Independent KBB retailers are stronger together, was the theme of buying group KBBG Annual Members Meeting, held at Center Parcs in Sherwood Forest.

Speaking at his first meeting since taking charge of the association, MD of KBBG Owain Harrison said similarly to a flock of birds when it flies in formation, an industry association can help retailers, “go further and faster” than they could on their own.

Owain Harrison reported 65 new retail members had joined the organisation over the past 12 months, and it had achieved an increase in like-for-like turnover for the 13^th year in a row.

Sponsored Video

Salice | EXEDRA GRAVITY OUT

Citing continuing challenges in the market, Owain Harrison said: “I’m not going to sugarcoat, the last 18 months have been pretty tough but not terminal.”

He highlighted the complex mix of headwinds with a “supremely” cautious housing market, “persistent” skills shortage limiting capacity and pushing labour costs higher, as well as political uncertainty, and said the industry had to remain agile.

Encouraging retailers to consider expanding sales across the home, rather than relying on just the kitchen or bathroom space, he said: “We all know that attracting a new customer is so much more expensive than selling to one that you already know.

“If you only sell one or two categories it’s perhaps a little bit of a missed opportunity, and opening up into more areas is probably something that’s quite wise.

“It’s not the risk of doing something new, it’s the risk of not doing something new while everybody else moves on.”

The  KBBG has added 13 new suppliers to its roster, including new categories such as outdoor furniture.

Outlining future investment in generating leads for its retail members, Harrison said the buying group would launch MyBathroomSpecialist.com in addition to its existing My Kitchen Specialist website.

It is also set to introduce The Kitchen Art Studios website, to generate bigger ticket sales leads, for retailers who work with luxury brands and sell kitchens over £25,000.

 “2025 is looking better already. We are already in good single growth for the first half”, Owain Harrison stated.