International bathroom brands | PRODUCT FEATURE


RETAILER VIEW:


Johnny Bacigalupo, founder of Napier Bathrooms and Interiors


there that might not be readily available in the UK at the moment, but ones that we can develop and extend to the KBB market when relevant.” In addition, with a wider scope and larger pool inspiration,


from which to it’s fair draw to say that


international brands just make for a more varied mix for retailers and con - sumers, which in turn drives competition and innovation. Finally, Elliot Fairlie, product leader UK and Ireland at Wilsonart UK argues that


inter national


brands have an edge over those who work in just one country or territory as they can adapt and intro duce products in a speedier manner thanks to their wide reach and


manufacturing practices of many brands. This drive for sustainability from international brands is especially important because of the comparatively high carbon footprint, which inevitably comes with buying in from overseas Bette manufactures its baths, shower trays and washbasins from glazed titanium steel, which is created from natural materials, is fully recyclable and so durable that all of its products come with a 30-year warranty.


International brands bring new concepts and a more global outlook to the UK market, which helps give designers a different perspective


Adam Teal, head of sales, Kaldewei UK


diverse sourcing capabilities. “This is particularly useful when responding to evolving customer needs or design trends,” he says.


Sustainability is another area where our continental neighbours are very strong, as evidenced by the


November 2023 •


Bette began sourcing and using CO2-neutral steel in 2020 and has reduced emis sions by almost 40% in 2022.


Similarly , Kaldewei, uses natural raw materials steel and glass transforming them into


steel


enamel to craft and create long- lasting and completely recyclable bathroom products.


According to the German brand, such is their commitment to the environment that they have recently started manufacturing their


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Q: What are the challenges? A: Challenges are often human ones – just like a smaller businesses, it’s the people that make all the difference. Long production times are challenging


Q & A


Q: What would you say are the benefits of working with inter- national brands? A: The style, design and inno- vation of international brands is impressive.


Brands such as


Villeroy & Boch, Roca and Toto are all different, but due to their international experience, have developed products that are exceptional.


Q: Why have you chosen to work with the international brands that you have? A: We love their products, their style, and their manufacturing brilliance. Having access to such brands gives us the ability to design bathrooms with elegance, wellness and quality.


in a world where people have become used to get - ting things quickly. Distri bution is more challenging than ever, with many problems in supply that upset relationships with retail end clients.


Q: How has Brexit impacted your relationships with inter- national brands, if at all? A: It has added admin and costs to physically getting the products, especially when some manu fac- turers


don’t have distributor relationships in the UK.


Q: How do your customers perceive these brands? A: Brands such as V&B are very well known by clients due to the market-leading name they have. They know the name and with this comes trust. Italy is so well respected for design, Germany and Spain for manufacturing and Japan for technology and clean- liness – all these reputations assist with our success.


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