KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
28th January 2021
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Virtual worlds advises on how to leverage the bathroom boom
With new research suggesting that the bathroom industry is set to outperform the general UK economy this year, Virtual Worlds is reminding KBB retailers of the importance of investing in CAD technology in order to unlock the full opportunity presented.
According to a new report by MTW research*, bathroom retailers will outperform the UK economy in 2016 despite many retailers and manufacturers being wary of the fallout from Brexit. Based on data from 90 leading bathroom retailers, the research found that sales in 2016 are now at an historic high, surpassing £1 billion for the first time.
Talking of the research, Nathan MacLean, md of Virtual Worlds, comments: "It is certainly welcome news that the market is booming with 53% of bathroom retailers having experienced sales growth in the last 12 months. This clearly means consumers are continuing to spend, showing no signs of restricting budget when it comes to creating their ideal bathroom.
"With this in mind, the role of CAD technology is an increasingly important part of the sales mix. Using the latest 4D technology, for example, consumers are able to create and design their bathroom in real time, being able to do everything from open cupboard doors and walk around the room through to even move furniture around if they don't favour the layout the first time.
"This 'try before you buy' experience is proving a great success up and down the country, dispelling the inherent issue of 'buyer remorse' and instilling confidence in potential buyers. With prices often being a main factor when choosing a bathroom, our software allows the user to try multiple products with a guarantee to change anything they don't like, giving them full design control, while monitoring their budget.
"Surely then, now is the time for retailers to invest in CAD technology in order to create stand-out amid what still remains a highly saturated market. It's an exciting time to be a KBB retailer and 2017 will be an interesting year for all of us in the bathroom sector."
14th October 2016