The first true “Synergy” showroom has opened its doors after Regional Sales Manager Matt Bell spotted an opportunity to display our combined brands.
Lockwood Interiors is a new venture in a building previously occupied by a law firm in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, which has been gutted and created from scratch by H Lockwood & Sons plumbing contractors.
Managing Director Brad Thomas spotted an opportunity after being asked regularly by builders about supplying and installing bathrooms. He contacted Matt two years ago, early on in the development, as he was interested in our product portfolio.
Matt said: “I went to see him at the premises, which was an empty shell at the time, and got involved quite early in the whole process, advising him on the bathroom displays but also on broader questions like his consultation area and even the kitchens!
“Our National Showroom Design Manager Charlie Williams designed the displays on Virtual Worlds software and has also trained Brad on how to use it to create his own bathroom designs for customers.”
Initially the plans included 12 Ideal Standard displays, which combined Atelier Collections, Bathroom Collections and the i.life ranges.
Later on, Matt noticed there was a gap for some products in the showroom and encouraged Brad to consider Villeroy & Boch, visiting him with a V&B distributor and securing space for four more displays.
Although there are some showrooms which have Villeroy & Boch and Ideal Standard products on display, this is the first true “Synergy” showroom which has been developed since our integration to show off both brands. The showroom is now open and will have its first open day on May 31.
“Brad is already transacting,” said Matt. “People are walking in off the street, attracted by the window displays, and Brad has also approached a number of builders he knows.
“There’s nothing like this in the area, with this size of showroom and layout. It really is a great success story.”
View the gallery below for more images from Lockwood Interiors.
