Insights and Inspiration from Empine

How Empine supported Schmidt Groupe with their print across 30 UK showrooms.

Written by Emily Yates | Jul 8, 2026 9:01:33 AM

About the Client

Schmidt Groupe is a European leader in designing bespoke home furniture, with roots going back more than 90 years. The company first produced sideboards and storage furniture, which were considered modern innovations at the time. Today, Schmidt Groupe has grown into a major global brand with:

  • More than 10,000 employees

  • Six high tech factories

  • A strong commitment to sustainability

  • A focus on human care and craftsmanship despite large scale production

Across Europe, the group operates four brands. There are over 900 Schmidt showrooms in France and around 30 showrooms in the UK.

The Challenge

When Tamara stepped into her role, her primary responsibility was to build and implement the marketing department from the ground up. From campaign localisation and showroom support to signage, print materials, exhibitions and point of sale materials, she single handedly managed the full marketing workload across 25 – 30 showrooms across the uk.

She needed a partner who could:

  • React quickly in a fast-paced environment

  • Work as an extension of her team

  • Anticipate needs

  • Deliver high-quality print, signage and visual merchandising

  • Provide clear communication and transparent pricing

At the time, Schmidt UK also lacked a reliable system for managing their branded merchandise, uniforms and print collateral. Showrooms were frustrated.

She began searching online for a partner who looked professional, human and capable of supporting a growing national brand. That is when she found Empine.

The Strategy

Tamara reached out and spoke with Anthony directly. His willingness to help immediately stood out. She needed someone dynamic, responsive and patient, and she felt that within minutes of speaking to him. This relationship quickly became the extra pair of hands she desperately needed.

Empine began supporting Schmidt all their physical branded assets such as:

  • Collateral for showrooms

  • Signage and vinyl

  • Printed marketing materials 

  • Exhibition displays

  • Ad hoc urgent requests

Over time, the partnership deepened to today where they have a fully customised eshop for Schmidt UK, where showrooms could order uniforms, leaflets, POS, branded merchandise and business cards. Empine provided that platform.

Key features include:
  • A customisable ordering system

  • Promotional gift sections

  • Print on demand materials

  • Branded POS for showrooms

  • Clothing and uniforms

A user-friendly interface suitable for more than 30 showrooms

This solved a long-standing operational headache for Schmidt. The platform also positioned the UK division as a pioneer, as this module was new for the wider Schmidt Groupe and needed to fit within global brand guidelines.

The Results

The partnership has transformed Schmidt UK’s marketing efficiency and reduced pressure on Tamara’s team. The reliability of Empine’s fulfilment has become essential.

Benefits include:
  • A dependable partner who reacts immediately

  • Clear communication about costs and timelines

  • Rapid turnarounds, even when deadlines feel impossible

  • A fully customised eshop used daily by showrooms

  • High quality print, signage and exhibitions that match Schmidt’s premium brand identity

  • Consistent support during urgent and unexpected situations

  • A dramatic reduction in operational friction and missing stock

This level of reliability has set an extremely high bar for suppliers.