NEWS | Round-up
Calls for industry to help build ‘war chest’ for independents
KBSA NATIONAL chair Richard Hibbert (pictured) has called for manufacturers and suppliers to pledge their support to a ‘war chest’ to help fund an advertising campaign to help promote independent retailers.
Hibbert – the managing director of KSL Sudbury – launched the initiative on LinkedIn in a bid to support independent KBB businesses after government lockdown procedures to help contain the spread of Covid-19 forced showrooms to close. Speaking to kbbreview about the initiative, Hibbert said: “In light of this extremely challenging trading period, I would love to get a war chest together to help promote independents to consumers.
“It would be great to get as many manufacturers and suppliers on board to fund an advertising campaign that supports small KBB retail businesses. It will boost the independent sector when it really needs it and in turn would bring great business to the brands that supported them. “I’m confi dent that there will be real demand for kitchens and bathrooms when we come out of the other side of this situation, so, if we can capitalise on that demand by creating a cross- platform advertising campaign promoting independent showrooms across the UK then the whole industry stands to benefi t
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“To the manufacturers and suppliers that say independents are the lifeblood of the industry, this is an opportunity for you to help keep us alive.” Although still very much in the early stages of development, the idea has already garnered support from a number of leading KBB brands on LinkedIn.
In response to Hibbert’s LinkedIn post. Stephen Johnson, managing director of Quooker, said: “I am happy to confi rm that Quooker will pledge some of its annual marketing budget to drive consumers into high-street kitchen showrooms when the virus has been banished. When you have a list of pledges, let me have the info and I will have the media agency prepare a draft schedule and titles for consideration if you feel that will move matters on.”
Simon Bodsworth, managing director Daval, confi rmed his support for the initiative: “I couldn’t agree more, Richard. I think this will defi ne a generation and propel the quality retailers on to the next level, with customers seeking an experience and actively choosing retailers and products who have authenticity and provenance. The quality independent retailer will only thrive after this, especially when you see what’s going on with the mass market right now.” Owain Harrison, country manager for Novy, responded with: “Novy in the UK was built by support from the independents, so we absolutely support promoting the sector both during this crisis and afterwards in better times to come.”
On behalf of Insinkerator Kevin Carr, UK sales director, also offered to support the campaign: “Independent Kitchen retailers are the heartbeat of the industry and should be supported! Count us in.”
Other brands that showed their support for the initiative in LinkedIn include Uform, Neue Alno, Cosentino, Dunavox, and CDUK.
The initiative is open to anyone that wants to give any money to help raise the profi le of independent retailers. If you are interested in donating to the fund or offering support in any other way, please email Richard Hibbert:
richard@kslsudbury.co.uk
· May 2020
kbbreview launches new podcast
THE KBBREVIEW podcast was launched specifi cally to look at how the KBB sector is dealing with the coronavirus situation. In almost daily episodes, Taylist Media managing editor Andrew Davies is talking to retailers and suppliers about what their plans are, how they’re coping, what positive moves they’re making to keep cash fl owing and what they’re learning about their business. “There is such a tangible feeling of all being in this together as we face this emergency, “ Davies said. “And it’s more important than ever to keep talking, keep sharing ideas and keep being positive about what will come out the other side.
“Podcasts are the perfect medium for this, talking things through and hearing other people trying to deal with the same problems you are.” A podcast is an audio show that you can download onto your phone or listen through your computer. The best way to make sure you don’t miss episodes is to use apps such as Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify on your phone or tablet. Simply search ‘kbbreview’ within those apps to fi nd it. Alternatively, you can go to
kbbrpod.kbbreview.com to listen on your desktop.
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