KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
30th October 2015
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 International News
Products Abode adds new thermostatic showers to its stunning portfolio
Hotspot House: the functional app
Blanco Sona Silgranit sinks in classic and contemporary colours suit any kitchen scheme
A cosy bath counteracts Winter chills
Merlyn unveil new Source collection to join installer-friendly Ionic range
Perrin & Rowe innovates with Goddard Littlefair, at hotel design event, Sleep 2015
British luxury kitchen and bathroom brassware manufacturer, Perrin & Rowe, has announced its participation in the hotel design event, Sleep 2015, taking place at the Business Design Centre in London from 24th through 25th November. Two new ranges and a fresh strategy see Coram stride ahead
Bella Bathrooms announces new range of Tavistock Bathrooms
IFA success for AmicaIn and new double ovens
New acrylic bath range is big on user comfort
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Bill Miller’s message to independent retailers (see below) struck a chord with me, especially at the part where he says consumers believe that buying from one of the major chains will mean they get more for their pound. I needed to replace my 20 year old sofas recently and although I’m not fabulously wealthy, my first port of call was House of Reeves, the 148-year old, family run independent I’d bought them from. After all, the sofas had lasted really well – they’d also been affordable and I could remember having received great service first time around. Plus – bearing in mind the store came to symbolise the Croydon riots in 2011, with one of its two adjacent showrooms being destroyed by fire, I felt it deserved as much business as it could get simply for having refused to be beaten – if of course it had what I wanted and if the price was right. It didn’t surprise me that I was looked after by the same salesman (who of course didn’t remember me or my daughter, who’s now grown up). I remembered him because I’d been looked after so well last time. We chose our sofas but when we returned with my other daughter the following day and she didn’t find them comfortable, we moved our search to the myriad of big stores around Croydon’s enormous retail parks. Yes – there was a lot we liked, but price-wise, nothing we liked was nearly as affordable as our Reeves favourite. Also, because the stores themselves were busier, the staff were juggling us with other customers, which meant they sometimes muddled our requirements with those of the other shoppers, and when they hurried back to us, took us to sofas that weren’t going to be suitable. So it was back to Reeves a third time, where we were advised that material would make our sofas less stiff than the leather version on display – and thus more comfy for my hard-to-please daughter. Deal done. The fact that we’ve even met and had a chat with the delivery team and even know how the pair take their tea, has given us every confidence that the service received so far will continue. Where else could you build that relationship other than with an independent, I wonder? Yours,
 This Week's News
Soapbox: Celebrate being truly independent
"Being a truly independent kitchen or bathroom specialist is something to be cherished and celebrated. It is essential that we constantly promote the many advantages we hold over our multiple competitors. We are the true specialists of our industry, offering a wealth of knowledge and expertise, as well as a distinctive atmosphere of warmth and intimacy that is so lacking in multiple outlets. We work hard to satisfy our customers and retain their loyalty. We offer a level of personal service and customer care that our competitors can't even begin to match. These are virtues that are worth trumpeting. Hauliers warn of empty stores at Christmas as driver shortage bites
To highlight the crisis, the RHA is undertaking intensive lobbying of MPs as part of its first ever National Lorry Week, which runs this week. The industry is also holding many events across the UK to draw attention to the problem.  Work related injury and ill health still costing Britain £14 billion per year
Despite Britain remaining one of the safest places to work in Europe, injury and ill-health statistics released by the Health & Safety Executive show that an estimated 27.3 million working days were lost due to work related ill health or injury in 2014/15. Lustrolite helps householders stay calm and collected
Blue is known as a 'serene' and 'mentally calming' colour * so it is perfect for use in spaces where people like to relax and unwind. Why not inject a new lease of life into a kitchen or bathroom (or both) with Lustrolite's vibrant Blue Atoll shade and let users sit back and enjoy the colour's calming qualities? Builders merchants market set for 2016 boost
Based on industry sales, the research uncovered sustained growth in heavyside (early-stage construction materials) sales during 2015, providing welcome news for building product suppliers. The report states that since 2014 key growth sectors have included domestic new build and commercial refurbishment, with these continuing to underpin volume and value growth in late 2015. Abode launches the ISO bathroom taps collection
Six striking pieces form the Iso range, which is of a contemporary square shape design with radiused edges and sleek, flat, easy to operate lever handles. Smart showering: new F60 Dream Shower
The shower column's sleek and streamlined razor-thin silhouette and angular outline is a dream for fans of minimalist and contemporary design. Lovers of luxury will also adore the large square shower head. Measuring 25 x 25cm, the drench is sure to refresh and revive. Opening of new Vitra displays in-store at Nu-Line proves a great success
Roman's Decem Expressions - digitally printed using new technology
While these are on trend and designated for the higher end of the interior design-led retail bathroom market, the process lends itself perfectly to the project market. Hoover provides prizes for new ITV game show
Alno UK's new marketing manager will support continued growth
Kirsty began her career in marketing 11 years ago at a full service marketing agency and has held the position of PR & marketing communications executive at Alno UK for the last two years. New appointment will allow V & A Baths to bring 3D modelling in-house
Feast your eyes on Leisure's Christmas cashback promotion
Running until the 31st December 2015 with participating retailers*, the new incentive is offering up to £200 cashback across the brand's 90cm, 100cm and 110cm range cookers** in a selection of colours and fuel types. Featuring the brand's striking Leisure Feasts creative, the promotion is supported with in-store POS, digital display, advertising and social activity, plus presence on key retailer websites.
Ripples supplies top quality bathrooms to homes in the UK and Wherever the Need supplies ecosan toilets and clean water to villages in India where there is little or no infrastructure. 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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