New
Website for Axiom by Formica® Receives Millions of Hits
The Axiom by Formica® website
has become an invaluable tool for seasoned tradespeople, kitchen retailers
and homeowners looking to update their kitchen. The site, launched in
2006, has received over 3 million hits since going live. The site was
designed by Formica Limited to showcase the range of worktops and accessories
in the Axiom® offering, and as a useful reference tool for all of
its customers.
http://www.axiomworktops.com
provides a guide to the Axiom® range, including the premium, Axiom®
Signature collection, a range of cutting-edge laminate textures and alternative
surfacing materials. Within the site, users will find a visual display
of the full Axiom range, as well as a step-by-step guide to selecting
the right worktop and accompanying splashback or upstand. Users are taken
through a simple process, identifying the available materials, designs,
profiles, sizes and layout options. More in-depth technical information
and support is also offered with access to downloadable installation and
care and maintenance instructions.
The website provides a convenient and cost effective tool for kitchen
planners. Online users can order colour samples free of charge to co-ordinate
their worktop, with the rest of the kitchen colour scheme.
With a strong focus on quality, style and innovation, the Axiom range
offers a comprehensive choice of worktops in a variety of materials; including
standard and textured High Pressure Laminate, Solid Surfacing and Solid
Wood.
Co-ordinating splashbacks, upstands and breakfast bar options are also
available, ensuring that the range offers options to suit every kitchen
style and design.
'One of the key mandates for the website design was usability,' said Formica
Limited Marketing Manager for the UK and Ireland, Simon Wild. 'We wanted
users from all backgrounds to find the site easy to navigate, and at the
same time we wanted to use the opportunity to put more information online
for our customers. We are thrilled with the response to the site, and
hope it will continue to be a handy tool for all users, as well as an
easy reference point for everybody interested in Axiom by Formica.'
Visit the new Axiom by Formica website at http://www.axiomworktops.com.
Admiral,
the lead-in brand for the Maytag group, has recently launched a new website
www.admiral-appliances.co.uk.
Designed with both the retailer and the consumer in mind, the bright new
site is easy to navigate and very user friendly to explore the brand in
detail.
Echoing its classy brochure design, the site encompasses a headline menu
of topics for the brand's refrigeration and laundry appliances. Each topic
leads to more in-depth detail of products and information. At the same
time, information is downloadable in convenient pdf files for immediate
convenience. The useful 'Owner Centre' provides useful quick links to
service, spare parts, a pdf of the brochure and use and care manuals.
Finally, there is a handy top line link 'Contact Us' to cover any aspect
the enquirer needs to know.
Andrew Long, Marketing Director, Maytag UK comments, ‘We now have
a new website for each of our brands. We appreciate and harness the Internet
as a valuable tool for the researching consumer, with the majority today
conducting their research online prior to going to the retailer to purchase.
It is also a great asset for the retailer too, providing support for brochures
and specification, as well as generating 'nearest stockist' information
to bring consumers to store.’
For retailer partners who have an Admiral display and would like to be
listed on the new website http://www.admiral-appliances.co.uk,
please call your Area Sales Manager or Maytag UK directly on 01737 231000.
New
Website from Zanussi - The Appliance of Science at the Touch of a Mouse
Introducing
the new Zanussi-Electrolux website
- designed for fast and easy product selection and completing the return
of the famous yellow colour palette of Zanussi and iconic slogan 'The
Appliance of Science'. The website completes a £10 million marketing
investment made by the Electrolux Group across its brand portfolio over
the last year.
Consumers
can sample the Zanussi Experience by using the website which, like the
appliances, is designed to make life easier and more convenient. The advanced
and innovative design highlights all the product features and benefits
in a new and refreshing way.
Leanne Wellings, Assistant Brand Manager of the Electrolux Group said,
‘More consumers are using the web to access information. The introduction
of our product selector on the new Zanussi website helps find the features
that are important to consumers. Only products with the chosen criteria
will be presented, making product choices easier and if the consumer is
not sure which features to choose, a complete product overview helps with
the decision. This site has been designed to make navigation easier and
product information simple to find.’
The navigation has been vastly improved, appliances are much easier to find, simplified into freestanding and built-in.
Your
chosen Zanussi appliance will be found in its product category:
* Doing the laundry,
* Cooking your food,
* Getting the dishes clean
* Keeping things cool.
Trade contact details
Freestanding: Tel: 08705 650 650
Built-In: Tel: 08705 822 886
Web: http://www.zanussi-electrolux.co.uk
Fresh
Look for Belling Website
Belling
has launched a comprehensive new-look website to make it even easier for
customers to browse the complete product range and select the best appliances
to suit their lifestyle.
Reinforcing
the brand's family appeal, the new website echoes the fresh format and
imagery seen in the latest brochure and gives complete, easy to view details
across Belling's built-in, range cooker and freestanding appliance collections
as well as its new Baby Belling Pronto table top induction hob.
Simple to navigate, visitors can choose to view appliances by category,
latest additions or by using the quick product finder to search for specific
models. Product images and key features give straightforward 'at-a-glance'
details of each model whilst full specification and information sheets
can be downloaded as needed.
To make sure that the ideal appliance is chosen, customers can take a
closer look at the appliance details using the image zoom function whilst
a handy comparison option allows for different models to be viewed side
by side to weigh up the features and benefits before any decisions are
made.
In addition, the new-look website also includes recipes, a cooking conversion
tool and a glossary of terms to explain the latest features and benefits
customers should be considering when buying an appliance.
Vicki Yates, Brand Manager for Belling comments: ‘The new-look Belling
website brings together the complete range of products in a fresh, easy
to use site. With the wide range of products on offer from range cookers
to Baby Belling table top hobs we wanted to be sure that customers can
view, compare and consider each appliance in relation to their lifestyle
to make sure they select the product that really suits them and their
home.’
A full PDF version of the Belling brochure is available to download from
the site or visitors can request a printed copy to be sent by post. The
nearest retailers can also be sourced on the site.
The new Belling website can be viewed at http://www.belling.co.uk.
Nicholas
Anthony Unveils New Website
Kitchen
and bathroom designer, Nicholas Anthony,
has re-designed its website to reflect its approach to design and comprehensive
project management capabilities. The new site displays some of Nicholas
Anthony's most cutting-edge kitchens and bathroom case studies, as well
as taking the visitor through the process of kitchen and bathroom design,
from consultation to installation. Nicholas Anthony's rapidly expanding
contracts division is also demonstrated by a number of high profile wins,
from Falcon Wharf in Battersea, to Dart Marina in Devon.
Tony Nicholas, Managing Director of Nicholas Anthony commented: 'The new
website has been designed to act as an online brochure, and so we have
kept text to a minimum, allowing the beautiful images to do the talking.
Whilst we wanted the website to stand out from the crowd, it was essential
that it remained easy to navigate and had minimal loading times. It was
also important that the site reflected the luxury market which we supply
to.'
Nicholas Anthony is a kitchen and bathroom specialist with showrooms in
Ascot, Colchester, Knightsbridge and London W1. The company's expert service
includes complete design and installation of your kitchen and bathroom
with advice on the best solution for your home and lifestyle. Kitchens
start from £15,000.
For more details on Nicholas Anthony, telephone 0800 0683 603 or visit
http://www.nicholas-anthony.co.uk.
Genuine
American, premium refrigeration appliance specialist,
Amana, has launched a new website. Located at www.amana.co.uk
the new website reflects the elegance of the brand, using visuals from
the recent brochure as a backdrop.
The
Amana range has been totally restructured, reflecting researched user
preferences.
‘Our research shows that the user searches in one of two ways for
our refrigeration; either by design, such as Definition, Precision or
the Reflection; or by layout, choosing one of Amana's four configurations.
The Amana browser is even easier to use than the brochure as it enables
the user to select their desired refrigerator either by design or by layout,’
says Andrew Long, Marketing Director.
‘It is our intention to harness the technology for the benefit of
our customers and retailers alike, making information accessible and available
24/7,’ comments Andrew Long. He continues, ‘We wish to offer
the opportunity and convenience of the web to everyone, from the researching
consumer to the retailer, who takes product knowledge seriously.’
This round-the-clock facility has six sections including; company heritage
and information, designs, products, a retailer locator and a contact tab.
Download the latest Amana brochure to save waiting for the postman; or
visit the useful service section for details of parts and accessories;
frequently asked questions; warranty; downloadable care and user guides,
and even request a service call online, should it be necessary.
Andrew adds, ‘We intend to take every opportunity to be as flexible
as possible in our communication with our retailer partners and consumers.
This site is a very important part of delivering the Amana message to
both, and we hope it will help both parties maximise and fully appreciate
the flexibility of the Amana refrigeration range.’
For retailer partners who have an Amana display and would like to be listed
on the new website, please inform your Area Sales Manager or call Maytag
UK directly on 01737 231000.
Take a look at the new Amana website at http://www.amana.co.uk.
Whirlpool
Corporation Offers 3-D Models in the Google 3D Warehouse
As
Google expands the use of its 3D Warehouse Web site for its SketchUp design
tool, Whirlpool Corporation helps
make the design process even easier for architects and designers by offering
3-D models of its Whirlpool and Gladiator brand products on the site.
Google offers a free and a professional version of the Google SketchUp
3-D design and visualisation tool to the architectural community.
Developed for conceptual stages of design, Google SketchUp is a powerful
yet easy-to-learn software used for quick and easy 3-D form creation.
The Google 3D Warehouse is a repository of 3-D building objects that expedites
the design process. These initial Whirlpool models offer designers and
their clients the ability to visualise their designs in 3-D. The SketchUp
models can then be converted into all major CAD products without having
to draw designs twice.
More than 120 top U.S. design firms currently use Google SketchUp for
3-D design and visualisation. As the Google 3D Warehouse expands the number
of 3-D objects available for designers, Whirlpool Corporation plans to
expand its 3-D appliance model offerings to include Jenn-Air, KitchenAid,
Maytag and Amana brands.
‘Through our dedicated programme for the building and design community,
The Inside Advantage™, it is our strategy to offer our trade partner
customers the best possible products, services and tools to grow their
businesses.
Partnering with Google SketchUp allows us to further deliver on our promise
to support trade professionals in every facet of their work,’ said
Tom Halford, general manager of contract sales and marketing at Whirlpool
Corporation.
As an FAIA architect and senior manager of architecture and design contract
marketing at Whirlpool Corporation, Mark Johnson is always searching for
the most innovative ways to support architects and design professionals.
‘Google SketchUp is a powerful resource for the architectural community
to easily design in 3-D. We're extremely proud to be contributing to the
Google 3D Warehouse, providing appliances models to make the design process
even easier and more robust.'
SketchUp is compatible with CAD products such as Graphisoft® Archicad
10, MicroStation® V8, Autodesk® AutoCAD® Revit® Series
Systems Plus, VectorWorks® Architect, DataCAD, Nemetschek, Rhinoceros®
and Softech.
To view 3-D models of Whirlpool and Gladiator brand products, please visit
http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/bpm.html.
Ideal
Bathrooms
has increased its presence on the web with a new website. The new site
is easier to navigate and provides essential information on the company,
its products, brands and more.
The
Ideal Bathrooms website is where the retailer can find everything they
need to know about Ideal Bathrooms and an opportunity to find out more
about the Company, Training, Pricing, Suppliers, Sales and Displays.
On the Suppliers page, users can clearly see all the brands stocked by
Ideal Bathrooms and for more information on those manufacturers just one
click provides an instant transfer to each manufacturer's website.
By clicking on Sales Information customers can find out, with simple and
concise instructions, the different ways to place an order and the procedures
for ordering ‘special’ non-stock items.
Details of the Ideal Bathrooms External Sales Team and the areas they
cover in the UK are all incorporated together with their contact details.
The latest display offers from all stocked manufacturers are available
too - essential information for the ever-changing, hard working showroom
environment.
Although the site has been designed for Ideal Bathrooms' trade customers,
consumers visiting the site can request an Ideal Bathrooms Directory on-line.
This comprehensive bathroom guide incorporates all Ideal Bathrooms' suppliers
products in one easy to follow brochure and is the ideal aid to making
the consumers bathroom dreams come true.
‘We were aware that our web presence needed updating,’ said
Martin Carroll, Managing Director of Ideal Bathrooms. ‘The new site
is modern, cleaner and easier to use and reflects how our company is moving
forwards. We're really excited about other internet plans that are in
development, so watch this space!’
Web: http://www.idealbathrooms.com
Maytag
UK Launches New Website
Maytag
UK
has revamped its website - www.maytag.co.uk. A new visual style has been
created, reflecting the recent brochure makeover. It is an invaluable
research tool for the prospective Maytag customer, a helpful source of
information for the Maytag owner and a product information site for retail
partners.
Maytag has echoed the inspirational and contemporary style of its products,
as well as focused on clarity and ease of use. The new site has a simple,
however, in depth, drop down menu across the top of the home page to:
view products, customer service, locate a retailer, company information
and spare parts. At the bottom of the home page is a series of Quick Tab
links to take the visitor instantly to more vital information such as
download brochures, find a retailer, visit the shop for accessories or
parts and email contacts.
Andrew Long, Marketing Director, Maytag UK explains, ‘This is a dynamic
and an exciting market place and the importance of the website as a vehicle
of communication will continue to grow. We all have to move fast to please
the increasingly highly Internet literate and demanding customer of today.
Audiences spend more time online than ever, researching before buying.
Our new Maytag website is not only more comprehensive, it much simpler
to navigate with greater depth of information from specifications to requesting
a service call.’
For retailer partners who have a Maytag product on display and would like
to be listed on the new website, please inform your Area Sales Manager
or call Maytag UK on 01737 231000.
Take a look at the new Maytag website to take full advantage of what consumers
are looking for at http://www.maytag.co.uk
Building
Adhesives Makes a Bang with Launch of Website
BAL,
the tile adhesive and grout manufacturer, has launched its new website,
incorporating a range of new features that include an interactive forum.
The Stoke-based manufacturer is hoping to make an immediate bang with
the improved site, which launches following months of planning and development.
The new site will still be located at www.building-adhesives.com, but
will have a completely refreshed design and provide a wide range of new
and improved facilities and resources for both the BAL & Dunlop sites.
Jo Hickson, Marketing Services Manager commented:
‘Building Adhesives prides itself on innovation, demonstrated both
in the products we develop and the services we provide to the industry.
Our new website is testament to our commitment to continued improvement
in this area, and we believe we have created something that will actively
help Tile Fixers, Architects, Specifiers and Distributors by providing
bespoke resources and facilities.’
14.3million households in the UK are currently connected to the Internet*,
and the worldwide web has become a regular news and information resource
for millions of people across the country. With its new site, Building
Adhesives is hoping to tap into the developing online professional building
and construction community that is emerging through more generic online
resources; creating a dynamic and interactive area that will inspire repeat
users from the tiling community.
One of the key drivers for these repeat users will be the new interactive
forum on the BAL site, in which Tilers and other industry professionals
are encouraged to discuss a range of issues, from project experiences
to advice and opinions. Far from being a 'standard' online forum, BAL
has created a genuine resource for industry professionals, even incorporating
direct communication with the BAL Technical Advisory Service (TAS). Jo
Hickson continued:
‘With the online forum, we really wanted to maximise the potential
of an interactive communication area dedicated to tiling. By involving
our TAS team, we have gone beyond any other forum in the industry.’
‘We will also integrate monthly polls and surveys, instigating detailed
discussion of important industry issues, from legislation to training.
The forum will be more than a discussion area, it will provide a voice
for the industry as a whole.’ She added.
The detailed product listing and distributor locator, both popular features
of the original website, have been significantly improved; offering users
a higher level of detail and making navigation quicker and easier. The
amount of downloadable information has also been increased.
The website is situated at http://www.building-adhesives.com
and the first topic for the online forum poll is, 'are you concerned about
your CSCS card status?'.
*Sources: National Statistics Omnibus Survey, Northern Ireland Omnibus
Survey and Survey of Internet Service Provider.
Managing
Returns After Christmas Online 2006
The Christmas season is one of the most dynamic in terms of online sales,
with shoppers spending £4.98 billion online in the 10-week period
leading up to Christmas 2005 and more expected in 2006. However, the knock-on
effect of post-Christmas returns can often mean that retailers are just
as busy in January as December. The average Briton returned 10% of their
presents last Christmas - worth a staggering £926.4 million nationwide
(ValueLink). It is vital that retailers take into account the amount of
returns they will be experiencing come January both for management and
cash-flow purposes.
Therefore, retailers need to make preparations in order to manage customer
expectations effectively so they can provide an efficient returns service,
maintaining high service standards throughout without damaging customer
loyalty. Zendor, the distance shopping expert, provides the following
advice to retailers on how best to manage customer expectations and deliver
a first class returns service following the high peak season.
So what do customers want?:
Convenience - Try and make the process as easy as possible for
the consumer with a simple and convenient returns policy. For example,
by providing customers with a number of different return options, such
as in-store (for multi-channel retailers), by courier collection or via
the post office, will help to make the returns process less time consuming
for both the consumer and the retailer.
Communication - It is essential that the returns policy is clearly
explained throughout all shopping channels, i.e. on the website, in the
catalogue and in-store. By making sure that the customer is fully aware
of the returns policy prior to purchase can help to reduce call centre
costs by limiting enquiries.
Speed - By keeping carriers informed with forecast volume changes
or increased parcel movement, they will be better prepared to cope and
provide a faster, more responsive service.
Opportunity to Feedback - Retailers should take the opportunity
and obtain important customer feedback through returns. Listening to customer
feedback - both positive and negative - can drive improvement. The information
can be used to improve merchandising, product selection, packaging and
pricing structures as well as cross-promotions of other retail channels.
Hassle-Free Refunds - Compensating customers as soon as possible,
without any delays, increases the likelihood of them returning for another
purchase.
As returns can never be avoided completely, retailers should make as thorough
preparations as possible. Firstly, forecasting should allow retailers
to anticipate the volume of returns they may experience to ensure that
they have adequate staff levels, sufficient stock, enough warehouse space
and call centre staff. Secondly, a competent and effective returns handling
process will mean that returns are uploaded, identified and processed
for re-sale, refurbishment, return to manufacturer or disposal. Therefore,
a high-quality infrastructure and skilled staff will be needed to handle
the entire fulfilment process efficiently.
Manchester-based Zendor handles a range of fulfilment services for retailers
interested in moving into the distance shopping arena. Zendor's services
include fulfilment and call centre services, multi-channel strategy and
planning and channel development and marketing. For further information
please e-mail curious@zendor.com
visit http://www.zendor.com
or call 0161 238 2050
Miele
has unveiled a new website with a fresh design and creative functionality
to inform and inspire consumers, providing Miele retailers with a spectacular
shop window.
http://www.miele.co.uk
provides in-depth information about every model in Miele's domestic appliance
range, with elegant navigation and sophisticated selection and comparison
functions allowing users to identify the appliances that match their needs
quickly and easily.
Web users can create their own personalised Miele brochure containing
individually selected product information and personally tailored stockist
details using the online store locator. This pdf brochure can be printed
off and taken in store to aid the sales process.
Kaz Miles, Marketing Executive from Miele comments, ‘With an estimated
14.3 million households (60%) in the UK with internet access*, it is increasingly
becoming the norm for consumers to conduct their product research online
before heading to the retailer to make their purchase. The new website
provides a pleasurable window shopping experience whilst furnishing the
consumer with everything they need in order to make an informed purchase
decision.’
However the aim of the website is to be much more than just a shop window.
Miele wants the website to become a point of reference for consumers interested
in coffee, wine, cooking, fabric care and more.
With an appealing lifestyle focus, the site offers consumers a taste of
the Miele Experience and includes a recipe section, hints and tips on
getting the most from your Miele appliance and an 'Ask the home economist'
feature. Users are also able to contact the Miele Experience Centre in
Abingdon to arrange a showroom appointment or book onto one of Miele's
popular 'Let's Do Lunch' interactive cookery events.
The site will be constantly updated with details of special promotions,
news, features and new product & lifestyle information. A Customer
Service section is also in development and will include frequently asked
questions and instruction manual downloads.
Kaz Miles concludes, ‘The new website provides an unique environment
in which to showcase Miele appliances and kitchen furniture and a great
resource with features that will appeal to all consumers, from those who
are just discovering the brand to very loyal and long established Miele
customers. In conjunction with our other creative initiatives, the new
website will form a key part of our marketing campaign which seeks to
drive custom to the doors of our retailers’.
Source: Office of National Statistics (National Statistics Omnibus Survey,
Northern Ireland Omnibus Survey and Survey of Internet Service Provider
23rd August 2006)
Stoves
Launches New Genus and Range Microsites
Following
the recent unveiling of its new look website, Stoves
has launched two new microsites dedicated to its Genus oven and comprehensive
collection of range cookers.
The sites, accessible from http://www.stovesgenus.co.uk
and http://www.stovesranges.co.uk,
contain detailed information about the products and their user-friendly
features. Online visitors can log on to view available product sizes,
finishes and fuel options with ease, enabling them to choose an appliance
that fits perfectly with their lifestyle and kitchen.
Both microsites also contain a range of recipes designed to help consumers
make the most of their new products. In addition, there is also the opportunity
to view the recent television advertisements.
Also available on the Genus microsite are details of the product's recent
award wins, answers to frequently asked questions and cooking time comparisons
between Genus mode and conventional methods so consumers can see how much
time this appliance can save.
Kate Waller, Stoves Brand Manager, comments: ‘The microsites have
been designed to provide an additional source of information on Stoves'
range cookers and Genus. They are easy to navigate, and offer a quick
and easy point of reference for new and existing purchasers as well as
trade customers.’
For further information visit the microsites at http://www.stovesgenus.co.uk
and http://www.stovesranges.co.uk
or call 0871 222 2625 to request a brochure.
New
Website Emphasises Total Package from Glass UK
Glass
UK's new website went live recently. It is designed with a
clear emphasis on the total package the company has developed for trade
customers, developers and homeowners.
For developers the company has a wide choice of living space solutions,
suitable for any home or office building. From kitchens with glass walls,
to shower enclosures, and sexy stairways, Glass UK shows how it can advise,
manufacture and install.
Going further, and bringing light to dull spaces, extra height and drama
with its expertise in oversize panels and Sheerglaze doors, and seamless
glazing for contemporary designs for living, Glass UK is seen to be bringing
an adventurous approach to every aspect of the workspace and living environment.
Sheerglaze technology provides a fully bespoke solution designed to create
glass panes creating views and admitting light uninterrupted by protruding
framework of any sort.
In this context Glass UK is conscious of architects' love of clear, uncluttered
glass, which can be adapted to meet any architectural challenge. Typically,
Glass UK rises to the 'oversize challenge' for which it is so well known,
with doors as large as 2400mm x 3200mm, for example, and weighing some
900kg. The company sees no reason why this should be the upper limit of
its Sheerglaze expertise, however, and is already assessing the feasibility
of large sizes.
Glass UK has also seen the potential of the Micropoint retaining system,
where the fixings don't pass through the glass.
Likewise, Blink - an 'intelligent' glass that changes from translucent
to opaque at the flick of a switch - presents endless opportunities in
terms of privacy, security, advertising and marketing, that were previously
never associated with a single sheet of glass.
For homeowners, architects and designers alike, the Glass FX section of
the new website illustrates the tremendous potential this new system has
for colouring glass, which then has almost limitless applications throughout
the home and office.
Trade customers can no longer claim to be unaware of Glass UK's single-supplier
status. The company's wide-ranging expertise, when it comes to oversized
panels, colour, laminating and structural expertise comes across strongly
on the new website, without going into so much detail as to cause the
trade customer to switch off.
Where the site does go into detail is about its Uvekol resin lamination
process, which improves both the insulation and acoustic properties of
glass. Although, detailed the section is not highly technical and explains
clearly the benefits to be had from specifying Uvekol-treated glass.
Potential customers visiting the new website can also take the opportunity
of registering with Glass UK and receiving a TechSpec based on answers
to 22 key questions.
Web: http://www.glass-uk.com
Industry
analyst Plimsoll Publishing Ltd recently
officially unveiled its newest online initiative. The website, www.plimsoll.co.uk,
has been completely re-vamped by a dedicated design team and presents
a fresh new look for the well-known Plimsoll brand.
In addition to the new layout, the website features an interactive search
function giving access to Plimsoll’s entire publication library.
As well as purchasing online, customers can also view a sample analysis
and keep up to date with the latest Plimsoll news. For the first time
in the company’s history, customers can now search for their own
company online, allowing customers to see at a glance which of Plimsoll’s
1200 industry reports their company falls into.
The new website represents a significant investment for Plimsoll. Daniel
Turkington, company director, says 'This is one of our largest projects
to date. We are continually striving to better serve our expanding customer
base and the new site is instrumental in this.'
He continues, 'The new website is modern in design and also extremely
easy to navigate. We are sure it will impress current visitors to www.plimsoll.co.uk
as well as attracting new clients interested in up-to-date financial analysis
for their industry.'
Readers of the KBZine can obtain a 10% discount on the market report of
their choice when entering the code NW01 at the checkout.
Web: http://www.plimsoll.co.uk
White-Westinghouse
Makes a Home on the UK Web
US
appliance brand White-Westinghouse
recently launched its new home on the UK web with www.white-westinghouse.co.uk.
The comprehensive and easy to navigate site showcases the new built-in
portfolio, produced for the UK by Warrington-based Premium Appliance Brands.
Described as aspirational, sophisticated and ambassadorial, the White-Westinghouse
range of 3 single ovens, 2 double ovens, 4 electric hobs, 7 gas hobs and
a number of additional extras was designed in the UK specifically for
the UK market, but is now also being exported to Spain, Malta, Cyprus,
Australia and the Middle East.
The White-Westinghouse portfolio was produced to support retailers that
invest in stock, displays and staff training and the site plays a key
role in providing a first port of call for retailers, distributors and
consumers wanting to view and explore the full appliance range.
With a wealth of information on the products including latest news, specifications,
and a variety of shots of the new portfolio, the website provides all
you need to know at the touch of a button.
Guy Weaver, Managing Director of PAB, comments, ‘The White-Westinghouse
portfolio is an absolutely stunning range of kitchen appliances that we
felt had to have an online presence as it has already created an immense
amount of demand. We expect the new website to open up a whole new marketplace
for this unique range.’
Tel: 01925 248980
Web: http://www.white-westinghouse.co.uk
Drummonds
Launches New Website - www.drummonds-arch.co.uk
Luxury
interiors specialist Drummonds has
launched a comprehensive new website to help designers and private clients
get the most out of its product range.
The new site, which complements the Drummonds' catalogue launched in September,
allows users to view the entire Drummonds' product range. This comprises
classically styled bathrooms, reclaimed flooring, door and window furniture
and architectural antiques.
Baths can be viewed from various angles along with taps, showers, WC's
and accessories; reclaimed wood, stone and tiled floors can be seen in
real life room settings or close up swatches, while over 70 items of handmade
door furniture can been seen in precise detail. Users can also keep track
of constantly changing antique stock.
In addition to the product categories, visitors can gain an insight into
the traditional techniques Drummonds employs to manufacture its products,
such as bath casting, bath enamelling and the lost wax process. Alongside
this, users can investigate Drummonds bath restoration and re-enamelling
services.
Web: http://www.drummonds-arch.co.uk
Time
is Running Out for First Totally Online Trade Promotion
With
the final quarter of 2006 now almost in view, there are only just over
three months left to accrue valuable points in Gaggenau's
first totally online reward scheme trade promotion.
Called 'Gaggenau Designer', this promotion went 'live' at the beginning
of April 2006 via the company's specially created dedicated website at
http://www.gaggenaudesigner.com.
After nine months of consistent input from the trade in terms of appliances
sold & points gained, the promotion comes to an end at the end of
the year when a total of fifteen retailers and their partners will each
be winning the trip of a lifetime in a fiercely fought final 'play off'.
To add an element of competition to the promotion, each participating
retailer has been automatically entered into one of three league tables.
At the end of December when the promotion ends, the top five winners in
each league will each win a luxury 4-day holiday to Marrakech in March
2007.
By registering on the website, retailers are entitled to gain points each
time they enter a sale of a Gaggenau appliance, from ovens, hobs &
hoods to dishwashers and refrigeration. Every Gaggenau appliance is eligible
for this heavyweight promotion and points are automatically accredited
as soon as Gaggenau has actually invoiced the appliances. Between ten
and thirty points are accrued for each appliance, depending on the models
- and combinations of models - actually sold by the retailer.
A wide selection of other prizes is also available by redeeming points
online. These include travel vouchers from Thomas Cook, grocery vouchers
from Waitrose & Sainsbury's, department store vouchers from John Lewis,
Selfridges etc and Experience Days.
Comments Gaggenau Sales Director, Adam Roddan: ‘The competitive element
has definitely been an incentive to our dealers in this promotion, as
has the online aspect which has meant flexible 24 hour access for all
participants. Sales figures so far this year show that the promotion has
helped to motivate our dealers to sell more Gaggenau appliances across
the product spectrum. We urge them to accelerate their sales input in
the next three months to have a chance of being one of the fifteen finalists
joining me in Marrakesh next March!’
Clearwater
Collection,
the manufacturer of freestanding baths, has recently updated and improved
its website at 'www.clearwater-collection.com'. The site includes product
details, advice and company information.
The website now covers both the UK and the American business that was
launched earlier this year. Clean, sharp and colourful, the new website
is easy to use, exhibiting Clearwater's portfolio of quality freestanding
baths along with details of specifications and installation instructions.
Darren Allison, managing director of Clearwater Collection comments: ‘Clearwater
Collection is a fast-growing company that is known for its innovation
in both manufacturing techniques and design. The new website is easy to
use and illustrates clearly the extensive range of baths, feet and accessories
that we offer.’
He continues: ‘Retailers can find all the information they need about
Clearwater, including details of our new Supaspec range and the Clearspa
system.’
Clearwater Collection specialises in the manufacture of double-skin acrylic
freestanding baths and prides itself on the quality of its baths along
with the vast range of designs it offers, covering both traditional and
contemporary styles. The company exports to 25 countries and has recently
launched in the States with Clearwater USA.
All Clearwater products feature the distinctive Clearwater badge, which
serves as a unique hallmark of excellence, and come with a lifetime guarantee.
Clearwater Collection recently achieved the internationally recognised
quality accreditation ISO 9001.
Tel: 01274 738140
Email: enquiries@clearwater-collection.com
Web: http://www.clearwater-collection.com
Crown
Wood Products Launches Website
Crown
Wood Products Ltd,
manufacturer of bespoke kitchen and bedroom door fronts has launched its
new, easy to use website. Designed to provide its clientele instant information
on its full product portfolio, the company says that the website is sure
to be received to much appraise.
Users of the website will be able to search for products via three simple
options: Door category, wood type or product ID. What is more, the site
even includes a comprehensive gallery, showcasing case studies of products
in-situ.
Director of Crown Wood Products, Kevin Baker comments: ‘I'm extremely
pleased with the new website and feel it will be a great asset to our
clients. I felt it was of great importance that we launched a website,
so existing and potential clients could gain access to our prestigious
product portfolio on-line.’
To view Crown Wood Products new website log onto: http://www.crownwoodproducts.co.uk.
Tel: 01277 658 176
Symphony's
Gallery collection goes virtual
Symphony
has taken its Gallery collection virtual this month with the launch of
a new microsite for consumers. The microsite stands alone from Symphony's
main website and is the final installment of the new brand identity for
Symphony's main kitchen collection - Gallery - which has more than 500
retail partners across the UK.
Consumers will now be able to relax at home and browse their ideal kitchen
collection online before visiting one of Symphony‚s national retail
partners to discuss their ideas. The informative and user friendly site,
has been designed to showcase the Modern, Timeless and Shaker ranges whilst
helping guide consumers through the decision-making process. Essential
advice and tips are provided from where to start when choosing a kitchen
to those all-important finishing touches that complete the look.
Retail Brand Manager, Sarah Stead said; 'This new web strategy is just
part of our overall commitment to customer service and sales support.
Our fundamental aim is to make choosing a kitchen as easy as possible
so that the whole experience is enjoyable from start to finish. Our recently
rebranded brochure can now be ordered at the click of a button and we
are currently working on a retailer locater page which will enable consumers
to search for their nearest Gallery showroom simply by entering their
postcode, driving footfall to our retail partners.
'Based on initial feedback, the new brand identity for Gallery has been
well received by the market and we believe that the addition of our new
microsite will complete what has already been a successful launch.'
Visit www.gallery-kitchens.co.uk
KBSA
Website Continues to Produce Results
Figures
just released by the Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom
Specialists Association show that the association's website
is attracting an increasing amount of interest from potential customers
and proving a benefit for retail and corporate members.
Web experts Storlogic, who manage the KBSA website, has reported that
the total number of visiting users has increased by 30% over the five
month period January-May from 2005 to 2006. 410,487 visiting users this
year, compared with 314,379 for the same period last year.
All areas of the website have seen substantial increases but the product
catalogue has seen the largest increase in visitors.
Storlogic also reported that links accessed from the website to member
sites were up 10,000 on last year's figures and brochure requests from
corporate members have increased by 43%.
‘This is excellent news, both for members and consumers,’ said
KBSA operations director Lucinda Kenny.
‘We're constantly working to improve our website, to make it both
informative and easy to navigate, and it's great to see these hit figures
improve year on year.
‘I am particularly pleased to see the product catalogue is now more
popular since it was re-designed at the end of last year. The new-look
website product catalogue offers corporate members a stronger brand presence
and opportunities for more advertising.
‘Another area that is also working extremely well for members is
the free-to-use job vacancy listings in the site's expanding trade area.
Members who have placed adverts in this section have reported great results.
‘Our website is an excellent marketing and communication tool for
all our members, both retail and corporate, and we're always pleased to
be able to report a substantial increase in user figures.’
The KBSA website can be accessed at http://www.kbsa.co.uk.
New
Website Helps Keep Showers Shiny!
Customers
buying a new glass shower enclosure with ClearShield
protection can now activate their warranty and buy Ritec International's
range of ClearShield After-Care products on a new website that's up and
running at www.clearshield.biz.
ClearShield
is a unique polymeric resin that bonds to the glass surface, providing
a durable barrier. For glass shower enclosures, this means they are easier
to clean and keep clean, resisting limescale and staining so it stays
looking like new for longer and hindering the growth of bacteria for a
more hygienic environment.
ClearShield After-Care products not only provide you with solutions to
keep your shower glass, windows and glass furniture in pristine, sparkling
condition, but also for the removal of limescale in bathrooms.
So if you've bought your shower recently with ClearShield protection from
any of the following eight major shower manufacturers, you can register
for your warranty quickly and simply. They are Aqata, Coram, Cubo, Glasstrends,
Image, Majestic, Matki and Simpsons.
Registration is a straightforward, step-by-step process, taking just a
few minutes from start to finish. Completing and submitting the registration
automatically extends the ClearShield warranty from five to eight years.
Once registered, you will receive a letter of confirmation from Ritec
with an order form enclosed to purchase more products as an alternative
to buying online.
The specialist products offered on http://www.clearshield.biz
are:
* After-care for Shower Glass
* Limescale Remover
* Glass Cleaner
* Clean-All Concentrate
* Clear-Vision Cars and Trucks DIY kit for windows and external mirrors
* Clear-Vision Shower Enclosures and Boat Windows DIY Kit
* Clear-Vision Windows and Glass Furniture DIY Kit
The Clear-Vision range of Do-It-Yourself kits means consumers can experience
the benefits of ClearShield in and around the home by applying it to glass
themselves. In addition, a number of shower manufacturers' own label after-care
products are available through the website.
All online orders are processed via a secure e-commerce facility, prices
are inclusive of VAT and orders are despatched via Royal Mail first class
post for delivery within seven days of receipt of your order. There is
a fixed cost of £5.00 for postage and packaging regardless of the
size of order.
Other shower manufacturers are considering supporting the scheme by offering
ClearShield protection. Meanwhile, those already taking part receive comprehensive
commercial and technical support from Ritec, with leaflets, point-of-sale
displays and sales demonstration aids.
Tel: 020 8344 8210
http://www.ritec.co.uk
http://www.clearshield.biz
Revamped
Reynolds Kitchens Website Includes Recipes and Other Ease-of-Use Features
Alcoa
Consumer Products
announced on 12th July that it has revamped its Reynolds Kitchen website
(reynoldskitchen.com) in response to consumers' feedback and industry
data.
The site reflects Reynolds Products' new branding, and updated navigation
and search tools. The simple format makes it easy for consumers to browse
the site. New technical features enable updates to be done quickly and
easily, making the site a dynamic and interactive source for the industry
and consumers. The restaged website includes an abundance of recipes,
tips and timesavers, and product information.
'We want this site to reflect the Reynolds brand personality. Consumers
tell us cooking is more fun when using Reynolds brand products. Our goal
was to bring that personality to the website,' said Eric Beringause, President
of Alcoa Consumer Products.
Alcoa Consumer Products is a global leader in the consumer packaged goods
industry, supplying high quality and trusted foil, film and paper products
to the retail and foodservice sectors. Within Alcoa Consumer Products,
there are four businesses that globally manufacture and market branded
and private label products. Reynolds Consumer Products is home to many
well-recognised brands such as Reynolds Wrap® Aluminum Foil, Reynolds®
Plastic Wrap and Reynolds® Cut-Rite® Wax Paper. Other businesses
include Presto Products Company, North America's largest private label
plastics company, Baco Consumer Products, the leading supplier of household
wraps and bags in the U.K., and Reyco, a South American manufacturer and
marketer of consumer and foodservice packaging products.