MIRRORS & MIRRORED CABINETS Joanne Cowley
HiB
BKU’s Matt Broughton spoke with Joanne Cowley, HiB Category Manager, about the Spring launch and staying relevant for future products.
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peaking with HiB’s Joanne Cowley, it’s clear the company has had a busy 2024 so far: “Since our Autumn 2023 launch, our product development team has invested a huge amount of time researching and designing the new ranges, which we are finally now able to proudly share with the industry as part of our Spring 2024 Launch.”
Alongside its new Sanitaryware category, HiB has also been working hard to develop some standout mirror and cabinet ranges that capture the consumer’s attention, but also provide the quality and functionality that is essential for the bathroom. “We’ve been focused on refining technology and the build quality of our mirrors and cabinets, to really maximise the impact and longevity of our ranges, making sure they reflect the quality that our customers have come to expect.”
KBB was - as always - a key date in HiB’s calendar. “Being so close to HiB’s Inspire House Distribution Centre in Tamworth, it is an ideal base to meet up with suppliers, partners and customers,” says Joanne. “Though we haven’t exhibited for some time, it is often a good opportunity to network and see some of the developments in the bathroom and kitchen industry on the whole. We often have guests who have travelled to KBB visit our site to take a look at our in-house showroom.”
With regards to mirrors and cabinets, HiB is really focusing on colours and finishes. “We’ve just released our new Vaida illuminated mirrors, which offer a round tray design with brushed steel, brushed brass, dusky pink and sage green finishes. We’ve seen a real desire for bolder mirror designs and what was key for us with this range, was to ensure that we offered the right shape and colours that are on trend.”
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Staying relevant in mirrors and mirrored cabinets means answering a genuine need from the customer and innovation
Similarly, the new Nova mirror range, which is an arched illuminated mirror available in black, brushed brass and gunmetal, is right on trend thanks to its shape, finish and sizing options. “Arches are hugely popular and we have seen success in this shape with our other ranges, so to provide an enhanced mirror offering to our customers in this launch was a must.” I ask Joanne how HiB stays relevant to customers’ needs. “Without doubt, staying relevant in mirrors and mirrored cabinets means answering a genuine need from the customer and innovation. Our product development teams are continually designing new mirrors and cabinets concepts that provide the right technology, desirable shapes and options. We
have steered clear of technology-stuffing our products, making sure that we answer the feedback from our customers, by only bringing to market features that are useful and enhance the bathroom experience.”
Unlike other areas of the bathroom, mirrors and cabinets can be more trend-led thanks to their ease of installation. When compared to other elements of the bathroom such as showers, furniture and toilets, mirrors and cabinets can be updated and changed a lot easier. Joanne believes this is one of the reasons why consumers can go bolder with their mirror and cabinet choices, choosing colour, finishes and shapes that complement the latest trends. “From our research, we expect this preference to continue. Of course, there will always be a space for conventional shapes and finishes, but we expect there to be a continued interest in more unique, statement products over the next 12 months.” Joanne is staying tight lipped when I ask what’s the next BIG thing for HiB: “That would be telling! What we can say is that though our new products for Spring 2024 have been revealed, it doesn’t mean we’ve slowed down at all. We’re looking ahead to Autumn 2024, Spring 2025 and beyond. There are plenty of exciting ranges in the pipeline and as a business, we are also working on a huge number of projects to enhance our customer service, deliveries, operations and marketing. There is never a dull moment at HiB.”
36 BKU JUNE 2024
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