Close To Home initiative encourages homeowners to shop locally

The Close To Home initiative is urging homeowners to seek out their local, independent kitchen, bedroom and bathroom retailers.

As retail reopens on 12th April, thesethreerooms.com – the digital spin-off of Kitchens Bedrooms & Bathrooms Magazine – is highlighting the benefits of working with local, independent home design specialists and raising awareness to consumers to look within their community.

The Close To Home initiative was launched in July 2020 and has been promoted through thesethreerooms.com and Kitchens Bedrooms & Bathrooms magazine, kbbreview’s sister brands.

The initiative aims to get consumers to consider working with independent retailers and designers when renovating their kitchen, bedrooms and bathrooms.

“It’s not only about supporting local communities and small businesses, but also about highlighting the expertise that local, independent KBB retailers have,” said Lindsay Blair, editor of Kitchens Bedrooms & Bathrooms magazine and thesethreerooms.com.

Lindsay Blair, editor KBB
Lindsay Blair, editor KBB

“Many independent retailers have years of expertise and on-the-ground knowledge of their local communities which is invaluable when planning a new kitchen, bedroom or bathroom. From knowing local regulations, recommending other local trades and bringing a wealth of knowledge, Close To Home retailers can offer real value to a homeowner as they embark on a project – not to mention how handy it is to work with someone who is just down the road,” said Blair.

Retailers signing up to the initiative have access to a free pack of graphics to use in their showrooms, online and on social media.

Since its launch, more than 100 retailers have signed up to the Close To Home initiative.

One such is Sheraton Interiors in Richmond. Managing director Shehryar Khan, said: “Close To Home is a fantastic initiative. Since the pandemic back in March last year, we have seen resilience in our local communities. The desire to support local business has been really refreshing to see.”

“I think it is crucial for consumers to look close to home for their renovation projects, supporting the local high street and retailers who are often family businesses. There are some fantastic independent studios up and down the country that take real pride in their work and deliver stunning results,” Khan said.

“Receiving national coverage as a local retailer is very important. It gives us confidence that we are being recognised for our hard work and this message is seen by thousands of potential clients. It really does give us hope and lifts our spirit to continue to fight through the pandemic and give back to our local community.”

Another retailer who’s signed up to the initiative is Wisteria Kitchens. Sam Cockcroft, design and sales director, said: “The close to home initiative is a great way for independent retailers to be recognised in their area. At Wisteria, we feel we can give our customers extra confidence because every trades person we use from electricians & plumbers, to plasterers and decorators, is a fellow, local independent that we go back to time and again.”

To find out more about the Close To Home initiative and to sign up and download the free retailer pack, visit thesethreerooms.com/closetohome

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