North Olmsted, Ohio… Are you thinking of starting a kitchen or bathroom remodel? Or, is it time to buy a new bathroom faucet to spruce things up? Do you have a certain brand in mind, but still aren’t completely sure what style to choose? There are likely a thousand questions you’re asking yourself, but if you aren’t sure where to begin, a wholesale showroom may be a good starting point to get ideas “flowing.”
“Planning for a design project can be an intimidating process, in fact, one in three homeowners end up abandoning their design projects because they feel overwhelmed*,” said Andy Conroy, senior director, wholesale marketing, Moen Incorporated. “While many homeowners have the perception that wholesale showrooms are only for those with deep pockets or are working with aprofessional, the reality is most wholesale showrooms are open to the general public and are staffed with style-savvy, knowledgeable design consultants who can serve as valuable resources for anyone looking to build, remodel or just refresh their kitchens and bathrooms.”
Still intimidated by the thought of a wholesale showroom? Fear not! The following tips from Moen will let you know what to expect and how to find the right mix of products for your project at your local wholesale showroom.
Do Your Faucet Research
Beginning is as easy as logging on to your computer. Simply search the terms “wholesale plumbing showrooms,” along with your city, and you’ll quickly have a list of showrooms in your neighborhood. In addition, many manufacturers, such as Moen, offer “Where to Buy” functions on their websites which provide a list of local showrooms located within a certain radius of your home.
Before venturing out to your local wholesale showroom, be sure to check which are open to the public and which are for trade professionals only. Showrooms that are open to the public may have consumer orientation programs and tours, which is a great way to familiarize yourself with the showroom and see if they offer your favorite brands. If you don’t have the opportunity to take advantage of the tours, you’re welcome to simply visit the showroom and look around on your own or take a virtual tour online.
Compiling a list of questions, as well as brands and specific products you find interesting, may also help streamline your wholesale showroom shopping process. Eighty two percent of shoppers consult the internet about a purchase they’re about to make in-store*, but a showroom can save time by providing the answers you need in-person and help turn your online dreams into a reality.
Browsing and Buying Faucets at Showrooms
One advantage of wholesale showroom shopping is seeing the most innovative and stylish products from today’s top designers and manufacturers. For example, when looking to purchase a new faucet, wholesale showrooms display many of the latest products with innovative features such as pulldown and pullout spouts, as well as new finishes including stainless, oil rubbed bronze and matte black. Showroom consultants can be another great resource and advantage. Also versed in the latest trends, they can be helpful in recommending products to suit your lifestyle.
In addition, showrooms often feature products in vignettes made to look like actual kitchens and baths. Moen’s showroom displays allow visitors to move the products from the display wall and into a vignette to give homeowners a real sense of how these products would look in their homes.
Happy Faucet Shopping
Don’t be overwhelmed with the size or number of products offered at many showrooms. Remember that the showroom consultants are there to be your guide – to assist in your selection process and serve as a valuable resource. Also, don’t be afraid to share a realistic budget with the consultants. It will only help you both in selecting products that are right for you and your home. Lastly, enjoy the experience! Showrooms are a virtual wonderland of new products, styles and trends and have offered design inspiration to thousands of homeowners.
For more information, visit moen.com or call 1-800-BUY-MOEN (1-800-289-6636).