Join Our Campaign For a Level Playing Field
18Feb '21
Independent kbb retailers should be allowed to operate under the same rules as their shed counterparts if they’re dealing with trade customers – that’s the main message of the new ‘Level Playing Field’ campaign launched by Kbsa and kbbreview .
The lockdown rules states that ‘builders merchants and suppliers of products and tools used in building work and repair’ are allowed to open. But it then goes on to specifically say that this ‘doesn’t include carpet stores and showrooms, such as those for bathrooms, kitchens, tiles and glazing.’
This simple statement is what is currently keeping kbb showrooms closed but the likes of Howdens, Magnet Trade, Trade Point and other trade-only kitchen and bathroom retailers open.
But, of course, most independent kbb showrooms deal with trade customers as well as consumers and many feel their big multiple counterparts are currently operating with an unfair advantage.
The Kbsa Level Playing Field campaign, in association with kbbreview, is calling on ALL independent retailers to contact their local government, MP and Trading Standards to demand this inequality is addressed and allow them to open to trade customers too.
You can do this by simply downloading the templates letters:
Please click here to download the template letter to your MP and click here to download your template letter to Trading Standards.
This campaign builds on the work we have been doing over the last 12 months, lobbying Trading Standards, MP’s and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), asking them to clarify guidance and legislation to make sure independent showrooms are not disadvantaged.
Kbsa national chair Richard Hibbert: “We are delighted to be working together with KBBR to raise awareness of this issue. We hope that many retailers will join us in targeting their local Government, calling for a level playing field for the independent retailer and helping to protect our sector.”