Nictus: Embracing evolution and redefining furniture shopping in Namibia

Namibia's renowned furniture company, Nictus, is making waves with its commitment to redefining the furniture shopping experience.

Since its establishment in 1945, Nictus has consistently evolved its product offerings while remaining true to its authentic Namibian identity. In an exclusive interview with Francois Wahl, Nictus's managing director, the discussion revolved around the company's growth and recent rebranding efforts, providing insights into their mission of meeting customers' ever-changing needs.

Wahl emphasised the importance of evolving while respecting the brand's heritage, stating:

"With everyone who has been involved with Nictus that has come and gone, you want to respect what has happened in the past but also look to the future to springboard your company into the future also because you can’t be caught lagging behind and being stuck in the past."

This approach has been instrumental in Nictus' success in bringing modern furniture from various countries and updating their product offerings.



Streamlining the brand

Over the past years, Nictus has strategically focused on sourcing modern furniture from around the world, including Brazil, Portugal, Germany, Malaysia, and China. This has allowed them to modernise their product range while still incorporating elements of the traditional styles that resonate with their customers. The goal is to strike a balance that appeals to a broad customer base.

"I wouldn’t call it a complete rebrand. I would call it a refreshing of our brand," Wahl explained.

He described the changes made to the logo, stating: "We have just struck it down a little; we have made it a bit more clean; we have flattened it out a bit."

These adjustments have allowed Nictus to retain recognisable elements while giving the brand a fresh and streamlined look.

Wahl further highlighted the impact of the rebranding, stating: "The new corporate colours have brought a new confidence to the staff, making us eager to serve our customers and treat them like royalty."

This renewed enthusiasm among staff reflects their commitment to providing exceptional service and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Nictus Giga, the flagship showroom, stands as a testament to Nictus' commitment to excellence. According to Wahl, it is "special not only for Namibia but for southern Africa and the southern hemisphere."

He emphasised the uniqueness and variety of products offered at Nictus Giga: "You won't find anything like it."

The showroom caters to diverse customer needs, offering furniture for interior and exterior spaces and, recently, an office furniture range.



Accessible everywhere

In terms of geographical reach, Nictus has established its presence with seven stores strategically located throughout Namibia. Wahl said: "We have our flagship in Windhoek, and then we redid our Tsumeb store last year... So, we are in Tsumeb, we are in Ongwediva also, we are in Swakopmund, and in Walvis Bay."

The company has also expanded its reach through an online store, enabling nationwide delivery and providing customers across the country with access to their extensive product range.

Wahl highlighted the popularity of certain items.

"We are probably most well-known for our leather lounge suits, which do very well." He also mentioned the success of appliances, televisions, mattresses, and the newly-introduced office furniture line. Furthermore, Nictus has gained recognition for its competitively-priced big chest freezers, catering to the local demand for adequate meat storage.

With a commitment to growth, customer satisfaction, and a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, Nictus continues to solidify its position as a leading furniture provider in Namibia. Through its evolving product offerings, dedication to exceptional service, and commitment to the authentic Namibian experience, Nictus remains at the forefront of the country's furniture industry.