Q&A with... Quarrybank Boutique Bathrooms
We chat to Steven Hume & Koralia Hume, Directors and Co-Owners of Quarrybank Boutique Bathrooms
What can you tell us about Quarrybank Boutique Bathrooms and your stunning showroom in the heart of Wilmslow?
We are Cheshire’s most unique bathroom showroom. What differentiates us from other showrooms is unique service offering which combines the care and services of a boutique style shop with an experienced bathroom design team. Uniquely decorated and designed, the showroom’s aim is to inspire and influence new ideas to enhance a bathroom space.
The boutique oozes uniqueness in its decor, the copper bath in the front window display draws people in from the street and jazz music invites prospective customers to browse with a glass of fizz. The shop also became a small gallery recently, as we have partnered with a well known artist - Lily Greenwood, whose most amazing canvases complement our displays. Customers know they are somewhere special, from the moment they walk in. They find themselves in this magical place where their dreams will be understood and materialised in a beautifully designed and fitted bathroom.
We are certainly different, and it is to our thrill that bathroom industry experts also notice that, as we have been shortlisted to the final of “bathroom oscars” - the most prestigious industry award - KBB Awards in Category “New Retailer of the Year”. We are now competing with three showrooms across the entire UK. We cannot wait for the final results which will be announced in April this year in Cardiff. Fingers crossed we bring “gold” to Grove Street.
Wilmslow is renowned for its strong community spirit, how important is community to you as a business?
The Cheshire community is at the heart of what we do and what drives us to constantly improve our services and provide what our customers desire. We would go far and beyond to ensure we continue with the reputation of a “go to” bathroom showroom in Cheshire and we enjoy actively contributing to that.
Since opening our door in June last year, we became quite famous for our “Open Days” which are family-oriented events where we serve cakes, drinks and celebrate becoming part of the Wilmslow community. We organise competitions for children to win attractive prizes and we use client astonishment, to not only draw attention to our services but also to help people feel happier. People really matter to us! For example, last couple of times, we had a model in the bath on the front window, engaging with passers-by and restoring smiles on often rushed and stressed faces. Our showroom manager Jake Ditchfield, also likes to show his funny side and dresses in a boiler suit to engage with kids, giving away balloons and sweets.
We are committed to our neighbourhood. It gives us a sense of belonging, helps us all grow within our environment and understand people’s needs better. It is a crucial experience for our innovation and growth.
We also prefer to use local services to contribute to our country’s economy. Our branded candles are made by a local family run business, the cakes we serve during the
events are also Wilmslow made, we print our marketing materials with a nearby printing shop; we stay local as much as possible. It’s one of our core values.
What buying trends are you noticing this year?
Homeowner purchasing has become more considered against the background of rising living costs. This said, quality as always shines through and our customers are still looking to invest in bathrooms that will stand the test of time and bring fresh focus to their interior with unique products.
You work with some of the best quality suppliers, what is your process behind choosing them?
We choose our suppliers carefully as they are key to our long term reputation and customer satisfaction. First, we like to work with manufacturers who are not motivated by short term gain but more in developing long term partnerships with us, like FLAIR SHOWERS. Good relationships, with efforts from both sides are the key to our family run business.
Other key factors are being able to offer unique and attractive products that enhance our overall showroom, displays that engage customers and support to help our team understand products so that they can help homeowners make informed purchases. Reassuring guarantees, stock availability and after sales service are also vitally important.
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