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28th January 2021
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Wholesale Domestic set to 'go national' after breakthrough award
Wholesale Domestic, the high-growth Glasgow bathroom specialist, has said that winning a major UK industry award has confirmed its transformation into 'a truly national business' led by the opportunities of ecommerce.
The family-owned company, which earlier this year opened a £3.5million new premises to support its burgeoning sales operation, fought off tough competition to win Best UK Independent Bathroom Retailer at last week's BKU Awards. Wholesale Domestic is the first Scottish company ever to win the award.
"This award, based on the votes of industry peers, reflects the quality of service we provide in all aspects of our offering, from sales, to warehousing and distribution with customer service and after-sales," says Brian Toward, Wholesale Domestic's finance and IT director.
"We were already proud of our local reputation, but to achieve this recognition at the UK level shows that our ambitious growth plans are working well. Wholesale Domestic is becoming a truly national business."
"We're proud to be the first Scottish winner and to fly the flag for our home market in the national arena. Our roots in Hillington in Glasgow are massively important to us, but we want our brand to be recognised nationally now that online has expanded our reach."
Owned by brothers Derek and Walter Toward, the long-established family business has seen turnover double to £9.5 million since 2012, largely on the runaway success of its online sales.
The £3.5m investment in new storage space and stock-picking technology in the formerly derelict warehouse in Hillington has enabled the firm to grow at a projected 20% per year, a rate that puts it at the forefront of the specialist bathroom trade's growing contingent of ecommerce pioneers.
Since the move to the new premises at the start of 2017, sales have consistently outstripped expectations, with each month since the move seeing double digit growth. June is set to be the largest at over 25% growth year on year, based on the current run rate. The firm is also boosting its headcount, with several key hires in specialised positions.
This month the company launches a new computer-generated imagery facility to enhance its sales offering, after a significant investment in software, hardware and skilled personnel. Other innovations include a new line of complimentary products, such as silicones, grouts and adhesives will be joined by a small selection of plumbing fittings designed to make Wholesale Domestic truly a one-stop-shop.
Image: from left - Walter, Derek and Brian Toward
T: 0344 809 4249
W: www.wholesaledomestic.com
30th June 2017