KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
16th February 2018
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 International News
Products New Kinemagic model even more accessible
The Kinemagic Serenity Plus is a high quality, all-in-one shower cubicle that has been designed to fit in exactly the same space as a standard bath and can be installed with the minimum fuss and hassle. KBB 2018: Rehau's Rauvisio to take centre stage - M123
One of the products taking centre stage will be the Rauvisio Crystal Mirror. Technically known as polymeric glass, Crystal Mirror is one of the most advanced mirror materials in the world, and is a great alternative to mirrored glass. It is aesthetically as beautiful as real glass yet has none of its limitations, opening up new and exciting opportunities in the design and production of kitchen, bathroom and bedroom furniture and surfaces. Alongside Crystal Mirror, Rehau will also be introducing visitors to Rauvisio Wave, Karat polymer-stone and Mineral solid-surface ranges plus its new Crystal Decors portfolio. British Ceramic Tile combines the old with new to advance its production techniques
With sales of collections such as Luna and Ted Baker Geometric growing month on month, the company has plans to increase its product portfolio to include more ranges that offer this innovative production process which sees the latest in inkjet technology combined with rotocolour printing. Bijoux accessories are perfectly formed
Not everyone wants a towel ring, or has the space for a standard 60cm rail. Recognising the shift in trend towards smaller, minimalist bathrooms, the new shorter rails have been developed to satisfy this market need. Innovative modern design with Blanco's Collectis 6-S sink
The sorting bin comes with a lid to cover the bin when not in use and is integrated with a sorting compartment which is fitted with a space-saving waste pipe to collect the waste cuttings. The Collectis 6-S can be combined with BlancoSelect to make the ideal waste disposal system. With an elegant look and practical outflow, the Collectis 6-S is available in White, Tartufo, Pearl Grey, Nutmeg, Rock Grey, Jasmine, Coffee, Champagne, Anthracite and alumetallic. The large range of colours offers the user multiple choices to suit a particular kitchen style. T: 01923 635 200 KBB 2018: InSinkErator to launch new products - G120, Hall 19
KBB 2018: Keller Kitchens - Dutch design showcased on Stand W110 in Hall 17
Keeping up to date with current trends, Keller Kitchens creates a perfect kitchen for every customer. Gorenje to implement aluminium backing on all cooling lines
Following the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower, the Slovenian-manufacturer's commitment to the campaign for safer appliances is a step in the right direction towards tackling the industry-wide issue. |
As someone who's needed to have a new bathroom fitted for more years than I care to remember (and when I say 'needed' I don't mean because I'm bored with my old one, but that it's no longer functioning properly), it hit home when I learned this week that consumer confidence is currently delaying sales by up to six months. Yes. According to new statistics following a 'Webrooming vs Showrooming' study of 1,000 UK consumers, conducted by ecommerce agency PushON (www.pushon.co.uk) 24% of customers spend up to six months on research before making a considered purchase. Only six months? It appears that when looking to buy a luxury item, such as a new kitchen, 28% of consumers will typically spend up to a month properly researching the options available before making a decision. And 7% are even taking over six months - stating they need to be confident they have made a good purchasing decision. The research also found that people are now combining online and in-store shopping, with 79% saying they've found an expensive product online that they've liked, but have then gone in store to make the final purchase so they can see what the item looks like in reality. It also works the other way, with almost as many saying they've bought an expensive item online, once they've examined it in store. The research was carried out to highlight consumers' shopping preferences and learn how retailers need to improve the shopping experience to support customers right through to the point of sale. "It's clear from the research that consumers don't feel confident enough to make expensive purchasing decisions straight away and are taking a long time to research all their options to make a final choice that they know they'll be happy with," says PushON's Sam Rutley. "Several factors affect customer decisions... price, customer service, product quality, delivery options... Shoppers want to make sure they're getting the best deal for their money and it's up to retailers to close the purchasing gap by providing a truly omni-channel experience and engaging with shoppers on various channels to build better relationships. This way shoppers will have all the information they need to make an informed decision and then follow through with that purchase." While I agree with what Sam's saying, my issue is that there's simply too much choice! Perhaps my upcoming visit to KBB Birmingham will help narrow things down for me... Yours,
 This Week's News
Soapbox: What lessons can we learn from Carillion's collapse?
As the dust begins settling on the collapse of Carillion, we move to the damage assessment phase - but question marks remain over the fate of at least 43,000 jobs. Some 30,000+ small businesses are thought to be owed money by the firm, and although credit insurers have confirmed that they will pay out compensation totalling £30 million, this only accounts for a small portion of the debt owed. Top inclusive design award for VitrA and Sheffield Hallam University
Membership and Conference discounts to celebrate 40 years The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association is offering a selection of strictly time limited discounts on membership and tickets for the Annual Conference, as part of its celebrations to mark its 40th anniversary. The details will be announced at KBB Birmingham next month and members and new members will be able to take advantage of the special deals when they visit the stand. Sensor technology at its best with Blanco's Solenta-S tap
Utilising a professional design, the stainless steel product is elevated with a precise magnetic spray holder for user accessibility. Designed for convenience, the Solenta-S is available with the lever on either the left or right side making it a perfect match for user's preferences. Overall growth forecast in the UK floor and wall tiles market at 7% until 2021
However, growth rates have slowed to around 2% in 2016-17 with this more modest growth scenario likely to be a feature of the market into the medium- term. Key factors that have underpinned the market over the last two years have included strong demand from both contract and residential end-use sectors as well design and innovation trends that have added value to products. Kitchen fitter TACF calls for UK talent as 'Brexit Exodus' set to impact industry
"Over a quarter of a million jobs in the UK within the construction industry are currently under threat, most of which are in the capital, as Brexit continues to have an impact," he claims. Roca goes above and beyond at KBB
We have mail: Product recall made easy Stephen Munton, the ex-electrical retailer who now heads up the Domestic Cleaning Alliance, writes in response to a leader in which I asked whether I'm naive to think that appliance sellers should be required to take the customer's contact details for inclusion on a national register, to aid product recall... Hi Jan, No, you are not naive in my opinion. With online purchasing being what it is now, names and addresses are being given out left, right, and centre, so it's surely a case that all the computer systems should talk to each other so that what is taken from the retailer gets sent straight to the manufacturer? Goodness knows if I can stand in the bank paying in cash and get a text message to confirm the transaction before I have even said goodbye to the cashier, that proves how fast things can work. Velvet Victoria sleigh bed will provide that bedroom glamour
For anyone looking to give their bedroom a modern, luxe-look update, the Victoria sleigh bed is a perfect choice. A stunning Chesterfield design with an elegant 150cm high statement headboard, it nods to the biggest interiors trends of the year with its crushed velvet upholstery, pale grey colourway and subtle metallic shimmer. KBB 2018: Bathroom Brands Group set to impress - Stand H20 E95
Throughout the event, the company will be revealing its largest showcase of new product launches to date, reflecting the latest bathroom trends and advancements across all its individual brands, from Crosswater and Burlington, to Clearwater and Britton. TKC's Vero Quickcabs simplify installation of handleless kitchens
The pre-fitted cam and dowel design results in a cabinet build time of less than two minutes and the carcases come pre-routered so that an installer simply lines them up to fit the company's Vero rail system. TKC's new Trade Index is bigger than ever
Available now from stock, the 364-page index includes the expanded Cartmel range, which has trebled in size to incorporate 10 fashionable colours available from stock. The Trade Index also includes appliances for the first time after the company introduced a 99-strong range of built-in and freestanding appliances under the NordMende brand in Summer 2017. The KBzine Archive Search We keep an extensive archive of news stories and product information that have featured in past issues of The KBzine. If you would like to run a search of the The KBzine web site using the search tool below please just go ahead by entering in the name of the person, product or company or any other key words that you are looking for. How to contact us at The KBzine:
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KBB Birmingham 2018: Roper Rhodes returns with not one, but two stands - D55 & D60
Belling unveils winners of its first Cookery Club competition
Soapbox: Consumer safety in the home - Government gets serious
"With the news this week of the creation of a new Office for Product Safety and Standards, it seems at last that there are signs of Government taking a serious interest in consumer safety in the home. KBB 2018: Blum set to create its biggest stand ever at Birmingham show - T120, Hall 17
KBSA announces new venue for Annual Conference
SOAPBOX: Retentions... has the construction industry had enough following the Carillion disaster?
"The use of cash retentions is commonplace in the construction industry. Some £3 billion of retentions remain outstanding in the UK construction industry at any one time. With the collapse of Carillion, however, has the industry had enough? Marketing
Blanco launches online spares website
Bathstore and Elle Decoration announce partnership
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