RETAIL VIEW: Michel Marcer

03 February 2010

Michel Marcer from Ripples Bristol gives a shopfloor take on freestanding baths...

Freestanding baths have always evoked the feeling of elegance and luxury although they have endured different levels of popularity over time.

Along with today's many choices and modern twists, anyone can incorporate a freestanding bath into their home.They are a fantastic sales tool for retailers as they can create an eye-catching display in any showroom window. They may not be a feasible option for everyone, but they are perceived as the ultimate in luxury and will capture the imagination of any visitor.

Many people initially see freestanding baths as an inconceivable addition to their bathroom. The most frequently asked questions we get relate to the weight of the bath and whether they will need to get the floor reinforced.These are understandable queries when you consider the size of freestanding baths.However, developments in the market, particularly in the production of alternative materials, mean that they aren't as out of the question as some consumers may think.

The development of these materials not only means that baths can be more lightweight, but they can also be moulded into a variety of shapes and sizes.In our experience, consumers looking to purchase a freestanding bath often consider a variety of different factors when making the final decision.

Comfort, style, size and choice of material are generally the key areas that affect the purchasing decision, but price still remains as the ultimate deciding factor.Deep double-ended baths are very popular, and the bigger the better, particularly when the fittings can be placed centrally so that no one has to have the tap end.

Freestanding taps also retain symmetry and simplicity of the design.Contemporary styled baths are very on-trend at the moment. Although overshadowed by its more modern counterparts, the traditional slipper bath has also enjoyed a more modern makeover. Traditional claw feet have been replaced by solid wood versions in an array of finishes and the overall shape has been reworked to fit in with current bathroom design.

Although the need for water saving is highly publicised by the Government and environmental agencies as a serious global issue, in general consumers appear unconcerned and tend to want larger, deeper baths than ever, so that they can enjoy a luxurious bathing experience.Ripples Bristol has seen a dramatic increase in the past three years in sales of and interest in freestanding baths. Although they will never be a truly mass-market product, they are now viewed as more accessible.

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RETAIL VIEW: Michel Marcer	Back
03 February 2010 Michel Marcer from Ripples Bristol gives a shopfloor take on freestanding baths... Freestanding baths have always evoked the feeling of elegance and luxury although they have endured different levels of popularity over time. Along with today's many choices and modern twists, anyone can incorporate a freestanding bath into their home.They are a fantastic sales tool for retailers as they can create an eye-catching display in any showroom window. They may not be a feasible option for everyone, but they are perceived as the ultimate in luxury and will capture the imagination of any visitor. Many people initially see freestanding baths as an inconceivable addition to their bathroom. The most frequently asked questions we get relate to the weight of the bath and whether they will need to get the floor reinforced.These are understandable queries when you consider the size of freestanding baths.However, developments in the market, particularly in the production of alternative materials, mean that they aren't as out of the question as some consumers may think. The development of these materials not only means that baths can be more lightweight, but they can also be moulded into a variety of shapes and sizes.In our experience, consumers looking to purchase a freestanding bath often consider a variety of different factors when making the final decision. Comfort, style, size and choice of material are generally the key areas that affect the purchasing decision, but price still remains as the ultimate deciding factor.Deep double-ended baths are very popular, and the bigger the better, particularly when the fittings can be placed centrally so that no one has to have the tap end. Freestanding taps also retain symmetry and simplicity of the design.Contemporary styled baths are very on-trend at the moment. Although overshadowed by its more modern counterparts, the traditional slipper bath has also enjoyed a more modern makeover. Traditional claw feet have been replaced by solid wood versions in an array of finishes and the overall shape has been reworked to fit in with current bathroom design. Although the need for water saving is highly publicised by the Government and environmental agencies as a serious global issue, in general consumers appear unconcerned and tend to want larger, deeper baths than ever, so that they can enjoy a luxurious bathing experience.Ripples Bristol has seen a dramatic increase in the past three years in sales of and interest in freestanding baths. Although they will never be a truly mass-market product, they are now viewed as more accessible.