Crystal Direct has entered a partnership with B&Q and national installer Evander to sell replacement windows and doors via staffed instore Design Centres backed by an online price configurator.
The project was launched at the DIY giant’s Milton Keynes branch recently with an initial roll-out planned for three more of its 300 stores UK-wide, at Reading, Farnborough and Norwich.
Customers can either visit the stores for hands-on inspection of the products after choosing and pricing via the configurator or may simply begin in the store with advice from staff.
The Hertfordshire-based Epwin fabricator already works with B&Q’s Kingfisher stablemate Screwfix selling PVC-U windows to trade by delivery or via its 717 UK outlets.
Crystal’s recruiting ads for sales and design staff emphasise: ‘a new way to buy replacement Widows and Doors based on transparency, honest pricing and without the traditional windows industry commission orientated sales person so disliked by customers.”
The ads go on to explain: “A customer may start their journey at home and then visit the store having designed and priced their installation on the web, in store they will be able to see touch open close and otherwise inspect the product.
“Alternatively customers may be instore and call in to the Design Centre for advice and to be guided through the process.”
