Lockdown sparked a huge home improvement boom and created some very savvy shoppers, who are willing to invest a lot of time and effort into researching and planning their dream project, before shopping around widely to ensure they get exactly what they want.
But, with the pandemic marking the end of the line for many high street chains and resulting in thousands of shops closing, it also kickstarted a ‘shop local’ revival. As consumers gained more purchaser power and slipped into hybrid working, which meant less time in city centres, alongside a heightened sense of community spirit, many looked to supporting retailers closer to home.
This is of course music to the ears of local independent retailers like us. Why? Because it gives us a chance to show what we can do!
We can compete with the inflexible bigger-named tile brands; with the high mark-ups of home improvement chains that engineer cost and value out of a product; and with many online shops, because we offer the insider knowledge and technical expertise – not to mention a personalised service and a friendly face – that they simply cannot. When you call us you’ll always speak to a human – no endless recorded messages or ‘press 2 for’ options, just straightforward access and advice.
Tiles play a crucial role in helping customers realise their vision for the room they are planning to transform, be that an entire shower room, a conservatory floor or something as simple as a kitchen splashback. In fact it is often the tiles that are the finishing touch and supply the ‘wow’ factor which lifts a space beyond the ordinary.
But we also know that tiles are not an everyday purchase – so how would you know what’s good or bad; in fashion or out of fashion? Fortunately, we have close ties with the best manufacturers in Italy and Spain – so we know what trends are on their way and can source the perfect tile for you.
We can advise on what will work best for your space. Will large slabs or intricate mosaics work best? Which laying pattern will create the most impact? And most importantly – how much will you need?
Shopping online might seem a quick and convenient option, and is without doubt a great research tool, but nothing can compete with being able to see and touch an actual tile. An online image might make you think you’ve found the perfect style – but the reality is that some might not live up to your expectations once delivered.
By getting up close to the many different styles and textures in a showroom display, you’ll be better able to visualise it in within your domestic space.
By stepping into a showroom you get a chance to talk to highly knowledgeable sales staff who can answer any questions you have and talk you through the best options for your particular project.
Of course, we would say all of this, wouldn’t we? But the stats speak for themselves – more than 60% of the visitors to our Leeds showroom had been before or have been recommended by other shoppers, which shows what we’ve known all along – shopping local pays off!
