- Bathstore
Infobox Company
company_name = Bathstore
company_
company_type = Private (subsidiary of Wolseley Plc)
foundation = 1990
location = flagicon|UKWatford ,England , UK
key_people =
industry =Bathroom Retailer
products =
revenue =
operating_profit =
num_employees = 1,000+ (2008)
parent = Wolseley Plc
subsid =
homepage = [http://www.bathstore.com www.bathstore.com]
footnotes =Bathstore is the largest specialist bathroom retailer in the UK. [ [http://www.bathstore.com/about_us.html Bathstore largest specialist retailer in the UK] "www.bathstore.com"] Originally started in the early 1990s [ [http://www.bathstore.com/about_us.html Bathstore founded in 1990] "www.bathstore.com"] 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 [ [http://www.wolseley.com/documents/AnnualReports/annual_report_2003/chief_exe_growth_expansion.html Wolseley acquires Bathstore] "www.wolseley.com", 2003] , the global building materials company that owns brands such as
Plumb Center andBuild 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 . Another sales mark is its giveaway blue ducks that are often taken by children young and old. The sales people often have to "round up" ducks that have been gathered and hidden away by children or all placed in one bath, and redistribute them around the store. 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 bySpooks andCold Feet star,Hermione Norris . [ [http://www.creativematch.co.uk/viewnews/?95165 Bathstore Makes a Splash] "www.creativematch.co.uk",29 November 2007 .]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. [ [http://www.retailweek-awards.co.uk/2008shortlist.asp?m_pid=0&m_nid=22192 Retail Week Awards 2008 Shortlist] "www.retailweek-awards.co.uk",21 January 2008 .]References
ee also
* Wolseley Plc
*Wolseley UK External links
* [http://www.bathstore.com Corporate Site]
* [http://bathstore.blogspot.com Bathstore Blog]
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