The kbbreview Interview // Graham Johnston the kbbreview interview
Graham Johnston
Kitchens International
One of Scotland's biggest KBB retailers, Kitchens International, is back in private hands aſt er an MBO. So how will new owner Graham Johnston restore and grow the multiple award-winning company's fortunes?
Interview: Andrew Davies G
raham Johnston is talking to kbbreview about the seemingly unrelated topic of laser eye-correction and is skilfully explaining how it compares to selling kitchens. This, in itself, illustrates perfectly both the diverse nature of
his retail background and his articulate ability to explain his plans. It also undoubtedly sets up the perfect analogy for anyone writing an introduction to a feature about him. "They're both hugely considered purchases," he explains. "Ultimately, the decision isn't made because of clever marketing, it's made because they trust the expertise of the optometrist sitting opposite them." He is now the owner of one of the best known names in Scottish independent kitchen and bathroom retail and this laser-focus on customer service as the ultimate USP means Johnston's vision of the future for Kitchens International is crystal clear. Founded in 1994, KI, as they usually refer to themselves, is a business with a premium heritage and reputation and nothing demonstrates this more than the impressive number of kbbreview Retail & Design Awards trophies on its shelves. These include Kitchen Retailer of the Year on no less than four occasions. In 2021, it was bought by the James Donaldson Group, a business specialising in timber, construction and interiors and Johnston was appointed as CEO of the newly created Retail & Distribution division, which included KI. It's not hard to see why, his CV is peppered with senior positions at big
retail names like Asda, Three and, of course, Vision Express. But now he has completed an MBO to buy KI for himself and with big
plans for expansion, a promise to challenge conventions on kitchen retail and the really interesting appointment of an advisory board to help steer the company, it has once again become a true independent retailer to watch closely.
"Being independently owned simply gives us much greater freedom to invest where we think it's right," he says… >
August 2026
kbbreview
23
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