2024 was certainly a challenging year for the KBB sector, but it’s easy to forget that there was a lot of good news to come out of the past year as well.
In no particular order, here’s the kbbreview team’s pick of the best ‘good news’ stories from across the year – all of which continue to demonstrate the strength of the KBB retail market:
Published: September 27
After the collapse of its parent company, IDS, many were worried about the future of its Showerwall subsidiary. Fortunately, Bathroom Brands was able to rescue Showerwall out of administration, saving the jobs of its employees, and ensuring that the brand could continue to have a bright future in the KBB market.
Published: February 26
After the premium kitchen retail chain entered administration earlier this year, it was rescued in a last-minute pre-pack deal. The news demonstrated the staying power of the company, as well as the value of the kitchen retail sector, and meant that all of the company’s estimated 140 employees were able to stay on.
Published: March 16
On the eve of the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards’ 30th anniversary, over 900 attendees found out who was taking home the most coveted trophies in the industry. It was an incredibly successful evening, and helped showcase the incredible talent on display across the entirety of the KBB sector.
Published: September 16
After its shock insolvency in 2022, many were pleasantly surprised to hear that German kitchen brand Rational would be returning to the market, with the first kitchens planned to hit the UK market again in January 2025.
Published: July 1
Appliance distributor Swift Electical was saved from administration in a quick pre-pack deal following ‘significant challenges’. The move represented the real strength of the KBB sector’s appliance corner, and meant that all of the company’s existing orders would still be fulfilled.
Published: June 4
Kitchen retail chain Magnet opened its first-ever franchise store in June, calling the move a ‘significant milestone in its growth journey’. It proves that the franchise model is continues to be increasingly viable in the KBB retail sector, with Magnet saying it hoped it would also be able to empower local entrepreneurs.
Published: November 4
Spearheaded by the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA), leaders from some of the world’s top bathroom brands met to sign a historic pledge to cut billions of litres in water waste and reduce the spread of bacteria. Later, senior figures from global KBB trade organisations also lent their support to the pledge.
Published: February 24
Retail association KBSA signed a deal with German furniture manufacturer KH System Möbel to launch a brand-new range of kitchen furniture that was available only to its members. It proves that there really is strength in numbers in this industry, and that there are genuine tangible benefits to being part of industry trade organisations.
Published: November 20
BiKBBI recently launched its new AiM scheme, designed to set, acknowledge and elevate the standards of installation services across the KBB retail and construction sectors. It shows that the KBB industry is an ever-evolving sector, always striving to be the best it can be, for both business owners and consumers alike.
Published: November 15
During the fallout from Homebase’s administration and subsequent rescue, many of the company’s workers were worried about the future of their positions. Fortunately, many of the sector’s biggest national retailers stepped forward to welcome the concerned Homebase staff to apply at their own businesses, as the sector offered support to the workers.