Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
Currys & PC World has announced plans to launch more kitchenware areas in some of its stores before Christmas.
A company spokesperson told www.HousewaresLive.net: “We expect there to be around 40 stores by Christmas that will have a selection of [kitchenware] items in them.”
In April, the specialist electricals chain piloted a kitchen retail concept with a strong emphasis on housewares at its Thurrock megastore in Essex. The shopfloor at Thurrock was transformed with a new design layout and new fixtures to create a ‘softer, more feminine approach that fits in with how Currys & PC World’s customers want to shop, encouraging browsing and accessibility’. This enables the store to display complete room sets, including home kitchens, with space for customers to watch product and food preparation demonstrations.
The range of goods was also expanded with a brand new housewares category featuring ‘over 1,000 kitchen peripherals products’ including cookware and kitchenware. Brands stocked include Joseph Joseph, Meyer, Sistema, Typhoon, Mason Cash, Colourworks from Kitchen Craft, Stellar from Horwood, Tala from George East and P. Sabatier.
The trial store also features a dedicated white goods team, a KNOWHOW Hub for service advice, and a Showhow demo bar, where a specially-trained group of staff deliver demonstrations and advice specific to the major domestic appliance category. Major brands include Bosch, Samsung, Panasonic, LG, Range Master, AEG, NEFF, Hot Point, Zanussi and Elica.
At the time, Dixons Retail UK & Ireland CEO Katie Bickerstaffe said: “This is a fantastic new department for us and I’m excited about the offer it can bring to our customers. Our inclusion of the cookware category makes us a one-stop shop for the kitchen. Why not pick out beautiful new mixing bowls and stylish chopping boards at the same time as your new stove top and fridge? We have the biggest and most sought after brands together in one inspiring space; it’s a master chef’s haven.”
