Be the best, respect one another and succeed together

Our extended enterprise

Schmidt Groupe has based its business model on three inseparable pillars: production sites that manufacture, a network of independent showrooms (dealer network) that sell and distribute, and suppliers, all of which working together as part of a structured, interdependent ecosystem.

This is what we call the Extended Enterprise.

A unique business model

We have been building this business model since 1934, first with our local suppliers, and then from the late 1970s with the first showrooms and exclusive retailers, for whom we created a structured network.

We were convinced that together, with respect and trust, we could develop our brand throughout France.

Today, this philosophy permeates our every action, because our success depends on the ability of every stakeholder – employees, showrooms and suppliers – to feel like partners and work towards the same goal.

Being better together

Our model is based on a form of interdependence that is unique in our sector.

Schmidt Groupe produces bespoke units. Every project is made to order. The Group does not sell these units directly to customers. Our dealers/partners run independent showrooms that have exclusive rights to resell the products that we have designed for each of our brands.

They are the ones who meet the customers, understand their projects, and design their kitchens or interior solutions. They are the ones who transform our models into bespoke home living projects.

Unlike other sectors where manufacturers create a finished product that the retailer then resells, our model requires ongoing creative collaboration. Our dealers are not simply resellers, they collaborate directly in designing the end project.

This interdependent arrangement does not stop with the showroom network, since our suppliers are also an integral part of this ecosystem.

  • No. 1 French manufacturer of kitchen units

  • €1.6B revenue across the Extended Enterprise

  • 8,600 people in the Extended Enterprise

  • 920 showrooms in over 20 countries

Moving forward together

We go the extra mile to be the best, respect one another and succeed together.

Equipping the showrooms

Schmidt Groupe designs collections, concepts, moods, innovative products, and sales materials. Schmidt Groupe trains, assists and develops entrepreneurs, and supports the human resources strategy of each showroom or group. It also provides the network with specific sales tools, national and local marketing and communication materials for each brand, as well as shared digital solutions for simplifying the teams’ everyday work.

Each partner/dealer, irrespective of size or location, has access to scalable tools and ongoing training designed to raise the bar on their economic performance and grow their business.

Building stronger ties

Empowering events for discussing the Extended Enterprise strategy.

These events are a strong sign of what sets our Group apart from the competition and are essential for leading our major structural and strategic projects to success.

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  • A key marker of our identity

    These events are key markers of what sets us apart and are essential to the success of our major structural and strategic projects.

  • National and international conventions

    Regular events in France and at our subsidiaries, focused on teamwork with the aim of progressing together.

  • Euroforum

    A major, one-of-a-kind event promoting unity, celebration and discovery, designed to boost collective performance.

Training and growing together

Schmidt Groupe Academy: our in-house training organisation.

Every year, 3,000 trainees attend the academy in Sainte-Croix-aux-Mines for the purpose of learning and interacting with others. The venue features Schmidt and Cuisinellà showrooms where trainees can role-play at selling the Group’s solutions.

An online training platform covers all the activities that are central to a showroom’s performance, including sales techniques, showroom management and product knowledge.

Reinforcing our local presence

The Extended Enterprise can also power economic growth for our local communities.

The Extended Enterprise also includes our suppliers, which we see as real partners. Our procurement policy promotes short supply chains, so we prefer buying from suppliers according to their proximity to our sites: first local, then regional, national and finally international.

This commitment to our local economy permeates all our projects. That is how we support our local communities and ecosystem.

This local approach is reflected throughout the network. Our 920 showrooms mean jobs for local people and prospects for entrepreneurs with a deep attachment to their home towns and regions. Many showrooms lend their support to local sports clubs, charities and cultural events.

Discover our sustainable procurement policy

  • 1/4 of our suppliers are based in Alsace

  • €82M in spending across eastern France

  • 100% of our products are manufactured in Europe