Kbb News - In recent kbb news it was reported that Schmidt UK sales surge, which in doing so saw France's number one kitchen exporter buck the UK Kbb Market, which has seen some of the most challenging Kbb market conditions in Europe over the last 3 years.
According to Schmidt Groupe, the business saw retail sales go up by 11% year-on-year, while its contract kitchens division saw Schmidt trade figures increase by an astonishing 45%.
Schmidt Groupe says the news helps the business solidify 'its position as a leading player in the UK kitchen and interior design market'.
Schmidt UK country manager Jean-Michel Peragine highlighted another milestone for the French kitchen brand saying that three of the brand’s franchised showrooms had ranked in the top 10 global sales figures within the 900-strong Schmidt Groupe network.
Peraginesaid: “Having 3 showrooms in the top 10 worldwide reflects the increasing popularity of our brand with UK consumers and the connection we’re building with them. We’ve focused on delivering not just exceptional made-to-measure products, but also a seamless customer experience. The 11% retail sales growth demonstrates that our strategic initiatives are working and that there is a strong demand for the quality and innovation that Schmidt brings to the market. We're excited to continue this upward trajectory.”
Peragineadded: "The 45% increase in our trade business is a significant milestone for Schmidt UK. It shows that our trade partners trust us to deliver high-quality, customisable solutions that meet the specific needs of their projects. This growth also highlights our ability to adapt and expand in a competitive market."
As the UK market for mid range European kitchens continues to mature, amid challenging economic conditions the news from Schmidt UK and the wider Schmidt Groupe do certainly buck the market trend with many UK and European brands reporting significant declines to both sales and profits.
The Kbb project market has seen much turmoil since Covid with global supply chain issues, the cost of living crisis and plunging consumer confidence in the face of high inflation and interest rates continuing to heap downward pressure on the sector yet one cannot help but notice that the franchise model Kbb brands have seemed to fair better during these challenging conditions.
Whether the outlook for the likes of Schmidt UK remains rosey, or if other big name brands can recover some market share from Schmidt UK, remains to be seen.