July/August 2024
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Left: Abode’s Pronteau Scandi-X Tap in Matte White Häfele’s Smeg Kitchen Partnership
Michael Marriott, CEO of Waterline, comments: “For many retailers, this shift is a no-brainer. Many have ample space for kitchen displays, large shop floors, plenty of warehousing space, and existing staff – though these staff members are not yet experts in kitchen sales and design. “Moving into kitchens makes commercial sense but it does come with its own set of challenges. This is where Waterline steps in; our skilled team of Sales Managers is dedicated to helping retailers navigate this journey.” The Kitchen Bathroom Buying Group (KBBG), part of DER KREIS, is also where retailers can seek advice and support when considering a move into kitchens – with a unique support package to help appliance retailers make a successful transition. Managing Director, Bill Miller, believes the
future is very bright; he says consumer interest and demand for a new kitchen remains high, but what is needed is a reason to spend now, so once interest rates begin to fall, Mr Miller says he is confident that kitchen sales will increase both in number and value. For those taking their first steps into the market, Mr Miller points out some key considerations… “Firstly, in order to show consumers that you
are serious about selling kitchens, there needs to be room for at least three full displays in your showroom. A member of your team then needs to be responsible for creating the designs, which may mean visiting customers at home. “Another crucial aspect is installation; most
retailers use sub-contract fitters and these need to be reliable and able to deliver the project on time and on budget.”
As the beating heart of the kitchen, it makes sense for appliances to be the starting point of any kitchen design. It’s important for retailers to tap into their customers’ lifestyles and preferred trends.
Häfele supplies appliances from a range of key manufacturers. Samsung, for example, offers appliances in a sleek finish while also brimming with tech capabilities and energy-saving features. Steph Kerr, Senior Product Group Manager – Appliances, Sinks and Taps, comments: “Smeg and Rangemaster also remain coveted statement brands in the kitchen; the latter suits a country or farmhouse design, while Smeg taps into more retro styles. However, both are also good at balancing their aesthetic with modern-day functionality.”
Novus Kitchen by Omega PLC, KBBG Talking of, integrated appliances create a
cohesive and seamless kitchen design; however, cooker hoods and extractors can upset this and leave a disjointed look. Thankfully, BORA has just the answer – cooktop extractor systems. The BORA M Pure is the most flexible of the company’s solutions, designed for consumers to use any shaped pots, pans and other cookware utensils they desire. The two surface induction zones on the right can be connected by the bridging function to create a large cooking zone. The left cooktop detects small pans with its circular induction zones. In today’s modern open-plan kitchens, not
only do unwanted odours need to be removed before stifling the entire living space, but the once humble kitchen sink has now taken centre stage at the heart of the workstation area, combining functionality with aesthetics. As a result, in order for retailers to stay on top of evolving trends they should offer multiple sink and tap style combinations.
25 The BORA M Pure Extractor Hob
The appeal of steel Rob Brooks is the Product Manager for Prima Appliances, Sinks and Taps, an exclusive brand from KBB industry distributor, PJH. He says the sink and tap zone presents some excellent sales opportunities… “It pays to be aware of the latest trends in this sector as well as to offer a good choice of styles, innovations and price points boasting an array of looks and features, suitable for all types of kitchen projects.”
Stainless steel finishes continue to be
popular across the sector, and with sinks it’s no different. They are lightweight yet extremely durable and easy to clean. Prima’s Tight Radius Undermount stainless sinks collection is seeing impressive growth; the tight angles within the sink’s internal corners give a modernistic look, while the undermount style keeps a clean, streamlined appearance on the countertop. Elsewhere, sales of Prima granite sinks are
growing rapidly as consumers recognise the benefits of its luxurious solid feel and scratch, stain and heat resistant surface. Available in both inset and undermount styles,
in a range of sizes, Prima’s colour options include Black, Gun Metal, Light Grey and White, and customers can opt for single bowls or one- and-a-half bowls, compact designs or extra deep bowls. >>
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