The Kitchen and Bathroom Buying Group (KBBG) has been launching a series of initiatives through the lockdown to support its retail network.
KBBG managing director Bill Miller (pictured) said the measures where vital as the coronavirus situation is “one of the biggest challenges our industry has ever had to face.”
It began by paying qualifying members their 2019 bonus two months early in order to give them a cash injection at an important time.
It then drew up a five-point business plan for its suppliers, pledging their commitment to retailers once showrooms reopened. They agreed to continue to offer credit facilities to independent retailers; sustain prices until the end of the year; maintain stock levels and pre-lock down delivery schedules and introduce special offers and promotions exclusively for independent kbb retailers.
“The KBBG is doing its utmost to support members during this extraordinary time,” Miller said. “We appreciate agreeing to the Five Point Business Support Plan is asking a lot of our suppliers at a very difficult and uncertain time, however commitment to our plan will give a boost for independent retailers at a time when they need it the most.”
The buying group also launched an initiative called ‘Support our NHS’, encouraging members to offer a special ‘thank you’ discount to NHS workers on any purchase of kitchens, appliances and bathroom products. Suppliers supported the move with an additional discount for retailers.
It also brought out ‘Back to Work’ support for retail members that gave them access to solutions to make their showrooms covid-19 secure, protecting both staff and customers. This included a range of options from floor stickers and tape, wrap around screens for the reception or office, freestanding or wall-mounted sanitisers, and even illuminated social distancing panels.
The Kitchen Bathroom Buying Group UK is part of European kitchen buying group Der Kreis, which has a turnover of over €3.4bn across nine countries and 3,000 members.