National kitchen retailer Wren appears to be trying to poach Magnet customers following its competitor’s CVA proposals, and has launched a new webpage targeted directly at customers who are “worried about Magnet store closures”.
The webpage – www.wrenkitchens.com/magnet-store-closure-support – has been published in the last few days, following the announcement of Magnet’s CVA plans. As part of its proposals, Magnet said it is planning to close 15 of its total 159 stores (representing around 9% of its total store estate), however it insists that customers will not be affected.
Magnet has stated that even if a client has ordered a kitchen with a store that is affected by the closures, their project will simply be transferred to another store to ensure continuity.
However, Wren’s new webpage insists it “can help” customers who are “worried” about the closures, despite Magnet’s reassurances that customers will not be impacted whatsoever.
This all follows the sudden closure of Wren’s US business, which saw all of its American showrooms abruptly closed in April.
Addressing Magnet customers who already have a quote or order documentation, Wren Kitchens has urged customers to book a free design consultation with the company and bring their documents with them.
Wren also says it will honour Magnet customers’ deposits. The website’s small print explains that this offer “applies where a customer has cancelled a Magnet kitchen order and lost part or all their deposit. Wren will honour a deposit value equal to 10% of the Wren kitchen price, applied as a deposit contribution.”
Wren also insists it can beat Magnet’s original price. In fact, Wren’s website even goes so far as to say “Wren costs 26-51% less than Magnet”, with small print under this claim clarifying that this comparison applies “on selected ranges”.
When approached by kbbreview for comment on this story, Magnet reaffirmed: “Our proposed CVA is focused on addressing a small number of historic property costs within our store estate. It does not change our commitment to customers, and we are committed to ensuring no customer order is negatively impacted by the proposals.
“Customer orders remain a priority and where one of the stores proposed for closure is supporting an active customer order, we have a clear plan in place for that order to be transferred to the closest alternative Magnet store, so customers continue to be supported throughout their kitchen journey.”
Magnet concluded: “The majority of our stores are not impacted by the proposed changes and continue to operate as normal.”
A senior Wren spokesperson also said to kbbreview: “We are sympathetic to Magnet and recognise the impact the current situation may have on both its customers and staff. News of this nature can understandably create uncertainty for Magnet customers with existing kitchen orders or quotes.
“We want to reassure everyone that the British kitchen manufacturing industry remains strong, and the Wren team is here to help wherever we can. We would encourage any affected customers and staff to contact their local Wren showroom, where our teams can review their individual circumstances and talk through the support available.”