Roca will once again be the sponsor of the Bathroom Retailer of the Year category at the 2020 kbbreview Retail & Design Awards. We sat down to talk to Roca’s marketing manager Claire Gay about why the bathroom manufacturer continues to support the awards
Q: Why are the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards important to the KBB industry?
A: The kbbreview Retail and Design Awards are important as they recognise the hard work and dedication that goes into developing products, people and services within the KBB industry. They have a well-deserved reputation for having a rigorous judging process that ensures only the very best receive the top accolades.
The awards ceremony is always a great opportunity to network with friends and colleagues, as well as meet new contacts. Over the years it has grown to become a real celebration of the very best retailers, designers and manufacturers in the kitchen and bathroom industry and is an event that we have participated in for many years.
Q: Why is Roca sponsoring the Bathroom Retailer of the Year Award?
A: We are delighted to be sponsoring the ‘Bathroom Retailer of the Year’ Award again this year. Retailers are an integral part of the KBB industry and there is so much great work going on that needs to be celebrated. We have been sponsoring the awards for a number of years and have seen this sector continue to grow with the dedication and commitment of retailers being a contributing factor.
Q: In your opinion, what makes an award-winning bathroom retailer?
A: In my view, there are two key things that make an award-winning retailer. Firstly, it has to be great product knowledge. Customers want to speak to an expert and be given guidance on what will and won’t work within their own bathroom. This is why it is essential to have regular, in-depth product training across the company that includes the sales team and the designers.
The second element is how the products are displayed. Customers want an experience, a chance to visualise their bathroom and see what it would look and feel like in their own home. They want to be inspired and award-winning retailers do this really well, but others just leave the bathroom products to sell themselves. It is the latter that will fall behind their competitors in the long run.
Q: In what ways does Roca support and work with bathroom retailers?
A: We aim to work closely with all of our retail partners to ensure that they have all the tools they need to sell our products. We have an enthusiastic and driven sales team that are on the ground, making regular visits to retailers to offer support.
We know how important consumer-facing marketing material and campaigns are to retailers. Consumers want to see great products conveyed in an easy-to-digest way, which then enables retailers to use their expertise to provide a customised bathroom solution. Clear value messaging delivered through sector-specific campaigns ensure training, product and marketing are all aligned to work with the retailer in promoting our latest ranges.
We also provide support and advice to retailers about designing their displays and advising on product choices – we create ‘look books’ to show retailers how to display product to the best advantage in ambient settings.
• The kbbreview Retail & Design Awards will take place on Monday, March 2, 2020 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole hotel. Nominations across all categories are now closed, but to find out all about how to book your seats and tables at the event, go to www.kbbreview.com/awards