According to trade partners.
Narta CEO, Michael Jackson has described the Winning Appliances Richmond showroom as “the best showroom in the world”, when speaking to Appliance Retailer at the official opening last week.
“Over the last couple of years when we go to the opening of a specialist showroom – whoever they may be – they are continuing to up the ante,” he said.
“We should be proud that we have retailers in Australia that are the best retailers in the world. We get to travel the world, and to me this is the best showroom in the world. I don’t think we can even call it a retail store – it is a gallery and a place where people will be inspired.
“Winnings will have to undertake a lot of work to build the brand in Victoria as E&S is a phenomenal retailer and it will be a challenge, but if this is anything to come by they should be very proud. In relation to Chadstone, and without seeing it yet I can only assume it will be another gallery-style showroom that is just 15 minutes away. They can use the traffic flow of 25 million people to inspire and then say to consumers: ‘let me take you 15 minutes down the road to the Richmond flagship showroom’.”
The culinary theatre is at the heart of the Winning Appliances Richmond flagship showroom (Jeremy Blode Photography)
Eurolinx, distributor of ILVE and Fhiaba, national sales manager, Tristan Peters echoed Jackson’s comments with the Richmond showroom “the most impressive appliance store by far”.
“The execution that we have achieved is the best representation of our brand and the roots of our business that we have ever done before. With ILVE, we have returned to our core strengths which reflects ILVE’s specialisation in custom made products with a custom colour palette.
“Winning Appliances is synonymous with premium brands and a premium offer and as a result they were the logical choice as a partner for us to launch one of the world’s best refrigeration brands – Fhiaba – featured in three kitchens on the mezzanine floor of the new store representing different styles of consumers and personality types.
“This store will attract the customer that wants the best of the best and makes a statement with their kitchen as a proud homeowner or as an entertainer – this is one of the places they will come.”
Shriro divisional sales manager – Blanco, Gerard Gill said the Richmond showroom is the best he has seen in the country. “Melbourne has always needed a magnificent showroom like this featuring creative displays and concepts as well as a great range of sinks which should be a retailer’s most profitable part of their business,” he told Appliance Retailer.
Miele Australia and New Zealand managing director, Sjaak Brouwer said the execution of the showroom is exceptional in every detail at a premium level in the market.
“Winning Appliances keeps improving – but in general retail is improving, not only Winnings but other retailers as well. It is pleasing to see retailers making an effort which is important for both brands and retailers because the consumer is changing, and we have to find ways to excite them and offer that experience and this is an experience and retailing is all about experience.
“This is one of the first stores featuring our new Generation 7000 series that is presently being rolled out to 400 stores nationally.”