INDUSTRY VIEWS
Rangemaster: A strong year for nature-inspired colours
Comment by Iskender Diker, Director of Sales & Marketing, Rangemaster appliances
Working with retailers
In the wake of COVID, retailers – once they are able to reopen - will need to be savvier than ever before in how they use their space and displays to entice and engage consumers. With so many elements to consider and choose from when it comes to creating a new kitchen, surface brands need to be creative in how they support their retailer partners to ensure visibility within a showroom setting. Surfaces are practical and tactile, touched and interacted with on a daily basis so they need to be positioned in a way that they can be felt and seen so consumers can really visualise how a surface could look and feel in their home.
As consumers look to update and improve their kitchens, following an extended period at home during lockdown, a greater desire for open-plan living and bringing the outdoors in, has already started sculpting trends for the year ahead. Indeed nature-inspired palettes are emerging as a strong focus for kitchens and appliances in 2021. In recent years, it’s all been about navy cabinetry, but we expect to see more leafy greens and stone blues in the year ahead, particularly for range cookers. A brushed stainless steel range cooker will always be popular in a modern kitchen, but consumers see incorporating appliances in coloured finishes as a way to create individuality. For the retailer, an appliance in a vibrant finish taking centre stage in a showroom display – or on social media – can only be a good thing. Not only does it work to attract attention and draw people into a showroom, it’s also a great talking point and conversation starter.
INDUSTRY VIEWS
The double blow of Brexit
It’s been a double hit to the start of the New Year for retailers. Not only have we had Lockdown #3, we’ve also had the blow of Brexit. Even before the referendum took
place in 2016, we’ve been planning with our European manufacturers. While leaving the EU was not the outcome that we – or our European partners – wanted, we’re here and we’ve got to deal with it. For retailers, the early start of this year
is getting to grips with new systems and processes. These are going to impact every KBB retailer, whether you sell German kitchens, or your British-made ranges are waiting on the supply of European components. It’s not only dealing with customs duty
and VAT charges, but it’s also impacting how kitchens and bathrooms are ordered and delivered. Quality will come to the fore because
Comment by Nick Jones, Sales Leader, Wilsonart UK & Ireland
it’s not as easy to get replacement parts delivered quickly. You’ll need a partner that confirms your designs, so all vital components are delivered in one go, complete and undamaged. Now is not the time for blaming Brexit. It’s here. All retailers are in the same boat. What matters is how your suppliers’ partner with you. Find a good partner and you’ll build a brilliant business. Regardless of Brexit.
Comment by Wayne Dance, Managing Director, InHouse Inspired Room Design
BKU FEBRUARY 2021
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