Ideal’s Industry Report shows continued confidence in sector
Leading bathroom distributor Ideal Bathrooms has published its Ideal Industry Report 2020, providing retailers with in-depth market research following an unprecedented year.
Hundreds of bathroom retailers, merchants and multichannel retailers completed the survey, which asked questions on topics such as their performance, adapting to the pandemic and views concerning the industry.
The exclusive report, which for the first time was compiled in association with BKU, is only available to those who participated in the survey and offers readers unique industry insights.
This year, one of the key aspects of the report focused on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, and how retailers were using a variety of tools – particularly digital technologies – to keep up with changing restrictions.
A key theme to emerge from the report was that coronavirus has not necessarily dented retailers’ confidence; more than 50 per cent of respondents said they were either confident or very confident in the market for the upcoming year. This was combined with the fact that 88 per cent of retailers agreed that recovery appeared to be strong.
The survey also discovered that a majority of retailers had increased their online presence over the past 12 months, with 61 per cent of respondents increasing their use of digital technology.
Danielle Lillis, Ideal Bathrooms’ sales and commercial director, said: “2020 was a tumultuous year, and 2021 has started with much of the same, so we’re delighted that the industry has such confidence.
“One thing that has really leapt out is the use of digital, and this is very much a trend we’d expect to see flourishing over the next 12 months, particularly with regards to e-commerce; while 95 per cent of retailers have some form of website, only 15 per cent had the capability to allow customers to purchase online.
“With distancing regulations continuing and another lockdown in place, we think this is a key option for showrooms to offer, and we’re looking forward to seeing continued innovation in this regard over the next year.”
Ideal Bathrooms, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, boasts a range of over 20,000 different products from acclaimed brands such as RAK, Aquadart and BagnoDesign.
For more information about Ideal Bathrooms, visit www.idealbathrooms.com or contact 0800 634 2600.
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