Premium German kitchen brand next125 has launched its second UK concept store, next125 South Lakes, in collaboration with long-established german kitchen retail studio Butler Interiors.
Situated in Kirkby Lonsdale, the showroom is strategically positioned to attract customers from across the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Lune Valley, and nearby Lancaster. The location is expected to draw a wide regional audience seeking high-end kitchen design.
The new space has been designed to showcase the brand in its most authentic form. It features a range of next125 displays, including a prominent “Fireplace” kitchen in the window and a standout nx510 kitchen in a rich Cognac finish.
With this opening, Next125, which is a brand owned by Schüller now operates 14 next125 concept stores worldwide, with existing locations in Germany, Austria, and China. follows successful launches of similar stores in countries like Germany, Austria and China.
As with its first UK concept store in Glasgow, which opened last year, the company has clarified that its expansion strategy is not based on franchising. Instead, next125 focuses on partnering with experienced independent retailers, leveraging their local knowledge and established reputations.
Through this model, partners benefit from global brand recognition, dedicated support, and direct collaboration with the next125 team on showroom design and installation.
Butler Interiors has worked with next125 since 2010 and opened its first exclusive next125 showroom in 2019.
According to company director Mark Butler, the concept store represented a logical next step for the business. It allows the company to enhance its offering while continuing to operate independently and grow in a cost-effective way.
Director Liam Butler echoed this sentiment, explaining that the concept store aligns well with their goals of strengthening the Butler Interiors brand. He noted that the new showroom provides the space needed to present next125 products as intended, combining input from the German design team with adjustments tailored to local customer preferences.
Alongside the new concept store, Butler Interiors plans to relocate its existing Schüller kitchens showroom within the same premises, with a reopening scheduled for later this summer. The dual-showroom setup is intended to create a comprehensive destination catering to a broad range of budgets and styles.
Mark Butler explained that although the move was not part of the initial plan, it ultimately offers clear advantages. It allows both brands to be developed independently while ensuring customers have access to options across different price points. While next125 targets a premium, aspirational market, Schüller provides more accessible alternatives—both supported by the same high standards of service, design, and installation.
Robert Kettenbach, global brand director at next125, highlighted the importance of collaboration in the concept store model. He emphasized that the company partners with retailers who share its core values, including trust, responsibility, courage, and appreciation.
He added that the South Lakes partnership with Butler Interiors reflects these principles, and noted that as next125 marks its 25th anniversary, its expanding network of concept stores will continue to strengthen the brand’s future.
In related developments, Robert Kettenbach and Malo Tasle of InHouse Inspired Room Design previously discussed the UK expansion strategy, reaffirming the brand’s commitment to working with independent studios.
Other Kbb News: BiKBBI rebrands as the BIFIS / Wren sheds 500 jobs amid £15m net loss / German kitchen industry shows signs of recovery / Administrators give insight into the collapse of Waterline / All jobs lost following Fired Earth administration / BSH slashes production that threatens 1,400 jobs / kbb Birmingham 20206 will mark 40th anniversary show / CMA Launches Major Investigation into Online Appliance Retailers /