Showrooms are back on the up – survey
28th February 2017

The number of ‘double glazing’ showrooms is on the rise again – up nearly 9% in two years – after a long decline since the early 2000s, with almost three a week opening across the UK, according to the latest findings from Insight Data.

The growth – from 3,460 to 3,764 in that time – is partly down to shifting retail trends and ‘the consumer experience’ but a wider variety in product offering is also cited as installers have more to show than ‘white plastic windows’.

Insight Data Managing Director Andrew Scott said: “In the 90s every high street had a string of double glazing showrooms, but we saw a decline from the early 2000s as margins tightened and installers cut costs. The financial crisis of 2008 coupled with consumers moving from high-street to online accelerated the decline, but this trend is now reversing.

“Out of town shopping, large garden centres with plenty to see and do, and leisure parks are all attracting consumers and proving lucrative to savvy retailers. It’s about creating a consumer experience, a destination, not just a shopping trip.”

Another major factor is product development, he added. If installers are all selling the same white plastic window there is very little difference. But the industry has seen an upsurge in product innovation with aluminium back in vogue, timber gaining more popularity and a raft of new window and door products on the market.

While consumers will do their research online, most will want to see products before buying, especially if they are new or include innovative features. Show centres at busy destinations, such as large garden centres, give installers the best of both worlds - excellent footfall and the opportunity to demonstrate new products.

He concluded: “Consumers are more selective than ever and having a quality, well designed showroom with great products will attract more visitors and help to convert more sales. It gives consumers a sense of confidence and helps installers sell at premium prices.”

www.insightdata.co.uk