Insights 2025: ‘Evolve to survive’
Dean Williams, MD of The 1810 Company/SCHOCK UK believes a renewed focus on branding, sustainability and delivering true value will be the key to success in 2025
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Listen to the full interview with Dean Williams on a special episode of The kbbreview Podcast. Use the player above or go straight to this episode in Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube.
For The 1810 Company, 2024 has been a significant year, marking 15 years since we started our journey, Add to this SCHOCK celebrating its 100th anniversary and it’s been a year of milestones for us.
However, there’s no doubt that the last 12 months have been a mixed bag of challenges and opportunities for the kitchen retail sector.
The tighter budgets faced by many households may have led to a greater demand for mid-range products that offer quality and affordability but there’s no question clients still want well-designed, functional kitchens.
Gradual stabilisation
For 1810 and SCHOCK UK, one of our main goals was to be as adaptable as possible and meet these changing demands head-on.
We launched several new products that not only aligned with market trends but also pushed the envelope in design and functionality. For instance, 1810’s new Hex range of sinks, with its unique hexagonal texture, and the Zen10 Slim Bridge sink with improved space efficiency, have received strong feedback from both retailers and consumers.
Looking ahead to 2025, I see a year defined by cautious optimism. The economic climate remains uncertain, and while we’re likely to see a gradual stabilisation of those troublesome supply chains, reductions in interest rates may come at a slower pace than we’d hope.
For the kitchen retail sector, this means it must continue to focus on delivering value without sacrificing quality or design.
I’m a firm believer that KBB retailers who embrace digital tools and focus on customer engagement through social media and experiential retail will have a distinct advantage. Retailers who use these channels effectively will reach a broader audience and drive sales – the tried and tested model of recommendations and referrals is evolving.
Sustainability has been a hot topic for years, but it’s also now becoming a critical business imperative. Consumers are increasingly eco-conscious, and many are choosing brands that align with their values and this is why The 1810 Company has made sustainability a top priority. For 2025, we’re pursuing Environmental Product Declarations for our ranges demonstrating our commitment to green practices.
This focus on sustainability extends beyond product offerings; it’s about ensuring that our entire business model aligns with environmentally friendly practices and I believe this shift will soon become a baseline expectation. The demand for products with credible green credentials will only grow, and as an industry, we need to be prepared to meet that demand head-on.
As we move into the New Year, one of our top priorities at The 1810 Company and SCHOCK UK is supporting our retail partners. We’re committed to offering extensive training, helping retailers showcase our products effectively, and providing them with the tools they need. So my advice to them is simple but crucial – have a strong marketing strategy and stay resilient. It’s easy to let negativity take hold when footfall is low or sales aren’t as high as expected, but maintaining a positive outlook and a proactive approach is essential.
At 1810 and SCHOCK UK, we’re excited to continue pushing the boundaries of design and functionality in kitchen solutions.
To find out more, visit the1810company.co.uk
