a year in review
2009: a year
instructions, clearer packaging and
value-focused price points. This ap-
proach also applied to DIY, as those
Clean up with
in review
of you that stock hardware lines ap-
pealed to consumers opting to carry
by Naomi Davis
out necessary home improvement Rug Doctor!
I don’t think there are many that are sad to tasks themselves. Many of you wel-
see the back of 2009. That it was a difficult comed first time DIY-ers with products
Carpet cleaning machine rental through retail
year for the retail sector and the economy as that made tackling new projects simple
outlets is now well accepted by consumers.
a whole has been discussed more than and affordable. Additionally the global
‘Retailers always need to explore new income
enough over the last 12 months so I will focus on the environment has trans-
generating opportunities by widening their of-
leave that there! Fortunately for the formed the industry. New legislation
fer, but never more so than during these
garden and hardware sector regarding light bulbs and VOCs has
tough trading times,’ says Mike Holden, Rug
there have been some oppor- forced changes, whilst interest in
Doctor Managing Director. Rug Doctor rental
tunities that savvy suppliers reducing our carbon footprint has
outlets enjoyed year-on-year growth in 2009;
and retailers have pounced on brought a plethora of opportunities
heavyweight TV advertising campaign last au-
and, in doing so, secured the with key growth areas in insulation,
tumn prompted massive rental numbers over
buoyancy of the industry. water butts, energy saving technolo-
the Christmas peak and, to maximise demand
A younger generation of con- gy, sustainably sourced wood, and
at the beginning of 2010, the brand is back
sumers were inspired to start products made with the environ-
on TV with an even bigger spend during the
making the most of their ment in mind.
Easter spring clean peak. Ongoing product
homes. Consequently interest in Suppliers have been key to the
support like this is really valued by retailers
Grow Your Own (GYO) has industry’s success, creating prod-
and has resulted in the growth of Rug Doctor
boomed over the last 18 months, ucts and services that have enabled
machine demand across the country with over
with consumers in pursuit of you to remain on trend, adaptable
400,000 rentals being achieved in the UK
everything GYO-related, from and efficient. Here is a selection of
alone last year. By positioning a Rug Doctor
growing tomatoes and courgettes some of the best stories from 2009
display at the front of the store, the retailer
to keeping chickens and bees! from suppliers that are set to remain
has the opportunity of capturing impulse
There were plenty of innovations strong in 2010. Lets raise a
sales as well as planned rentals. The beauty of
and initiatives to help turn new cus- metaphorical toast to weathering
Rug Doctor’s rental concept is that the same
tomers into enthusiasts; products be- the storm and to a new year!
cleaning machines just keep generating profits
came more accessible, with easy to understand
over and over whilst Rug Doctor’s dedicated
team keep the machines in top class condition
with regular service calls.
For more information
Artex Unleashes
and is twice as fast, saving the user time and resources.
call 01903 235558,
BladeRunner cuts standard wallboards, some perform-
email Paul.Fildes@rugdoctor.co.uk
ance boards and is easy to manoeuvre making cutting
the BladeRunner
or visit www.rugdoctor.co.uk
arcs, shapes and corners a simple process. The con-
cealed blades are pushed away from the user while
Gyproc Professional Tools from Artex Ltd chose walking forward, reducing the risk of accidents. The
Totally Tools 2009 for the launch of BladeRunner, long lasting blades are easily replaced, with replace-
an innovative solution for cutting plasterboard on site. ment cartridges available in packs of six and 12. The
This easy to use, hand-held device cuts both sides of product launch has been supported with advertising,
the plasterboard simultaneously, enabling the user to PR activity, on-line initiatives and promotions.
cleanly snap the section away. It provides a neater, For more information visit
more professional finish than a standard utility knife www.gyprocbladerunner.com
Pack it away
With four variable height settings, the highly inno-
vative Pack-Away bucket is a great product for use
in the garden or for any aspect of DIY work. Its
The innovative Pack-Away bucket was success- collapsible design makes it a favourite with those
fully launched in 2009. It is a fully collapsible, 7 looking to maximise on space, a trend that has
litre, rigid bucket that flat packs from a height emerged as many people choose to stay put rather
of over 35cms including the stainless steel han- than move house. It has an RRP of £17.95.
dle, to less than 5cms, making it a great space For more information call 01243 574 181,
saving product. Easy to extend and easy to col- email nigel.glennie@mulberryimports.com
lapse, this 100 per cent silicone bucket will not or visit www.mulberryimports.com
scratch or dent surfaces. The durable material is
not damaged by sunlight or UV rays and can
withstand temperatures from -40C to +230C.
Garden & Hardware News 23
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