Kbb retailing in lockdown “more natural” but keep visible

National chair of trade association Kbsa and owner of KSL in Suffolk, Richard Hibbert says kbb retailing in lockdown has become "more natural" but advised showrooms to "keep visible"

16 Nov, 20

National chair of trade association Kbsa and owner of KSL in Suffolk, Richard Hibbert says kbb retailing in lockdown has become “more natural” but advised showrooms to “keep visible”.

Kbb retailing in lockdown "more natural" but keep visible

 

In an exclusive interview, as part of Kitchens & Bathrooms News video series #KBNone2one, Hibbert compared the first with the current national lockdown in England.

He stated: “In general work doesn’t seem as affected, this time.”

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Hibbert said was because retailers now have COVID procedures in place, understand the likes of the furlough system and are aware their kbb showroom business is considered “essential”.

Stating he hadn’t seen any kbb showrooms shut during the second English lockdown, Hibbert said any kbb retailers asked to close by local authorities should challenge the decision and point out DIY chains are still open.

Hibbert said his biggest concern is, if a vaccination become available and people are allowed to travel more freely, whether people would choose holidays over investing in the home for 2021.

Although he added the booming housing market would help secure sales for bathrooms and kitchens refurbishments and said he is “fairly confident” about sales in 2021.

Hibbert advised retailers to keep marketing to prospective customers: “Keep being visible. People are out there looking and if you’re not talking you’re not being found.

“People are very interested in independents, family businesses and [buying] local. Take advantage of that while you can.

“It’s really funny that such a bad situation has bred such a new way of thinking for a lot of people. It’s our job to let them know we are here and we are ready.”