Did you know? From Ideal Bathrooms
Last year Ideal Bathrooms published their first ever ‘Ideal Industry Report’ which surveyed the views and trading activities of the retail bathroom sector through its extensive customer database.
“Such was the welcome received by this Report, it was important to create the new updated version for 2018” says Ideal Bathrooms’ commercial Director Danielle Lillis “Last years’ findings threw new light on a number of industry issues so this year we have expanded the survey to review other major aspects of the bathroom business.”
As previously, the Report will collate the views of customers to give respondents a wider understanding of the various industry issues, products, suppliers, brands – and much more. The full Report will remain exclusive to those who participate in the wide ranging study.
Last year’s survey results made for some very interesting reading. With 68% of respondents reporting sales growth exceeding 5%, indicating an industry in good health.
The survey also showed that retailers were broadening the range of products they sold expanding from the traditional bathroom product ranges to now including wall panelling, plumbing and heating services and flooring.
One particular issue addressed was the growth of online sales. “The bathroom industry, being a more traditional one, is one where consumers still want to touch and feel a product and to seek professional guidance in a home improvement field with which most are not sufficiently confident in making correct technical decisions. Savvy retailers are embracing the internet to bring in additional sales and to generate showroom traffic flow and the survey clearly showed the importance progressive retailers attached to a good informative site with 22% having a website with purchasing options. The Report confirmed that the Bathroom Industry is actively and knowledgably planning for a successful future through the showroom and the internet.”
To counteract some of the pricing pressures driven by online sales Showrooms have been focussing on value added differentiators such as 78% now offering a design services and 53% installation and fitting.
The Report is live now and views and opinions will be sought during the next 3 weeks. Retailers wishing to participate in this valuable and informative survey can do so by visiting www.ideal-survey.com.
“Participants can help themselves and the industry in general by giving their opinions and general trading statistics so that they may benefit from the collected knowledge of the bathroom retail sector. The information will be confidential and will report trends and statistics without attributing these to specific companies or individuals. Your participation will benefit not only you but the industry as a whole.” adds Dani
And finally – all correspondents will be entered into a prize draw for one winner to receive £300 of Love2Shop vouchers.