KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
21st September 2018
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 International News
Products New for 2018 at Küchenmeile: Holland Trend Haus
Miele's new CM 7550 bean-to-cup countertop coffee machine incorporates WiFi technology
Blanco introduces super stylish stainless steel taps
NoCode Versobox - innovation in shower valve technology
Rangemaster updates iconic Elan range cooker by launching the Elan Deluxe
Sleek with no leaks for the perfect wetroom
"A few manufacturers have attempted to create something similar but, in our opinion, Abacus Elements has really nailed it with this clever design making it one of the best wetroom trays we have seen," Roger Bisby, Skill Builder. Better than ever ceramic hobs from Amica
Matt black finds its surface match with CRL Quartz Vicenza
Traditionally modern design for your kitchen
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With the UK High Street having posted its worst August performance for three years and 50,000 retail jobs already lost this year because of people's apparent preference for buying online, the Federation of Small Businesses is calling for a series of clever measures to give our traditional way of shopping a better chance of survival. As well as the added costs local shops have to pay for rates and rents, the FSB says they also suffer because of the high cost of parking, poor infrastructure, potholes and the loss of banking services. I agree something needs to be done to stop the rot - and soon, too. And being selfish, while we can research and perhaps enjoy lower prices online, there's nothing like real 'hands on' experience and human contact, is there? My friends were in Homebase, South Wimbledon, a couple of weeks back; waiting for a staff member to check something out. As I joined them one said: "If all retail staff were like that, we wouldn't be seeing so many stores closing." I knew who they were talking about... the same chap who'd called out cheerily when my daughter and I wandered into the paint aisle the previous week: "Good morning ladies - can I be of any help to you?" We didn't think he could, but of course later we availed ourselves of his product expertise with regard to paint and many other items too. We shopped there twice more because we were confident we'd be advised by someone who knew what he was talking about and once he even finished his lunchbreak early as he'd seen us and knew we'd need his help. During another visit, no-one was about so we tried customer services. "You should ask Andy," the assistant said. "I'll call him." Naturally, he came up trumps. He knows the stock inside out - and where to find it. He gave us advice that in cases saved us money, but alongside that he encouraged us to visit more often and to buy more whenever we did. It's not often I'm so impressed that I'll do this, but will someone please give Andy Sloan a job? He's been at Homebase for 16 years and his store is closing in a few weeks. And great as he is on the shop floor, he should really be training and managing other staff to be just like him. Online shopping or service 'Andy style'? It's a no-brainer. Believe me, improving the in-store experience can really improve the bottom line! Yours,
 This Week's News
Over 20% growth forecast for UK kitchen & bathroom worktops market over next five years
Between 2014 and 2017, the UK overall worktops market is estimated to have grown by 13%. The worktops market has performed fractionally better than in the kitchen furniture and overall bathroom markets over the last few years, reflecting a shift to higher value worktops and a trend for larger worktop areas, such as islands and peninsulas with waterfall worktops. VitrA launches new Plural range at Design Junction. See it while you can!
The first bathroom brand to ever exhibit at the show, VitrA has chosen designjunction to launch Plural, the latest addition to its growing designers' portfolio, in the UK. Who's Sirius' Manufacturer of the Year? Hoover, that's who!
The manufacturer, which has been a member of the Sirius Buying Group for more than 15 years, was the winner at the awards, held at The Forest of Arden Marriott Hotel and Country Club, on Wednesday. Six new retailers boost KBSA membership
The latest new retailers include 3D Kitchens.Net in Halesowen; Luton Kitchens, Bathrooms & Bedrooms; Omni Home Design in St Albans; Oxford Kitchens & Bathrooms; John Ladbury & Co in Hertfordshire and Kitchen Livingin Hampshire. Which? Best Buy accolade for Amica fridge freezer
British Ceramic Tile refreshes retailer Rewards Club
After months of development, premium retailers can join the new and improved scheme, which now offers an enhanced user experience and a number of incentives to encourage and support retail sales. A 40th birthday celebration and pledge to invest in the future from KBSA
An exclusive retailer dinner the night before included two presentations from Simon Jones, Director at BSH Home Appliances and John Seaman, Head of Sales at Blanco UK. New Kinerock presenter from Saniflo
Rehau introduces new production line to UK plant
The move sees the production line for polypropylene edgeband material moved from a Rehau plant in Germany to the Welsh plant - something that was co-ordinated and carried out by the UK team itself. Blanco ArchPro offers the expert look
Abode takes up the Bake Off Challenge
Jumping on the baking bandwagon and giving Prue Leith a run for her money, cake creations in the challenge so far have included a culinary version of the Abode Vixo mixertap complete with cascading water and the rose gold Serenitie shower valve made from tasty orange cake. Smeg teams up with Disney for limited edition, Mickey Mouse anniversary FAB fridge
To celebrate the special nature of the partnership, there will only be a total of 90 fridges made for the collection, one for each year since Mickey's debut back in 1928 - making this a true collector's item. Each fridge is decorated with a limited edition silver plaque signifying its unique number. 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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BMA works towards international agreement on water efficient products
Abode scoops LTG's 'Best in Kitchen & Bathroom Accessories' Award
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