and lifestyle. That’s the essence of a truly great furniture purchase.



FINALLY, YOUR THOUGHTS ON FURNITURE DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE AND ITS RELEVANCE TO THE INDUSTRY?
Angad P. Puri: Furniture Design & Technology magazine is an excellent platform for staying updated on trends and innovations in the furniture industry. It provides valuable insights into what’s happening globally and in India, which helps entrepreneurs like me understand market movements and consumer preferences. It’s a great resource for anyone in the industry, and we look forward to continuing our engagement with the magazine.