Is The 2011 Interior Design Slump Getting You Down? Beat the Economic Downturn, Here's How
Amidst the hangover of recession, some sectors are finding the recovery to be long and arduous. The only suppliers of internal fixtures, fittings and installations are those who have resorted to creative segmentation, or new ways of solving the same interior design problems under these conditions.
Naturally, during times of economic turmoil, luxuries and projects that are not immediately necessary are shelved for brighter times. Redecorating, refitting and modernising homes are commonly among those activities that get shelved, as such many kitchen, bedroom and bathroom fitters have experienced a steep decline in sales this year.
A poll conducted by KitchenBathDesign.com found that 65% of suppliers and fitters saw "less activity than was expected", where only 14% experienced more activity than they had initially planned for.
So how are interior suppliers and fitters rising to the challenge? In the place of refits, some suppliers have begun to sell replacement doors to give incumbent kitchen fittings a new look, so cash strapped folk can update their kitchens without requiring heavy investment. Other suppliers have capitalised on the would-be homeowner's inability to up-size in the housing market amidst reluctant lending trends; so they resort to marketing space saving fitted kitchens and bathrooms more heavily instead.
Other kitchen planners and fitters have instead looked to customer traits and sentiment. They have found that with the worst of the recession over, job security is increasing. What is more, a quality kitchen and bathroom can add value to a home and so this allows them to overcome common objections in their sales and marketing. At present, German kitchens have become popular and so some suppliers have been using these, in combination with a message of quality and value to help attract those who no longer see the need to rein in their spending.
Further to this, some showrooms have been offering free design and planning consultations to those who make a trip to their showrooms, again allowing them to visually 'sell' a prospect on their latest ranges; A method that has so far proven highly effective.
The decline has however seen less successful kitchen fitters cease trading or enter liquidation. Omega Kitchens, a premier kitchen manufacturer that relies on a network of distributors, has experienced this problem first hand with some of their resellers. As a result they have since had to introduce a deposit guarantee scheme so that kitchen buyers are not left wanting, should their supplier disappear, with Omega stating that they will deliver and fit the kitchen themselves under these circumstances.
If you're experiencing trouble and would like advice, visit us: Fitted Kitchens Preston
Naturally, during times of economic turmoil, luxuries and projects that are not immediately necessary are shelved for brighter times. Redecorating, refitting and modernising homes are commonly among those activities that get shelved, as such many kitchen, bedroom and bathroom fitters have experienced a steep decline in sales this year.
A poll conducted by KitchenBathDesign.com found that 65% of suppliers and fitters saw "less activity than was expected", where only 14% experienced more activity than they had initially planned for.
So how are interior suppliers and fitters rising to the challenge? In the place of refits, some suppliers have begun to sell replacement doors to give incumbent kitchen fittings a new look, so cash strapped folk can update their kitchens without requiring heavy investment. Other suppliers have capitalised on the would-be homeowner's inability to up-size in the housing market amidst reluctant lending trends; so they resort to marketing space saving fitted kitchens and bathrooms more heavily instead.
Other kitchen planners and fitters have instead looked to customer traits and sentiment. They have found that with the worst of the recession over, job security is increasing. What is more, a quality kitchen and bathroom can add value to a home and so this allows them to overcome common objections in their sales and marketing. At present, German kitchens have become popular and so some suppliers have been using these, in combination with a message of quality and value to help attract those who no longer see the need to rein in their spending.
Further to this, some showrooms have been offering free design and planning consultations to those who make a trip to their showrooms, again allowing them to visually 'sell' a prospect on their latest ranges; A method that has so far proven highly effective.
The decline has however seen less successful kitchen fitters cease trading or enter liquidation. Omega Kitchens, a premier kitchen manufacturer that relies on a network of distributors, has experienced this problem first hand with some of their resellers. As a result they have since had to introduce a deposit guarantee scheme so that kitchen buyers are not left wanting, should their supplier disappear, with Omega stating that they will deliver and fit the kitchen themselves under these circumstances.
If you're experiencing trouble and would like advice, visit us: Fitted Kitchens Preston