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Former Sunderland footballer Marco Gabbiadini has helped unveil a new showroom for Plumbase, marking the first of several new concepts due to roll out across the UK this year.
Builders, plumbers and electricians took part in the official opening in Hendon, Sunderland with giveaways and special offers. The former Sunderland striker signed autographs for fans while local manufacturers provided advice.
The new 2000ft2 kitchen, bathroom and showroom shares a site with other Grafton Merchanting GB businesses Buildbase, Hirebase and Electricbase – strengthening the merchant’s one-stop shop proposition by offering everything the local tradesperson needs on one convenient site.
The concept of the new showroom is designed to encourage the trade to take their customers, so they can choose for themselves from the vast range of kitchens and bathrooms showcased.
The hero of the site is a fully working kitchen, specially designed to offer cookery demonstrations with the latest steam ovens, induction hobs and Quooker boiling water tap. It is complemented by a vast range of designs and accessories, so customers and mix and match to suit their own taste and style.
There is also a wide collection of bathrooms, wet rooms and showers including one of the latest gadgets that enables music to be played through the bath or shower area from a mobile device.
Newly appointed showroom manager, Crystal Harland, said: “The new showroom is beautifully designed with a separate entrance, so tradespeople can be confident in bringing their customers to what has essentially been a merchant site. It means that customers can choose for themselves what they want for their home.
“Consumers are also welcome on their own, and we can offer design services and home visits as well as introduce them to a reliable local builder or plumber. We have around 30 different bathroom and kitchen displays, so whether you’re looking for country cottage or modern minimalist, we will have something for you.”
Andrew Arnold, Grafton Merchanting’s Divisional Showroom Manager for the North and Scotland was part of the showroom design team. He said: “Our Sunderland operation is testament to the breadth of products, expertise and knowledge we can bring the local trade, all in one convenient location. We have used local companies and suppliers to support the showroom where possible. All backed by the buying power and know-how of one of the UK’s biggest merchant groups.”
