How has the year started for you? Showroom manager of Plumbits Julie James says footfall may have declined but order values have increased and her focus is on creating a destination 

Having been the showroom manager at Plumbits Bathroom Showroom for over 21 years, I’m quietly optimistic for what 2025 will bring, although I would err on the side of caution to say that this will be an amazing year!

January ’25 has tracked the same as January ‘24. Footfall has dropped over the last few years, and I put this down to the decline of the high street and shops migrating to a large retail outlet. Road works and parking issues have not helped!

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However, Plumbits is now more of a destination showroom, and so whilst our footfall might be less, our customers are quality customers looking to make a conscious purchase.

Spend is higher

Order values for bathrooms have definitely increased over recent years, with large walk-in shower enclosures and stone baths costing as much as a entire bathroom did a few years ago!

Many of our clients want us to provide the whole bathroom, so the spend can increase greatly when you factor in additional items such as mirrors, lights, fans and other accessories.

July 2023 saw the launch of our luxury high-end showroom ‘Amy Jane Bathrooms’ which is located in the same showroom, but through a secret door, allowing us to display a truly ‘good, better, best’ range of bathrooms.

Plumbits has always been known as ‘A company built on trust with exceptional customer service’, and in 2024 we celebrated 40 years in business.

When we ask potential customers how they found us, many will say they have dealt with the showroom or the DIY and Trade Counter before.

Destination showroom

For 2025 and beyond, our marking strategy will be a refreshed website with a clear message of ‘Where luxury meets affordability’, demonstrated in the products we display and supply.

We will reach those potential customers who are not currently aware of Plumbits as the destination showroom to suit all budgets in Stafford and the surrounding areas.

Customers are always slightly hesitant before a big spend, but I am a firm believer that people buy from people and first impressions really count.

As long as the showroom displays the right products for all customers’ budgets and that customer service meets or even exceeds expectations, we have this right and 2025 will be a great year.