Retailers were welcomed with product innovation, showroom inspiration and a strong sense of partnership as we showcased the latest Ideal Standard collections at the Ideal Bathrooms supplier event in Milton Keynes.
Held over two days, the event brought together 26 suppliers, each presenting products from dedicated stands and display vans, while retailers from across the south of England explored the latest launches and ideas shaping the bathroom market.
Ideal Standard took over the venue’s training room to create a dedicated product showcase featuring the i.life range, UltraFlat trays and ALU+, alongside new product introductions including the i.life E shower toilet, i.life B Hybrid basin and the new ALU+ bronze finish.
The event also provided the perfect opportunity to showcase Armitage Shanks, highlighting the support Ideal Bathrooms provides through its extensive stockholding and dedicated literature. Ahead of the event, the accessible guest toilet in the reception area was transformed with a silk black Doc M installation, while a previously unused storage area was converted into a striking Ideal Standard Atelier display featuring Conca and Ipalyss alongside a Linda X bath and showering solutions.
The reception display proved to be an immediate talking point, drawing retailers’ attention as they arrived and helping to generate a number of promising leads from prospective new displayists. Meanwhile, the i.life E shower toilet stole the show in the training room, with retailers impressed by its contemporary styling, impressive features and outstanding value compared with competing products.
The event was supported by Nicky Betts, Matt Bell, Craig Turnbull, Rick Jones, Andy Rose, Kal Noray and UK Retail Channel Director Rob Osborne, with the event also providing Rob’s first opportunity to experience Ideal Bathrooms first-hand.
Rob said: “The planning and execution were first class, demonstrating what can be achieved when, sales, marketing and a channel partner collaborate to deliver a truly great customer experience.
“The success of the event will now be judged on the follow up actions, turning prospective discussions into new retail showroom displays.”
Nicky added: “The event was a good example of great teamwork, from the enthusiasm and professionalism of the sales team that supported me over the two days to all the hard work preparing for the event.
“A special mention to Kelly, who did a fantastic job in supporting me and to Charlie for her help in designing the Atelier area.”
The event itself was expertly organised by Ideal Bathrooms, with members of its sales team acting as chaperones throughout and a ‘brand bingo’ initiative encouraging retailers to visit every supplier stand before being entered into a prize draw.