Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
A guest blog by Richard Wheeler, Category Manager – Merchants, Barlo Radiators
Gone are the days when consumers’ options were limited to standard white, rectangular panel radiators. Nowadays people have access to a huge array of products and almost unlimited inspiration – all at the click of a button. Whether it’s to make the most of limited wall space, to work around an unconventional room layout or to create an eye-catching focal point in a kitchen or bathroom, switched-on homeowners can now choose from virtually any colour, size, shape, style or finish they want. For example, Barlo’s designer range of emitters is available in more than 180 RAL colours. As a result, the market for feature radiators that combine high-end looks with equally high performance is thriving.
Whilst stylish looks are a growing priority for customers, they still need to fulfil their primary function and provide effective, efficient heating. This means merchants who can offer their customers both form AND function are well placed to reap the financial rewards of this growing trend and secure long-term customer satisfaction. The good news is, certain designer radiators available on the market feature advanced heating technology which delivers excellent heat outputs – meaning rooms quickly reach the desired temperature. What’s more, as the only UK manufacturer of design radiators, Barlo can guarantee fast lead times of just three weeks.
That said, when it comes to efficiency and heat outputs, it’s important merchants ensure products hold the right certification. Look out for the widely recognised British Standards Institution’s (BSI) Kitemark: all radiators carrying it have been manufactured to ISO 9001 standards and tested by an approved laboratory to achieve EN442 :2003 specifications.
The fact that designer radiators are now relatively ‘mainstream’ has contributed to making them more affordable (yet another draw for style- and budget-conscious consumers). However, price points are still higher in comparison to traditional panel radiators, which means greater profit margins for merchants and installers. Ultimately consumer appetite for feature radiators is at an all-time high, and those ready to meet this growing demand with both style and substance are set to benefit from an excellent commercial opportunity.
