Has There Ever Been A Better Time To Be An Independent Kitchen Specialist?

All recent consumer surveys point to the fact that independent retailers are winning the battle against the national retail chains, particularly when it comes to a big ticket purchase, such as a new kitchen.

It is the 50+ age group who has the money to spend, and it is this customer group who values the advantages offered by an independent retailer, such as a local and personal service, a wealth of knowledge and experience, and a high quality product offer.  These customers are probably purchasing their second or third kitchen, and so have a clear idea of what they want.  It is the independent retailer who is best placed to meet their needs in a way that a national retail chain cannot hope to match, no matter how much they invest in staff training.  Add to this the recent pension changes that bring the consumer an opportunity to realise some of their pension pot as cash, many will decide to use this to invest in their home with a new kitchen at the top of their shopping list. This has the double benefit of adding value to the home, as well as affording the home owner the opportunity to enjoy their new kitchen.

This is driving a significant increase, this year, in kitchen enquires and sales through independent kitchen specialists, but not all retailers are seeing this. Consumers are being very selective where they are spending their hard earned savings.  Retailers need to make sure they are positioning their business correctly in order to reap the benefits.

There has probably never been such a wide range of well-designed or high quality kitchen products available to independent kitchen retailer; whether that is appliances, furniture, worktops, sinks or accessories. Good design and high quality is no longer the preserve of the most expensive and exclusive product ranges, these are now readily available at very affordable prices.  In addition, the latest generation of kitchen CAD systems enable the consumer to see their dream kitchen come to life before their eyes. This gives the independent kitchen retailer, as never before, the means to exceed their customers’ expectations.

The overall quality of independent kitchen showrooms has never been better, although there is still room for improvement.  Many kitchen businesses now have showrooms that effectively compete with the very best retail outlets in any business channel.

Independent kitchen retailers need to be clear who is their target customer, and then build a business best able to meet the needs of this customer.  It no longer makes sense to try to be all things to all people, specialise and strive to be an expert in every product area.

Simplify your business, rationalise your spending, so that you spend more with fewer suppliers, this not only reduces your administration but also gives you greater leverage with your chosen suppliers. Display products and build relationships with suppliers who support you and offer products that are best suited to your target audience.  If the supplier does not clearly support the independent channel, then why should you support them?

Be bold, brave, specialise and make your business the very best it can be.  The rewards await those who can achieve this.

For more information on the KBBG call Bill Miller, Managing Director on 07887 247 811 or email b.miller@derkreis.co.uk or visit the website at www.kbbg.co.uk

Ends

Image: Bill Miller, Managing Director of KBBG

Note for editors:

The Kitchen Bathroom Buying Group UK is a new organisation set up to support the business of the independent kitchen specialist. Part of the renowned DER KREIS, Europe’s leading kitchen and bathroom buying group, the company has over thirty years’ experience and a turnover in excess of 2.2 billion Euros. Currently operating in nine countries with over 2,700 members, the group provides a range of exclusive tailored benefits and services to support and increase the success of each independent kitchen specialist in an effort to stay ahead of the competition and to promote the success of individual businesses.

For further press information please contact:

Jacqueline at JM Marketing

Tel: 01536 414555

Email: Jacqueline@jmmarketingservices.co.uk

7th July 2015

Categories

Archives

Recent Posts

  • Instantor Press System Now Available at Spinks
    In Instantor
    Instantor has increased the availability of its market-leading press solutions by partnering with AE Spink Ltd., known in the trade as Spinks. Established in 1926, the same year as Instantor, Spinks is a family-run business that operates four plumbing and heating branches, two building supplies and brick centres, three bathroom showrooms, and a dedicated renewables centre. […]
  • Simon Acres Group Shares Industry Action Plan Following KBB Futures Roundtable
    In Simon Acres Group Limited
    Specialist recruitment consultancy and online training provider, Simon Acres Group Limited, unveils the outcomes from the second edition of its KBB Futures roundtable event. With InstallerSHOW as the Associate Host, the discussion was chaired by Amanda Hughes and sponsored by Blanco and Trojan Baths. KBB Futures brought manufacturers, retailers, industry associations and other inspiring leaders together to address the skills gap, improve recruitment, strengthen retention and foster meaningful collaboration across a fragmented industry. […]
  • Instantor Celebrates 100 Years of Innovation at InstallerShow 2026
    In Instantor
    Instantor, market-leaders in press solutions, marked its 100th anniversary at InstallerSHOW 2026, commemorating a century of innovation. The company, which invented and patented the original brass compression fitting in 1926, showcased it’s latest plumbing and heating ranges. The stand was the biggest in Instantor’s history, providing a platform to celebrate the milestone with an interactive game that gave installers the opportunity to win a brand new press tool. Stand 5D22 also featured a special 100 year celebration wall and video to showcase key moments throughout the company’s history, plus a visitor bar serving refreshments each afternoon. […]
  • Instantor Inside to Provide OEMs with Expertly Engineered Solutions
    In Instantor
    Instantor, market-leaders in press solutions, has brought its proven OEM engineering services under a new ‘Instantor Inside’ brand. The company, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026, has been working in partnership with other plumbing and heating product manufacturers for many years to proactively solve their engineering challenges. […]
  • Instantor R-Press Fittings Now Available Through RSL GROUP Wholesalers
    In Instantor
    Instantor, market-leaders in press solutions, has expanded its network of stockists for its R-Press fittings, providing ACR installers with a safer and faster way to join pipework. The innovative range is now available through RSL GROUP Wholesalers, who specialise in supplying air conditioning, refrigeration, heat pump, tools and accessory products to the trade. […]