Competing with multiples is one of the biggest concerns to retailers in the current climate. Paul Jenkinson, Managing Director of LochAnna Kitchens, has more than 25 years of experience working with independents. Here, he gives six reasons why the British kitchen brand should be your partner of choice in 2024.
An entire business model designed to benefit the independent retailer
No one understands the independents better than LochAnna. LochAnna is strategically positioned for independent dealers looking to stand out from mainstream competitors, ensuring margin retention and a unique market position. Crucially LochAnna offers a high degree exclusivity to its retailers, so they can be confident of not being undercut by merchants and national chains.
Product innovation for independents is key, allowing you to solve customer design challenges while standing out from the competition. We never let our offering go stale and in early 2024, we are planning two exciting launches that will put our independent partners at the forefront of industry trends.
The largest range of affordable painted kitchens ready to go from the UK
LochAnna empowers dealers to design kitchens of a huge spectrum of styles – from modern to traditional, and country to contemporary. With the broadest range of painted colours in the sector, as well as an extensive selection of mantles, decorative posts, rails, and clever storage solutions, there is design appeal for all types of customers and design preferences. With nine painted collections, 32 on-trend paint finishes, and a paint matching service, our portfolio attracts prospective consumers seeking a kitchen at the ready to buy stage. When they walk into your showroom, you can be confident that the kitchen they see on display can be supplied rapidly from our UK distribution centre. The latest brochure showcasing our stunning kitchens can be downloaded here.
The Times named LochAnna the best affordable brand for sustainable units in 2023
LochAnna has always championed making sustainable choices more affordable. That’s why we are incredibly proud to have been acknowledged by property experts in The Times this autumn who featured LochAnna as the best affordable brand for sustainable kitchen units. All LochAnna ranges are created using FSC sourced wood, and our flagship Eterna range is made from 100% recycled chipboard.
A wonderful team and people-first business
People and passion are at the heart of LochAnna. We genuinely care about doing the best possible job for your business which is why we’re a large company that offers family business attentiveness when action is needed. We pull out the stops to solve any customer issues – from design challenges to delays – no matter what caused it. This responsiveness sees our existing partners of almost ten years coming back time and again. We also pride ourselves on our personal accessibility to customers that defies the typical sales representative and account management approach the industry has accepted as the norm.
Finance options that allow independents to compete with big chains
Finance is a well-used tool by many of the multiples and it’s important for independents to know that they can compete. We give our partners access to excellent finance options that are a win-win for the retailer and consumer. For the retailer, finance allows you to be competitive and win more business. For the consumer, it gives them the chance to finance a kitchen without having to use a faceless, multiple retailer. They get the personal service and care from an independent retailer and the feel-good factor of shopping local.
A state-of-the-art Design Centre
Despite not selling direct to consumers, we have still invested in a large, and beautifully designed showroom at our headquarters in Bolton where retail partners can send clients to be inspired. We are open five days a week to partners and prospective retailers for meetings, regular training and product innovation updates. And for those a little further afield, we offer virtual showroom tours of our full collection.
“A 30-minute virtual coffee with us could be the most valuable time you spend on your business this year,” Paul Jenkinson, Managing Director, LochAnna Kitchens.
As the year draws to a close, LochAnna Kitchens is launching its “coffee on us” campaign which encourages curious independents who believe they could be – and should be – getting more from their kitchen supplier to get in touch for a virtual introduction and showroom tour. Following their tour they’ll be sent a coffee gift card. Terms and Conditions apply.
Sign up by 31st January 2024 HERE
