HiB has extended its offering with a bold new range of striking sanitaryware designs to appeal to the current consumer – category manager Robert Pattern explains what the collection can offer retailers and designers.
Q: This is a new direction for HiB – what was behind the decision to move into a new category?
A: HiB's decision to introduce Sanitaryware as a new category stemmed from the overwhelming success of our existing washbasin ranges. We identified a growing demand from UK consumers for a diverse yet affordable range of sanitaryware to elevate their bathroom experience. By focusing on Sanitaryware, we aim to offer that comprehensive selection that caters to consumer needs, but also improves the customer journey, providing a one-stop-shop for sanitaryware that makes discovering all the different options easier and more straightforward.
Q: Why is now a good time to do it?
A: As consumer demand begins to include more eye-catching bathroom designs, we recognise the need to introduce Sanitaryware as a new category to meet their expectations. Our aim is to provide universal options for choosing a washbasin, that can fit with any scheme, but also offer design opportunities that can make the bathroom feel special. By focusing on versatility and functionality, we're ensuring that every bathroom can be tailored to individual preferences, offering both beauty and practicality in an area they will interact with every day. It's an exciting step forward for HiB.
Q: Tell us about the new collections – what do they consist of?
A: The HiB Sanitaryware range introduces a stunning array of products designed to elevate bathroom spaces. Among the standout additions is the Entero concrete vessel basin range, offering 6 striking matt colours and 4 contemporary shapes. Crafted from durable concrete material, these basins offer a show-stopping solution to suit diverse tastes. Complementing this is the Cleo washbasin range, featuring 3 elegantly shaped designs with intricate fluted detailing. This timeless ceramic collection promises to harmonise effortlessly with the latest bathroom trends.
In addition to the basins, we have introduced 2 new brassware finishes, gunmetal and brushed bronze, to the popular Atlas tap range and our shower offering, giving a thorough selection of options for our brassware.
We have also extended our Aero toilet range to include a square solution and accessories. Each piece in the Sanitaryware range is designed to marry beauty with practicality, catering to the evolving needs of modern bathrooms. With a focus on versatility and functionality, we really believe that our sanitaryware offering is a comprehensive range of washbasins, toilets, and brassware, providing customers with the freedom to create bespoke bathroom spaces that reflect their unique style and preferences.
Q: Are the new collections in response to any particular trends?
A: As we developed the HiB Sanitaryware range, we kept our finger on the pulse of current trends, infusing features like sleek curves and stunning finishes like Dusky Pink, Sage Green and Brick Red. We wanted to create products that not only meet practical needs but also add a touch of flair to any bathroom. It's all about keeping things fresh and exciting for our customers while ensuring they have the best options to choose from! Earlier this year we released our Trends Guide for 2024, which features 4 key schemes that are going to be popular in bathrooms this year. When bringing our latest products to the market we have made sure that they are sympathetic to those trends and complement contemporary tastes.
Q: What do they offer retailers and designers?
A: Our sanitaryware range fulfils that demand for choice in a product but in a straightforward, easy to understand approach. By offering the product ranges that we have, we are able to offer stunning vessel basins that would typically be priced as a luxury item, but at an achievable price point for consumers. We are achieving high end design that retailers and designers can utilise in aspirational bathroom designs, while maintaining a cost that appeals to a wider audience.
Q: What support is HiB offering retailers with the latest collections?
A: Along with offering a variety of display stands and POS to support showroom sales, we have introduced a brand new Sanitaryware brochure which includes beautiful imagery, important features, technical specs and sales info to help retailers serve their customers quickly and with ease. We also offer consumers swatches in their preferred basin finishes which are available to order direct from the website, which are then delivered to home. What is really important to us is giving retailers and consumers all the details they need to make an informed decision about their Sanitaryware and benefit from the options we have on offer.
Q: How optimistic are you feeling about the market looking ahead?
A: It can be said that for many trading times are tough but we’re optimistic for the future. We are making sure that we are investing in product development and improving our branding to support retailers, so that whenever consumers begin their buying journey, the right ranges and the right information is on hand to make the bathroom purchase as enjoyable experience as possible.
