DTW Ceramics in Fitzherbert Rd, Farlington, opened its dedicated tile trade store, specifically for traders, in the building next to its tile shop on Monday.
The business has been selling tiles to customers since 1996 and has sold to traders from its distribution and sales warehouse since 2000. Owner Andy Rutter, 55, said he has always wanted to have a dedicated trade showroom to give back to the trade industry.
He said: ‘We wanted to give something back to the trade, I feel as though they’re always left behind really.
Andrew Rutter, Senior Partner of DTW Tiles and his staff during the opening of their new Trade Counter on Fitzherbert Road, Farlington. Photos by Alex Shute
‘They often only have an old trade counter and they’re expected to know what they want and need, and they sometimes do need a bit of advice and that’s what we’re here for.
‘There’s nothing else like it in the area, and we hope that this can cement our market leader status.’
DTW Ceramics provides ‘quality products at the best prices’ and describes itself as a ‘one-stop shop’ with more than 50,000 sq metres of tiles in stock. Nathan Abel, 45, is the trade sales manager, and said the shop has everything a tiler could need.
He said: ‘We’re looking after anyone’s tiling needs, so anyone who’s in the industry and that can be tilers, plumbers, bathroom fitters. We’ve got the tiles, adhesive, the grout, the trim, silicones, waterproofing, anything.’
Andrew Rutter, Senior Partner of DTW Tiles. Photos by Alex Shute
Nathan said that the response so far to the trade showroom has been really positive, and that the traders are as pleased as they are that it’s finally open.
He said: ‘We opened today at 7am and by 7.30am it was packed. The response to the whole idea of it has been very positive, customers love it and we love it.’
‘We offer the best products at the best prices, the best service and we’ve got expert knowledge so that’s what it’s all about.’
Andy said he’s very proud of all his team who have worked tirelessly to get the showroom ready for its opening day.
He said: ‘It’s been hard but I’m glad we’re there now, me and my son have project managed it all from the concept to where it is now. All of my staff have worked so hard kitting it out and getting it ready.’
DTW Ceramics is open Monday-Saturday, 9am-5pm. For more information, visit dtw-tiles.co.uk.
Story by Sophie Murray
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