Premium German kitchen brand next125 has officially opened its second-ever UK concept store, next125 South Lakes, which has been created in partnership with long-running retail studio Butler Interiors.
Located in the town of Kirkby Lonsdale, the brand says its geographical location will allow it to entice customers from around the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Lune Valley and the city of Lancaster.
Designed as a way for customers to experience the brand in its purest form, the new showroom contains several next125 displays, including its “Fireplace” kitchen as a prime location window display, and a showstopper nx510 kitchen in a Cognac finish.
The opening takes next125’s total number of international concept stores up to 14, with other stores located in Germany, Austria, and China.
Similarly to its first UK concept store, which opened in Glasgow last year, next125 has emphasised that its concept store expansion is not a franchise rollout, and it is instead looking to partner with established independent next125 retailers to build on their expertise and reputation.
As a benefit, the brand says concept store partners benefit from international branding and support, as well as access to the next125 team for the showroom design and fit-out.
Butler Interiors has been a next125 retailer since 2010, eventually opening its first exclusive next125 showroom in 2019.
“The concept store made real commercial sense as we were looking to take our retail offer to the next level, allowing us to expand and develop cost-effectively while maintaining our independence and autonomy,” said Mark Butler, company director at Butler Interiors.
Similarly, director Liam Butler added: “This model works for us. We were clear that we wanted to build on the Butler Interiors brand and being a next125 concept store allows us to do just that.
“With the new showroom, we now have the space to present next125 as it should be displayed. We worked closely with the team in Germany on the initial designs, then adapted them to suit our local market, showcasing features we know would resonate with our customers.”
As part of the concept store opening, Butler Interiors also plans to relocate its existing Schüller showroom to a different area on the same premises, with a view to have this re-opened later this summer. Butler Interiors says this two-showroom site will create a combined destination that should cater to a wide range of budgets and preferences.
“Moving our Schüller showroom wasn’t part of the original plan, but it makes perfect sense,” Mark Butler explained. “We can develop both brands independently, while ensuring we can meet the needs of every customer who visits us. next125 appeals to the premium and aspirational consumer, while Schüller offers a broader range and more accessible price points. What remains consistent is the same high standard of service, design and installation delivered by our team.”
Robert Kettenbach, next125’s global brand director, also commented: “The next125 concept store is built on partnership and collaboration, working with retailers to showcase the brand in its purest form. We partner with businesses that share our values of trust, responsibility, courage and appreciation.
“The next125 South Lakes partnership with Mark, Liam and their team epitomises these values. As we celebrate 25 years of next125, and our growing network of concept stores will continue to build a strong foundation for the future.”
In related news, Robert Kettenbach and InHouse Inspired Room Design director Malo Tasle spoke to kbbreview in November about the strategy behind the expansion of the next125 concept store network in the UK, emphasising that they’re keen to keep the focus on independent studios.