Kitchen, Bathroom and Tile Retailer For Sale

Business description

Established in 1970 and located on a busy arterial route into and out of one of South London’s major commercial centres, this business is the place to visit for all that’s necessary for that very special kitchen or bathroom.

Operating from approximately 3,000 square feet of very well suited premises packed with designer fitted kitchen and bathroom displays, fittings and an extensive range of tiles, this business offers excellent quality and choice through an endless selection of styles and finishes and a superb, friendly service from the very first customer contact. Aimed at both the DIY/supply only and the ‘supply and fit’ market, this business offers a free design and planning service, happy to work with customer supplied measurements where the customer is fitting or alternatively to arrange for a free survey at the customer’s home for ‘supply and fit’ orders.

Ideally positioned for its local catchment area - midway between the DIY sheds and the exclusive kitchen and bathroom studios, this business doesn’t compromise on quality. Although a major supplier of Neff appliances, this business is not tied to any one supplier but works with only the best – able to choose from major manufacturers through to local firms for all materials including appliances. Off the shelf or bespoke – an area where this business is particularly strong having forged excellent relationships with a number of high quality, local installers, this business has strong sales whether ‘supply only’ or ‘supply and fit’. Whichever route is chosen, every customer receives a very personal service with close attention to every detail – from cabinets and cupboards, flooring and wall tiles, appliances etc right through to the selection of door knobs and handles.

Customers taking advantage of the ‘supply and fit’ service have access to a number of first rate, highly qualified professional fitting teams working to the highest standards and with which this business has had working relationships for a number of years. There’s also excellent ‘after sales service’ too.

With almost forty years of successful operation, this is a very well established business benefiting from very high levels of awareness and footfall – often from customers that have already visited the outlets on the nearby Purley Way – but prefer this independent for the quality of service and wider range it offers. Well-managed, the business has an excellent reputation and a repeat customer base – this business is often replacing kitchens or bathrooms it first installed fifteen years or so ago – or alternatively called upon by previous customers once they move house. With turnover of almost £240,000 for the 2006 financial year generating gross profits of almost 35%, this business represents an excellent acquisition opportunity for a new entrant to the sector or an existing operator to acquire one of the best known and well established outlets within its sector in South London.




Key strengths:

Having been located in its current prime secondary retail location for a number of years this business benefits from high levels of residual awareness, passing traffic and footfall – not least because of its excellent position on a major road and close to the Purley Way.

One of the main strengths in the business lies in its promotion of the sales of bathrooms, appliances and tiles. Its ‘one stop shop’ approach however – with kitchens, bathrooms, appliances, and tiles available all under one roof married with the supply of only the best goods and top quality installation and workmanship has enabled this business to build a tremendous reputation within its local area. Its long list of satisfied Clients generates significant volumes of referred and repeat business. Happy to ‘supply only’ as well as ‘supply and fit’ means this business attracts customers from both ends of the market – those that would normally purchase from the DIY sheds as well as those looking towards the more exclusive ‘studios’.

With approximately 3,000 square feet of retail space available to it, this business has a wide range on display at any one time – particularly in relation to its tile range which surpasses that available from many of the Central London outlets. With excellent supplier relationships in place, this business is able to order direct from the supplier obviating the need to hold expensive stock.

Property information

Location:

The business operates from a prominent location on a major arterial route into one of South London’s major commercial centres and close to the major retail area of Purley Way which draws hundreds of thousands of customers to its outlets including all of the major DIY sheds every day.

Approximately 3,000 square feet, across two floors, the retail area easily accommodates a number of kitchen, bathroom and tiling displays.

The freehold of the building belongs to the current owner of the business who would be prepared to grant a lease, term and rent to be agreed, subject to negotiation. The freehold of the building could be made available at market valuation. This would be in addition to the Asking Price for the business. Rates are currently £8,000 per annum.

Other information

Competition / Market:

This business currently invests little in marketing and advertising relying on its excellent location, and its many years of successful operation and loyal customer base to generate turnover. By far the most effective form of advertising for this business is 'word of mouth' recommendation bearing testimony to the excellent reputation the business has earned since its inception. There is no doubt the fact this business has been in operation for nearly forty years is a great draw. This business does not currently have any web presence – and there is no doubt investment in this area would assist in raising the business’s profile over a wider geographical area.

Support & training:

The owner will provide full business familiarisation, training and handover.

Reasons for selling:

This is a genuine retirement sale.