SHOWER FOCUS: IMPEY A
cross the UK, merchants are keen to capitalise on opportunities to service the increased demand for wetrooms by securing sales of wetroom systems to installers and specifiers. Steve Huntly, group sales director from UK wetroom manufacturer Impey says merchants can really take advantage of the ‘wetroom boom’ if they want to. “Latest research forecasts that the wetroom market will be valued at £106 million by 2021,” he says. “From large multiples to smaller independents, merchants are recognising that their showrooms are a valuable resource in the wetroom sales cycle and investment in displays is offering staff increased opportunity to grow wetroom sales.
“The investment in wetroom displays necessitates the need for showroom staff to demonstrate a clear understanding of the modern wetroom installation process and the ability to convey this knowledge to customers (installers, specifiers and consumers alike.” Huntly says that wetroom education is key. “Our specialist ‘We Are Wetrooms’ training team has been working in tandem with merchants to offer in-house training, to showroom staff; creating beneficial learning opportunities, and opportunities for merchants to increase the volume of wetroom systems being sold over the counter.“
Investment in knowledge Over the past three years, since the ‘We Are Wetrooms’ training tour launched, he company has seen installers grow their skills and confidence to install wetrooms, which is enhancing their earning ability. Likewise, he contnues, opening up these new opportunities to merchants creates a knowledge hub; with staff who have the tools and confidence to pass on relevant information and work with installers as product advocates.”
Facts and Stats
A recent AMA Wetroom Market Report estimates that 5% of UK homes currently have a wetroom Huntly says.
“In 2016 there were 290,000 wetrooms installed across commercial and residential end-use applications, with a market value of £87 million. With market value figures steadily growing year-on-year, as is the number of annual installations and of course product purchases. The estimated wetroom market value for 2021 is a staggering £106 million, with wetrooms predicted to become a more mainstream addition to homes and commercial settings. Many consumers are installing accessible showering options to ensure their homes are future proof, to create lifetime homes, to facilitate multi-generational living or
WET WET WET ROOMS
Wetrooms are still one of the hottest home trends on the market. BMJ spoke to wetroom specialist Impey to find out what merchants need to know.
to accommodate the requirements of visiting family or friends. Along with this, the on-trend wetroom concept remains aspirational and sought-after for home-owners keen to create a luxury feel to their showering spaces; with limitless possibilities for décor, tiling and colour schemes.”
Huntly says that technological advancements in product research and development has led to reliable, high-quality product ranges, including floor formers and tanking kits, which can be installed quickly and easily in virtually every kind of bathroom situation.
“The versatility of a wetroom installation ticks-boxes across an all-encompassing list of requirements catering for every type of shower user, leading many specifiers and installers to consider a wetroom as the ultimate showering concept.”
Offering support
2019 will see some changes for the Impey ‘We Are Wetrooms’ training tour, he continues. “In addition to hands-on training, there is much information to be gathered online. We have our own YouTube channel, where we offer fitting demos and advice, which can be an invaluable way to learn more about wetroom installation: “All showrooms with an Impey display are now listed on the Impey website ‘Outlets
November 2018
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net
Finder’ – where installers, consumers and specifiers can quickly and easily search for their closest showroom. And, at selected merchants, watch out for our new ‘AquaKit’, wetroom system deals, which are available for a limited time. When buying all relevant components (AquaDec wetroom floor former and WaterGuard tanking) together, triggers a discount on the total ‘AquaKit’ cost.” BMJ
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