Latest News archive from January 2012
| Appliance market boosted by cooking sector
The major domestic appliance market was boosted by the premium cooking appliance sector which enjoyed a 'stable year', according to the latest figures by GfK. | |
| "Caution" over consumer confidence rise
A four-point rise in the GfK NOP Consumer Confidence Index in January surprised researchers who warned that it should be treated with caution. | |
| 30 degree wash questioned
Is 30 degrees hot enough for a laundry wash? Microban thinks not. The company says that mould and odour issues resulting from the widespread adoption of 30 and 40 degree laundry washing could be causing problems with removing bacteria from clothes. | |
| High Street sales fall in peak sales period
Retail sales fell in the first half of January, after modest growth in December, and sales were considered poor for the time of the year, the CBI said today. | |
| Ultima takes over Matchmaker after Take Two collapse
Ultima Furniture Systems has bought the Matchmaker kitchen brand following the collapse of previous owner Take Two Kitchens. | |
| Alternative Plans in administration
Alternative Plans, the London-based premium kitchen retailer, has been put into administration by owner Leo Caplan. | |
| Prince reveals reasons he left Jacuzzi
Mark Prince, new managing director of Silverdale Bathrooms, has explained his decision to leave Jacuzzi to set up the new operation. | |
| Aga cautious in still 'challenging' market
Aga Rangemaster saw revenues fall during 2010, with drops in sales of its classic cast iron cookers as well as the Rangemaster brand. | |
| Huppe teams up with Sanifix
Shower manufacturer Huppe has announced a new partnership with Sanifix, the national technical support provider for the UK bathroom industry. | |
| LG aiming for home appliance leadership
The global appliance giant LG has announced it is striving for leadership in the home appliance sector. | |
| Shortlist for kbbreview Awards 2012 complete
The line-up of finalists for the kbbreview Awards 2012 has been completed with the announcement of the Customer Service of the Year and Product Innovation of the Year category shortlists. | |
| Ram Kitchens returns
Distribution giant PJH has re-introduced the famous Ram Kitchens brand to the UK market. | |
| Duravit's Kook calls it a day
Franz Kook, the chairman of bathroom giant Duravit's global operation, has retired after 41 years with the company. | |
| Haier ranked number one for third time
Haier has been ranked as the number one major appliance brand in the world by international consumer research company Euromonitor. | |
| Howdens continues to defy market
Howden Joinery, the direct-to-trade company that sells more kitchens than any other single retailer, continues to grow despite the depressed market conditions. | |
| Kbbreview Award finalists announced
The finalists for the kbbreview Awards 2012 have been revealed ahead of the gala event in March. | |
| Sanitec up for sale?
Sanitec, the parent company of Twyford Bathrooms, may be up for sale again. | |
| Recession forces Irish kitchen retailer to downsize
Award winning Irish kitchen retailer, Houseworks, has been forced to close its Belfast showroom as a direct result of the recession. | |
