SHOW REPORT
Competing with online With the focus still on online trading and its impact on the retail landscape, several of the educational sessions were devoted to helping retailers compete. Speakers focused on the critical need for better-trained employees, as well as store designs and layouts that make it easy to shop and would excite customers about products available in stores. Will Aubuchon, CEO of the Aubuchon chain of more than 100 hardware stores in America’s northeast, explained how his company has embraced online retailing in order to compete with Amazon and other online sellers. He said it is imperative that consumers be given shopping options - in-store or on the web – if conventional retailers are going to survive. A representative of Benjamin
Moore, one of America’s leading paint manufacturers, pointed out the necessity of upgrading one’s paint department. He said consumers are more colour-aware today. He also said consumers, today, demand very knowledgeable people in the department, as well as an attractive
department, which often includes a sit-down area where they can leisurely make a paint selection. Jim Robisch, senior partner of The Farnsworth Group, revealed research that showed stores are still important “if they are attractively designed, easy to shop and provide information about products to help consumers make purchasing decisions.” The show also featured a number of
awards to manufacturers presented by various organisations. As well as top products, manufacturers were honoured for their packaging, as well as merchandising support and marketing initiatives.
Among information about sales potential revealed during the show was the report that home renovations and improvements in the U.S., especially in kitchen and baths, continue to be strong in 2017, according to Consumer Reports magazine. Americans are expected to spend $317billion on home improvements this year. Also of interest was news that
currently over 30% of U.S. homes have at least one connected device, and the trend is expected to
grow to 60% by 2021, according to market research from Statista. Many products offer a high degree of connectivity and incorporate a certain amount of lifestyle learning to customise operations for end users. Some of these products were being shown at the show. Smart security systems are still the biggest priority for consumers and
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
Grange expands Ultimate range following 2016 success
Offering an exciting new approach to the traditional lap panel design, Grange’s revolutionary Ultimate Panel stormed into the fencing market last year, securing over 800 stockists in the process. With the panel’s success showing no signs of slowing down, the company has now expanded the range to include a comprehensive choice of panel sizes as well as the matching Ultimate Gate, providing retailers with a complete fencing collection. Offering an exciting new
approach to the traditional lap panel design, Grange’s revolutionary Ultimate Panel stormed into the fencing market last year, securing over 800 stockists in the process. With the panel’s success showing no signs of slowing down, the company has now expanded the range to include a comprehensive choice of panel sizes as well as the matching Ultimate Gate, providing retailers with a complete fencing collection.
www.diyweek.net
Manufactured using a number of first to the market design-led features, the Ultimate range offers the highest levels of both functionality and aesthetics. Fine sawn, straight cut slats give a smooth-to-the-touch, luxurious finish and the neat, 40mm rebated frame provides a substantial framework for long-lasting quality. What’s more, the Ultimate Panel and gate have been constructed using mortise and tenon joints for enhanced stability, resulting in one of the strongest, most durable panel and gate ranges on the market. The newly expanded collection now includes four different panel heights, ranging from 90cm X 183cm to 180cm X 183cm as well as a matching gate and is available pressure treated Green for better protection against wood rot and decay. Complete with merchandising materials including an Ultimate range product brochure, step display unit and mini counter top display panel, the collection is
remain top sellers for retailers, but now everything for the home - from lighting and thermostats, to large and small appliances, water heaters and power tools – is becoming Wi-Fi enabled, with remote tracking and managing options. Next year’s show will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center May 8-10.
well supported on the shop floor, enabling retailers to maximise sales opportunities. With SRPs starting at £23.99, the Ultimate Range offers an affordable, long lasting alternative to traditional fencing options.
To find out more, visit
www.grangefen.co.uk.
Retailers interested in working with Grange should call the company on 01952588088 or email
sales@grangefen.co.uk
26 MAY 2017 DIY WEEK 11
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