Deva
Tap Company Acquired by Methven
Methven,
New Zealand’s leading designer, manufacturer and supplier of tap
and showerware has entered a conditional agreement to buy The Deva Tap
Company for $59 million (NZD). Completion will take place on 31st August
this year.
The acquisition will see Methven more than triple its direct distribution
for its unique range of showering products through Deva’s trading
relationships with most of the UK’s major plumbing and building merchants
and DIY groups.
It will also see Lancashire-based Deva - the UK's largest independent
supplier of bathroom, kitchen and shower brassware - become the centre-piece
of Methven’s European growth strategy.
Deva in turn will benefit from cost savings in procurement, engineering,
quality assurance and product sourcing whilst expanding its product development
capabilities across a wider market with selected products going to strengthen
Methven’s Australasian offering.
From
left to right: Paul Eatock (Operations Director), Nigel Derbyshire
(Finance Director) Robert Pryde (Managing Director) The Deva Tap Company
'We
have long achieved excellent growth in what is a competitive UK brassware
market,' explains Deva Managing Director Rob Pryde.
'Our success is founded on a quality, cost competitive offering and responsive
customer service under a capable and committed management team which will
remain with the business. And like Methven – whose Australian tap
and showerware sales were up 54% for the year ended 31st March 2007 –
we too have a sound track record of profitability.
'Methven
clearly considers Deva as highly complementary to its existing business
and follows our recent exclusive distribution of its revolutionary water
saving SatinjetTM shower system earlier this year.'
'We are obviously excited by the new opportunities our acquisition will
bring and looking forward to playing a key role in the continued growth
of the business.'
Methven Chairman, Richard Cutfield, continues: 'As an ambitious growing
business, our acquisition of Deva will enable us to further leverage our
strategic capabilities in design innovation and branding on an international
level whilst increasing shareholder value.'
Cutfield continues: 'Our revolutionary patented products - including SatinjetTM
– along with our branding and design capabilities will add differentiation
and value to the current Deva offering and market proposition in the UK.'
The Deva Tap company’s Lancashire headquarters and distribution site
will continue to operate under is existing identity and the will be no
job losses.
For further information please visit http://www.devatap.com,
e-mail sales@devatap.com or call
(t) 0800 195 1602.
For further information about Methven please visit http://www.methven.biz
Lost
Profit 'Costing Companies Millions'
The
British kitchen, bedroom & bathroom manufacturers industry is wasting
£788m worth of profit every year, according to a new study by business
analysts Plimsoll Publishing.
The report finds that:
25% of companies are making a loss
10% are losing money for the second year running
4% of companies made less than 3% return on investment
The findings suggest that a staggering 199 of the 269 companies covered
would make more profit under new ownership, resulting in £788m extra
revenue in the industry as a whole. At the moment, that money is being
simply thrown away because of companies’ failure to control their
losses and manage their businesses more effectively.
The senior analyst on the project, David Pattison, said: 'These results
prove just why the kitchen, bedroom & bathroom manufacturers industry
is currently hot with takeover talk and speculation about future ownership.
It’s certainly no surprise that trade buyers and private financiers
are taking a close look at the industry – some of these kitchen,
bedroom & bathroom manufacturers businesses have huge potential that
is not being realised at the moment. We’ve heard a lot about private
equity firms recently, and this is one industry where they could reap
rich rewards.'
The Plimsoll report highlights each firm’s hidden potential and demonstrates
how simple changes can transform both the performance and overall value
of a company. Some of the classic strategies which companies are failing
to put in place include:
• Cutting out unprofitable sales. In some cases, a 10% drop in sales
could actually improve profitability
• Looking again at unnecessary stock levels and keeping control of
trade debtors to free up cash
• Reducing borrowing to improve profitability
• Reviewing productivity to the point where sales per staff member
are at least £80,000. This is a key business measure that often
goes unchecked.
The new Plimsoll analysis of the kitchen, bedroom & bathroom manufacturers
industry applies the same tests to each business that any corporate investor
would, identifying a 'profit plan' for each one and outlining its strengths
and weaknesses in an easy to understand format.
The new report is available to order by calling Clair Sherwood on 01642
626422 or e-mailing c.sherwood@plimsoll.co.uk.
Readers can obtain a 20% discount when quoting the reference PR07.
Production
Doubles at Saudi Ceramic
The
doubling of production capacity at Saudi Ceramic (SCC), which commenced
in 2005, continues.
The Saudi Arabian company, one of the oldest Middle Eastern ceramic producers,
aims to reach an output of 32 million square metres by 2008.
The first phase of the project, completed in 2006, has made Saudi Ceramic
one of the region's largest quality porcelain tile producers, with an
annual output of seven million square metres.
These objectives were obtained with the introduction of the most advanced
production technologies, among which the Nuova Firma automated sorting
lines with integrated packaging systems and automated palletising robots,
which load already packed tiles onto pallets, and Uniprintex, the new
offset decoration process.
The Saudi company has recently ordered a seventh automated sorting line
from Nuova Firma, made up of a Synthesis-90 sorting line with 10 stackers
and a CPKS5/60 automatic packaging machine, as well as an Extrapack palletising
robot.
Web: http://www.saudiceramics.com
Super
Summer Savings on Mermaid
Norske
Interiors has launched a summer promotion on selected colours from its
range of Mermaid wall panels. This has been developed to help the dealer
network to increase sales during the warmer months - a period when most
disposable income is spent on holidays or the garden.
A discount of 20% off the normal published dealer price is being offered
on four colours from the ultimate wall panel system collection. Madraperla,
Pervinca, Visone and Cosmo are all on offer and provide a colour to suit
any bathroom, shower or wetroom transformation.
Mermaid is available in three different sizes (2400mm x 600mm, 2400mm
x 900mm and 2400mm x 1200mm). The panels are easy to install, durable,
resilient to mould penetration and no grout is required. As a result,
cleaning is minimal.
The kits include all required profiles, sealants and accessories. Corner
and wall kits also include a cleaning cloth for the customer to help them
maintain the panels and keep them in the best possible condition.
To take advantage of this discount, orders must be faxed to the order
fax line (01472 266700) and must include 'summer special offer' identification.
The offer is only available on kit sales and while stocks last. Orders
must be delivered by 28th September 2007.
'This is a great saving,' says Shaun Gadsby, Sales Manager at Norske Interiors.
'The savings that we are offering will hopefully help encourage sales
of Mermaid over the summer months.'
Web: http://www.norske-int.co.uk
Broughtons
Launches New Aquos Furniture Collection
Broughtons,
the bathroom division of the Lancashire based national distributor Broughton
Crangrove Galley Matrix has extended its portfolio with the addition of
an own brand bathroom furniture range called Aquos.
The
Aquos bathroom furniture collection has been designed to complement the
successful Aquos sanitaryware. The fresh and contemporary furniture range
is available in several practical formats that are suitable for the retailer
looking for interesting styles and finishes at affordable prices.
Aquos bathroom furniture comprises three designs, Modern, Slab and Framed.
Each is available in up to four different colour options with four co-ordinating
worktops. Chris Honer, Sales Director for the Group explains: ‘Bathrooms
are second in line for a makeover for the aspirational consumer today.
Even if it is the smallest room in the house, consumers still have high
expectations of design possibilities.’ He continues: ‘Aquos
furniture is a rigid construction rather than flatpack, a great advantage
for the retailer/installer. This superb collection will overcome all those
dilemmas of bathroom storage, as well as disguise the pipework too. Of
course, it fits neatly with the Aquos sanitaryware collection too.’
The Aquos Bathroom Furniture range by Broughtons:
Each range is pre-assembled with 18mm doors and co-ordinating carcasses
with soft close doors and drawers. There are complementary worktops (black,
granite, oak, walnut and white gloss) and handle options. A lighting solution
is also included in the range.
* Aquos Modern: A clean, stylish and uncluttered solution for the contemporary
bathroom today. Available in white gloss finish only and all four-worktop
options.
* Aquos Slab: Sleek and minimalist, Slab is available in all four-door
and worktop finishes.
* Aquos Framed: Clean and fresh accented by distinctive geometric lines;
available in all four door and worktop finishes.
Chris Honer concludes: ‘The Aquos bathroom furniture range offers
retailers the opportunity to stock a comprehensive bathroom furniture
and sanitaryware range exclusively from Broughtons. It is well priced,
in the middle of the market and offers total peace of mind and reliability
to the retailer through our service excellence and availability, while
giving that all important affordability for the consumer.’
For further information and to talk to the team at Broughtons call the
Contact Centre on: 0870 60 60 601.
Bang
& Olufsen Products Now Available on Planit Design Software
Planit’s
design and visualisation software now includes the full Bang & Olufsen
catalogue, providing distributors with a powerful tool to present customers
with photorealistic images of their own homes, equipped with the company’s
latest audio and video products.
A new BeoVision 7, BeoSound 9000 and BeoLab 8000, for example, can be
installed directly into high definition on-screen representations of the
customer’s own living space – complete with full walk-through
capabilities.
'This collaboration brings together two leaders in their respective fields,'
comments Planit’s managing director Alastair McPheat. 'Bang &
Olufsen is recognised as one of the world’s leading design and innovation
companies, while Planit’s ability to fulfil its demanding requirements
clearly demonstrates the strength of our software and services offering.
We are proud to be supporting Bang & Olufsen during the next phase
of its development.'
Planit’s state-of-the-art system enables Bang & Olufsen distributors
to demonstrate exactly how customers’ new installations will look
in their homes. Through the use of simple menus and intuitive commands,
the software allows fully furnished room layouts incorporating Bang &
Olufsen’s complete range of quality electronic equipment, to be accurately
displayed as 3D graphical images.
The Planit system’s versatility also enables customers to choose
whether the BeoSound 9000 should be stand or wall mounted – either
vertically or horizontally – and whether the BeoLab 8000 should light
up in green or red. The system’s advanced rendering package accurately
reproduces reflections of objects in shiny metallic or polished surfaces
within the room layout.
'It is an extremely powerful and realistic visualisation tool,' says Bang
& Olufsen departmental manager Claus Buelund. 'It allows distributors
to mirror the way estate agents demonstrate houses, enabling customers
to take a virtual 3D tour of each room – helping to guide them through
the decision making process. The system provides major benefits both to
our distributors and end users.'
Planit also enables ancillary equipment and cables to be easily modelled
and located within the final room set – an important consideration
with larger installations such as the BeoLiving system, Bang & Olufsen’s
concept of a fully equipped home cinema.
'Planit’s reach extends throughout the complete design to installation
process,' says Buelund. 'It provides accurate instructions for fitters
and ensures that everything is documented correctly; customers can thereby
choose the most appropriate product configuration for their home and lifestyle.'
The requirement for a powerful tool to bring their presentations into
the electronic age has long been recognised by Bang & Olufsen distributors.
Since its rollout to the reseller network, the Planit system’s versatility,
accuracy and impressive graphics have become an instant hit with users.
'Planit has already proved itself to be an excellent tool, permitting
our distributors to differentiate themselves from suppliers of competitive
products,' Buelund continues. 'Customers can have absolute confidence
in how our equipment will look when it is installed in their own homes.
The system therefore gives us the twin benefits of directly promoting
sales, while also fostering strong brand loyalty.'
Tel: +44 (0)1233 649700
Web: http://www.planitsoftware.com
Web: http://www.bang-olufsen.com
Jacuzzi®
Brand Takes to the Road
During
July bathroom manufacturer, Jacuzzi UK commenced a Roadshow taking in
over 20 locations throughout the UK. The events are an opportunity for
Jacuzzi brand retailers to meet with the team away from the distractions
of their busy showrooms.
The
days include presentations by various members of the Jacuzzi brand team
on business strategy, the company’s biggest advertising campaign
to date and marketing developments in literature and pos. A 40ft mobile
showvan displaying new products to be launched with stock for Summer/Autumn
07 is also accompanying the team.
Said Graham Bucktrout, Sales Director ‘We wanted to reach as many
of our retailers as possible and give them the opportunity to meet all
the team, see the new products and hear our plans. We know their time
is precious so taking the team on the road is the ideal solution and taking
the show van allows the latest batch of new product to be viewed at the
same time.’
Attending the Roadshows from Jacuzzi UK are Mark Prince - Managing Director,
Graham Bucktrout - Sales Director, Lesley Holdsworth - Brand Director,
Derek Parlane - National Sales Manager, Nick Richards - Marketing Manager
and Andrew Parsons - Training Manager.
Web: http://www.jacuzziuk.com
Indesit
Company in Two-day Covent Garden Event
On
July 6th and 7th Covent Garden went Italian. The famous London tourist
spot was the exclusive setting for the launch of the new Moon washing
machine from Indesit, in a decidedly unconventional advertising campaign
that aims to engage the public directly with innovative, high visibility
initiatives.
On both days, from midday to 8 pm, Londoners and tourists were able to
try out the technology and efficiency of 16 Moons in a laundrette designed
specially for the event. At the same time, the Moon was promoted by actors
and models whilst screens showed the Indesit Moon TV ad and a video on
its easy to use functions.
Passers-by were also able to win a zero-gravity flight from the Kennedy
Space Centre in Florida and a number of Indesit Moons in a special lottery.
With
the Moon, designed by Giugiaro, Indesit Company has accentuated the distinctiveness
of the Indesit brand, both in Italy and abroad, adding to simplicity of
use, innovative technology and design solutions. Which explains why the
Moon won the 4th Grand Prix de l’Innovation in Paris in May as best
product in the Design category, combining beauty and utility in a significant
response to sociological change.
Numerous awards have been conferred both on the Company’s avant-garde
products, such as the Best Technology Award for the Hotpoint-Ariston’s
48 cm oven and the Ecohitech Award for eco-friendliness of Aqualtis washing
machine, and on its advertising campaigns, such as the Aqualtis TV ad,
'Undersea World', which recently won a Clio Award in New York, a Lion
d’Or at the 53rd Cannes International Advertising Festival and numerous
other international acknowledgments.
Indesit Company is Europe’s second for market share and the world’s
fifth biggest manufacturer of household appliance by market share. Founded
in 1975 by the current chairman Vittorio Merloni and listed on the Milan
stock exchange since 1987, the Group posted sales of over €3 billion
in 2006, having turned out over 15 million appliances. Indesit, Hotpoint-Ariston
and Scholtès are the Group’s main brands. Indesit Company
operates through 18 production facilities and 24 commercial branches worldwide
and employs over 17,000 people.
Web: http://www.indesitcompany.com
Leading
Mosaic Specialist Opens Kings Road Showroom
House
of Mosaics, a specialist in all aspects of Mosaics, opens a London showroom
at 201 New Kings Road on September 1st.
With stunning displays that showcase the breadth of the ranges and services
offered, the store will feature many styles and finishes available, and
be open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm.
Founder and Managing Director Simon Powell says ‘ We’re delighted
to be opening on the New Kings Road, and look forward to welcoming customers
from London and the South East. Demand for mosaics is increasing as people
seek to create truly unique decorative designs. We have the most comprehensive
range of mosaics in the country - for homes, hotels, businesses or outdoors.
Whether you wish to select from our extensive range, or create a bespoke
design, we provide a full service- from sampling to installation’
Web: http://www.houseofmosaics.co.uk
Ideal
Standard’s Jasper Morrison Wash Basin Wins Grand Designs Award
Ideal
Standard, a leading provider of bathroom and kitchen solutions has been
nominated winner in the ‘Best Bathroom Product’ category of
the Grand Designs Awards 07.
Brian Grey, Marketing Manager for Ideal Standard was presented with the
award by Kevin McCloud, presenter of Grand Designs at London’s Excel
Centre in early June.
Left
to right; Kevin McCloud Grand Designs TV presenter, Middle - Brian Grey,
Ideal Standard’s Marketing Manager and Daren Newton publisher of
Icon magazine.
The
winning product is Ideal Standard’s Jasper Morrison vessel basin
– one of the highlights of this stylish and functional collection
of sanitaryware, fittings and furniture created by leading designer Jasper
Morrison. The contemporary vessel wash basin has a straightforward design
with a signature soft square shape and oval interior – a design style
that is echoed throughout each piece of the collection.
Commenting on the award, Brian Grey says, 'Winning this award is a great
accolade for both Ideal Standard and Jasper Morrison – it further
reinforces our belief that the collaboration with Jasper Morrison fits
perfectly with the design ethos running through our business. Everyday
design for everyday life ensures our products become design classics rather
than being here today gone tomorrow.'
Web: http://www.ideal-standard.co.uk
HOMAG
Group AG to go Public
HOMAG
Group AG, the existing shareholders and Dresdner Kleinwort and JP Morgan
as joint lead managers and joint book runners jointly set the price range
within which purchase offers may be submitted at between Euro 29.00 and
Euro 35.00 per share. At a recent press conference, the Management Board
of HOMAG Group AG provided further details concerning the company's planned
IPO.
A total of up to 6.897.215 non-par ordinary bearer shares (individual
shares) are to be offered in HOMAG Group AG, of which up to 1.126.655
shares will result from a capital increase and up to 4.870.923 will be
yielded by existing shareholders.
Moreover, the banking consortium has been granted an additional allocation
option (greenshoe) of up to 899.637 shares from the holdings of existing
shareholders. The total issue volume is therefore expected to amount to
between Euro 200,0 million and Euro 241,4 million, from which the company
stands to receive gross proceeds of between Euro 32,7 million and Euro
39,4 million. Following the placement of all shares (including the exercising
of the greenshoe), the free float is expected to amount to around 43,96
%. The shareholders yielding their shares within the framework of this
transaction have undertaken not to sell any shares in HOMAG Group AG for
a period of six months (lock-up period). The management is subject to
a lock-up period of 18 months.
The initial listing on the Official Market (Prime Standard) of the Frankfurt
Stock Exchange is expected to take place on 13th July 2007. The offering
period began on 6th July 2007 and ended on 12th July 2007 at 14.00 CEST
for private investors and at 16.00 CEST for institutional investors.
Use of the issue proceeds
The company intends to channel the net proceeds from the issue in particular
into expanding its product range by acquiring and integrating specialist
high-performance manufacturing companies, into the expansion and development
of its regional production capacities in the US dollar region and into
further extending and enhancing its global sales and service network.
‘We intend to use the funds acquired to expand our business activities
and thus to further strengthen our position as the leading player in the
global market based on our own estimate’, commented Dr. Joachim Brenk,
Speaker of the Management Board of HOMAG Group AG, with regard to the
company's further objectives.
Markedly disproportionate earnings growth in 2006
With a global market share of 23 % in terms of sales, based on its own
estimates Homag is the world's leading provider of the machines, cells,
factory equipment and services required for chipboard-processing furniture
and construction component manufacturers, as well as for prefabricated
housing construction. The company can look back on a strong performance
in the 2006 financial year, in which consolidated sales grew by 20 percent
to Euro 736.5 million (2005: Euro 613.5 m). Key earnings figures showed
markedly disproportionate growth. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation,
amortisation and employee shareholdings (EBITDA) rose by around 56 percent
to Euro 85.0 million (2005: Euro 54.6 m). This corresponds to an improvement
in the EBITDA margin as a proportion of the Group's gross performance
from 8.8 percent to 11.5 percent. Operating earnings before employee shareholdings
increased by around 80 percent to Euro 65.2 million (2005: Euro 36.3 m).
This dynamic performance continued in the 1st quarter of 2007, in which
sales rose by 23.7 percent to Euro 193.1 million (2005: Euro 156.1m) and
EBITDA by around 123 percent to Euro 27.4 million (2005: Euro 12.3m).
‘In the second quarter we will feel the effects of the extensive
preparations for the Ligna+ fair, as well as of the lower level of operating
output due to the cluster of public holidays, but we should nevertheless
exceed our expectations for the financial year as a whole’, commented
Dr. Brenk confidently in view of the high volume of orders on hand and
the ongoing pleasing level of incoming orders.
Web: http://www.homag-group.de
Corus
and Design Wales Award Announce Eco-winners
A
'funky toaster' and multi purpose washing machine have been declared winners
at the 2007 Corus and Design Wales Eco Design Awards. The competition,
which is now in its fifth year, invites product design students from the
University of Wales Institute Cardiff, Glamorgan University and Swansea
Institute of Higher Education to design products which follow eco-friendly
design principles.
This year, the brief asked students to deliver an innovative and environmentally
sound kitchen appliance. As one guest judge, Richard Eisermann Strategic
Director of Prospect and former Design Director at Whirlpool, explains
'The Eco Design Awards are all about challenging existing design concepts
and principles, and demonstrating ability to conceive products designed
for zero waste. The best people to achieve this are students unhindered
by standard design conventions.'
The Eco Design Awards are organised jointly by Design Wales, an organisation
that works closely with education institutions and businesses to provide
opportunities and recognition for designers and Tarfarnaubach based Corus
Consumer Products, which has also cultivated strong links with the design
faculties of Welsh universities.
Corus Consumer Products has over 30 years of experience in producing and
supplying large manufacturers with pre-finished steel which is used in
a variety of sectors including lighting, heating and ventilation, teletronics,
office furniture and domestic appliances.
From the original field of fifty briefed students, two designs fuelled
the experienced judging panel's imagination. Kevin Jones, a student at
the Swansea Institute of Higher Education won the Most Innovative Design
Award for his 'funky toaster' - a rechargeable, and therefore portable
toaster, manufactured from Motiva™ G, a dry wipe pre-finished steel
from Corus which allows messages to be written on its casing. The judges
were particularly impressed that Kevin had developed the functions of
a simple product, delivering a different kind of object.
Kevin explains: 'The problem I found with toasters is that they are not
pretty to look at, and are usually hidden away in cupboards. I wanted
to design one that stood out, that could be mobile and would fit into
any kitchen environment. My design is very simple to use, with just one
simple control panel, moving away from cheap buttons and levers.'
A multi purpose washing machine that cleans plates and clothes won the
Most Marketable Design category. With many white goods manufacturers aiming
to build more eco-efficient products, the design concept by Peter Feakes
from Glamorgan University appealed to guest judge and Indesit Industrial
Design team leader Darren Holmes: 'Emphasis on sustainable design and
environmentally friendly innovations are central to white goods manufacture
and my design role at Indesit, so it is encouraging that a new generation
of designers who make these considerations are graduating from our universities.'
Mark Owens, Project Manager from Corus concludes: 'It is increasingly
important for big business and industry to embrace a new culture of sustainable
design and a focus on eco-friendly solutions. Our support of the Design
Wales Awards, and the presence of a range of influential companies from
the white goods sector, demonstrates the commitment of UK manufacturers
to ensure designers with green ideals are nurtured from the 'grass roots'
level.'
Web: http://www.corusgroup.com
BAL
Announces Franchise Plans for Award-Winning Training Operation
Tile
adhesive and grout manufacturer, Building Adhesives Limited has announced
ambitious plans to expand the reach of its BAL Training Centre programme
through a franchise package. The landmark move will see other training
providers able to offer branded BAL courses at their centres, following
a standardised and proven curriculum encompassing both wall and floor
tiling.
David O'Neill, managing director at Building Adhesives commented:
‘The decision to offer our courses as a franchise package is something
we have considered for a long time - as we believe our training centres
provide an essential service to the industry By creating the franchise
package, we can help other quality training operations to provide the
same standard of training and assessment as we offer on our premises.’
As the tiling industry continues to debate the best way forward in terms
of training, BAL will offer training providers a structured and proven
curriculum for a variety of courses catering for the complete spectrum
of skill levels. The long-established training programmes have led the
BAL Training Centre to be named as a Centre of Training Excellence by
The Tile Association, and the operation has been highly commended by the
National Training Awards. Each BAL Training Course Franchisee will be
offered a training programme for each course, teaching tools and resources,
marketing materials and even adhesive and grout product to use for training.
To maintain standards, BAL will operate a stringent policing policy for
all franchisees to ensure the guidelines are being followed to the letter.
David O'Neill continued:
‘Our franchisees will be supported with exactly the same materials
as our own training centres use - creating a universal curriculum across
the network. We will police the franchise agreement regularly to ensure
each provider is maintaining our high standards, giving the candidate
great peace of mind when undertaking training courses.’
Established in 1992, BAL has seen over 5000 candidates pass through the
doors of its training centre, and aside from training programmes the operation
offers NVQ Level 2 Assessment though both the on-site assessment (OSAT)
and new Experienced Worker Practical Assessment (EWPA) routes.
BAL is already seeking potential training partners, and the first BAL
Training Course franchisee is expected to be announced in the coming months.
Web: http://www.bal-adhesives.co.uk
Double
Delivery for Newly Online Housing Units
Housing
Units, the independent home furnishings store, is going in to every household
in the country as it delivers a double-whammy growth plan for 2007 and
beyond.
'We're one of the rare retailers in the sector who see more and more people
coming into our store because of the sheer experience of touchy-feely
shopping, but we've also now launched a new website at http://www.housingunits.co.uk
where people can buy as well as see our products,' said Nick Fox, director
of Housing Units.
'But perhaps understandably in a week when floods and terrorism took over
the news agenda, there was little exposure for an authoritative industry
report that delivered some hard-hitting news about buying trends.
'The report, by PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC), said that online sales will
grow threefold between now and 2011, to around £35 billion. Younger
generations will see web shopping as the norm, those over 55 are getting
web savvy faster - and buying more online - and current shoppers are getting
ever more confident with the concept of buying online.
'From Housing Units' perspective, neither of our sales channels - in-store
or online - will be compromised by the other, because our customers tell
us they view us as a day out as well as a store, but we are also getting
feedback from a completely new audience saying they want to buy online.
'We've taken heed of that and we've completely revamped the website to
enable online purchases - it's not a bolt-on, it's a complete re-build.'But
we find ourselves in a unique position because of our place in the market:
we are an established destination retail outlet - almost an attraction
- and people come to Housing Units to get ideas and see displays as much
as they come along to buy.
'We also have highly-rated cafes on site - a destination in their own
right - as well as some fascinating concessions that have also quickly
become must-visit destinations.
'But we have a customer base that visits from far and wide, literally
all over the country, and while they know the store, the quality and range,
they can't always drive over for a single purchase - so the online facility
is going to make a massive difference to both them and us.
'There is also the very human element of wanting to view items, then go
away and take some time and think about big purchases, have a reference
point on their PC while they're considering colours, room dimensions and
so on - and then order online, even very large items.'
Housing Units - known for its top-hatted doormen - was established in
1947. It is a family-owned furnishings retailer based in Failsworth to
the north of Manchester. It stocks 30,000 high-quality lines across a
range of departments in two buildings and prides itself on its unique
style of customer service, the value of its goods and the shopping experience
it provides.
Web: http://www.housingunits.co.uk