Bathstore
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Bathstore | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Type | Private (subsidiary of Wolseley Plc) |
| Founded | 1990 |
| Headquarters |  Watford, England, UK |
| Industry | Bathroom Retailer |
| Employees | 1,000+ (2008) |
| Parent | Wolseley Plc |
| Website | www.bathstore.com |
Bathstore is the largest specialist bathroom retailer in the UK.[1] Originally started in the early 1990's[2] by Patrick Riley and Nico de Beer, the idea was to bring quality design led bathrooms into a wider retail arena. The company revolutionised the market by publishing one catalogue that contained all its products for the complete bathroom, with real retail prices. The ethos was to make it simple and easy for the end consumer by focusing on the home owner, rather than the trade buyer. The concept is for high design and quality, but at genuinely affordable prices.
In 2003, Bathstore was acquired by Wolseley Plc [3], the global building materials company that owns brands such as Plumb Center and Build Center in the UK. A period of rapid store expansion followed, so that Bathstore had more than 170 showrooms throughout the United Kingdom by the end of 2007. It also has a nationwide distribution network, doing all deliveries with its own staff and vehicles.
Bathstore employs over 1,000 people across the store network. The company has also pioneered a rigorous training regime for its in store bathroom expects, focused on product knowledge and customer service.
Bathstore commissions leading European designers to create the latest look for the modern bathroom. Items are sourced worldwide on an Bathstore exclusive basis to ensure the company retains its leading edge in the market with regard to design and value. Given that all products are specified for and by Bathstore, the products are matched for colour and function, thus enabling customers to mix and match across ranges to achieve the look they want.
The quirky blue bath logo and the bold colours used in the Bathstore showroom interiors and literature make it an instantly recognisable brand. It launched its first television advertising campaign in December 2006. In November 2007 its television advertisements used cutting edge CGI technology for the first time, incorporating water animation to bring life and movement to the products being showcased. These advertisements were voiced by Spooks and Cold Feet star, Hermione Norris.[4]
The success of the brand has been recognised by Bathstore being nominated and short listed for the Retail Week Awards as the Best Specialist Retailer in 2007 and 2008.[5]
[edit] References
- ^ Bathstore largest specialist retailer in the UK www.bathstore.com
- ^ Bathstore founded in 1990 www.bathstore.com
- ^ Wolseley acquires Bathstore www.wolseley.com, 2003
- ^ Bathstore Makes a Splash www.creativematch.co.uk, 29 November 2007.
- ^ Retail Week Awards 2008 Shortlist www.retailweek-awards.co.uk, 21 January 2008.
