Luxury retailer Ripples Bathrooms new showroom has just opened in Abingdon, Oxfordshire as part of the company's franchise expansion plan which takes the number of Ripples Bathrooms showrooms up to 18, with 2 more in the pipeline.
The first ever Ripples showroom was opened by founders Roger and Sandra Kyme in the city of Bath in 1988 and by 1997 the Roger and Sandra franchised the business to fuel its expansion.
New Ripples Showroom Abingdon
Ripples Bathrooms new showroom in Abingdon at The Engine Centre, Kingston Bagpuize, Abingdon OX13 5AW comes hot on the heels of the firms 17th new showroom in Nottingham (shown left), which opened in September.
Two further showrooms are due to open shortly in Lindfield and Tunbridge Wells taking the total number to 20.
Commenting on the opening franchise owner Chris Gilleard said: “I am delighted to open a Ripples showroom in the heart of Oxford. Having gained over 20 years experience in retail, I understand the importance of every part of the process; from sourcing quality products and creating inspiring designs, right the way through to the final installation.”
With many bathrooms styles to choose, from modern and contemporary and from small bathrooms up to large family bathrooms, Ripples has a lot to offer its customers.
In addition to the many Kbb industry awards Ripples has earned over the years the business was also shortlisted in the Top 100 franchise businesses to start in 2022 by Elite Franchise Magazine.
Franchise Models Bucking Kbb Decline
With Kutchenhaus just opening its 72nd showroom in Solihull and like Ripples in doing so, bucking the challenging trading conditions many independent Kbb business are facing, it is clear that the franchise model has its benefits.
Although at first glance looking at the businesses in the list, the Elite Franchise Magazine Top 100 seems somewhat arbitrary but the rankings are judged on longevity, network size, financial performance, growth, franchise contribution, network support, innovation and future prospects.
Although Ripples didnt make the cut in 2023, neither did Kutchenhaus and the only Kbb businesses to be included were Dream Doors and Granite & Trend Transformations both of whom are labelling themselves as "makeover specialists' with Dream Doors focusing on replacement kitchen doors and the like and Granite & Trend focusing on countertops and surfaces for kitchens, bathrooms and commercial use.
There are many franchise businesses to choose from and a lot of organisations claiming to support the industry but as there is no regulation of the franchise industry it is very difficult to see and rank the downsides such as the failure rates of such businesses?
Time will tell and in future Kbb News posts we will certainly revisit all of these "new showroom" announcements in the hope that they are a worthwhile investment for those whom undertake them.
