Combined Independents (Holdings) Ltd. (CIH) has announced that it has signed a partnership with The Kitchen Bathroom Buying Group (KBBG) for the exclusive supply of kitchen furniture, to increase trading opportunities for its members.
KBBG is part of DER KREIS, Europe’s leading kitchen and bathroom buying group, CIH says. The partnership will provide CIH members with a comprehensive kitchen sales package, including access to buying advantages from a variety of kitchen suppliers from around the UK and Europe.
With 38 years of experience and additional support services available, such as kitchen design training from KBB NTG and a kitchen CAD system Compusoft Winner, the KBBG partnership will enable CIH members to offer fitted kitchens to their customers, with the support of training and knowledge from kitchen industry professionals. CIH members will also be supported, if needed, with a specialist warehouse and home delivery service, plus assistance in sourcing approved, local, kitchen installers, CIH adds.
Combined Independents (Holdings) Ltd chief executive Stuart Cook (pictured left) commented: “The partnership with KBBG is a great opportunity enabling our members to expand their businesses and retail fitted kitchens.
“We provide our members with a variety of electrical appliances and now, thanks to the KBBG, we can provide CIH members with furniture to complete the kitchen for their customers and become a one-stop shop. The independent electrical retail market can be challenging and we are thrilled to be able to strengthen our offering to our members.”
KBBG managing director Bill Miller (pictured right) added: “The partnership with CIH is a natural fit with KBBG, as we share the same business ethos of supporting independent retailers. We offer a range of unique benefits and services to support and increase the success of independent retailers. This is now extended to CIH members who, like KBBG members, can now have access to the very best buying conditions and on-going support and advice.
“Our objective is very simple; to create a strong and sustainable independent channel, to ensure retailers achieve their full business potential. The independent market, for both kitchen specialists and electrical retailers, has had to face a huge number of challenges over the last five years. There is strength, and greater protection, in working together.”
