In 1988, Minna and Hannu-Pekka Havisto from Nivala were in their early twenties. Hannu-Pekka had just gotten out of the army and it was time to think "why would you want to be when you grow up". The child of an entrepreneurial family had seen up close the entrepreneurship that had become a way of life for his parents and the advantages it brought, both in good and bad. The family managed to have several companies in Nivala, such as Hannu's valinta (K-ruokakauppa) and Hannu's Kenkä (K-kenkä) – named after Hannu-Pekka's father, Hannu.
So it was no wonder that entrepreneurship also attracted young Hannu-Pekka. Everything seemed to fall into place when the family was about to become free of business property in the center of Nivala. With a quick schedule, Hannu-Pekka, together with his girlfriend Minna, decided to open a furniture store, Laatukaluste, in the property. The young couple had gained experience in the furniture industry for a short time at Asko's store in Oulu. While working at Asko, Minna's favorite tasks were, for example, making announcements in the evenings: "Dear customers, we will close our store in ten minutes".
The first years of the fearless entrepreneurial couple got off to a good start. The couple noticed that there was clearly a demand for high-quality furniture in Nivala. In the first years, waterbeds, televisions, rocking chairs and garden swings became hit products. At that time, the furniture was largely from Isku's collection, and Minna and Hannu-Pekka were Isku dealers for about 30 years.
Over the years, both the furniture industry and the store's selection developed rapidly. Manufacturers from Finland and other countries had noticed the strong development of Laatukaluste and wanted to offer their products to the company from Nivala for sale. On more than one occasion, foreigners wondered how such a small town could make such a big effort. Gradually, waterbeds and televisions were removed from the selection, and smaller interior items were also added to the furniture. The selection of the first foreign brands included HAY and Muuto.
Along the way, Minna and Hannu-Pekka have trusted their own vision and instinct about which direction to take the company. The most difficult times were during the recession of the 1990s, but the couple got through these years as well. They have by no means traveled alone, but have almost always had one or two employees by their side. Sometimes there has been an employee just for interior design, and sometimes an employee for logistics and assembly.
In 2011, Laatukaluste made a big leap, which in retrospect really paid off. In that year, the company opened an online store and was almost the first in its field. At first, the world of online shopping seemed like a big mystery. One could not be sure if anyone would find an online store, let alone if people would be willing to make purchases without seeing the product physically. The first online store order, which was a Design House Stockholm Mañana floor lamp, was a big milestone in the company's history.
The online store encouraged entrepreneurs not only to expand their warehouses, but also the number of staff. Fortunately, the commercial property acquired in time made it possible to expand the warehouse under the same roof, which made logistics much easier. In addition, the fact that Laatukaluste's property has always been located next to Posti has been a big help - even today, the company garners praise for its fast deliveries. It has happened a few times over the years that the Posti's car has already closed the doors and the taillights have flashed, but Minna has still run after the car so that even the orders that have just arrived have been loaded onto that day's load.
A small, local furniture company has by now grown into a family business serving the whole of Finland with a big heart. In 2020, Laatukaluste opened its second store in Kokkola, and then it was also time for the descendants of Minna and Hannu-Pekka to join this story. Saara, Hannu-Antti and Olli didn't have the same experience in the furniture industry as their parents did. However, everyone was united by the same fire and interest in the industry and beautiful products. In addition to a family of five, Laatukaluste employs a marketing team, Samu and Pia in Tampere, and Tomi in charge of logistics in Nivala.
In 2020, Minna and Hannu-Pekka deservedly received the Entrepreneur of the Year award. They have survived the turbulent years of the industry and managed to grow their operations all the time. Quality furniture has been a part of the couple's everyday life for almost their entire lives, so it's no wonder that they want to do their best for it. A relationship, a joint business and also children in the same company sometimes cause that even in free time, conversations are easily steered towards work... Laatukaluste has brought with it great successes, wonderful projects and the most wonderful regular customers. Of course, some things have had to be learned the hard way, and so-called apprenticeships are still paid from time to time.
Nowadays, the family business, which resells around 160 different brands, would like to be in people's consciousness, of course, for its wide selection and fast deliveries, but above all also for its warm service and uncomplicatedness. We try to take care of everything by listening to the customer's wishes, whether it is a single online store order or a larger hotel project. Whatever your place of residence, job position, project, interior design budget or desired color scheme, we are here for you.
Laatukaluste - The decorator of your life since 1988.
