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Independent Retailer Vs National Chain: The Pros and Cons

It’s always helpful to have a good pro-con list, especially when you're investing in something as big as a kitchen. So, to lend a hand, we’ve uncovered the pros and cons of hiring a local kitchen retailer - so that you can confidently decide who to trust with your renovation. Here are the pros and cons of a local kitchen retailer.

Showrooms

When renovating a kitchen, the first thing you do is visit a showroom - so first impressions count! While national chains can offer large showrooms and plenty of full-size models, the kitchens on display are usually the only ones you can choose from - leaving you with very little flexibility.

On the other hand, your local kitchen retailer may have a smaller showroom, but with a far greater selection of kitchen styles and sizes! With most designers also offering free home surveys, your local kitchen retailer can offer you a far more intimate experience by really getting to know your space. 

draw with different material samples to how the pros and cons of a local kitchen retailer

Design and product choice

When buying a kitchen from a national chain, your choices are often limited to which ‘off the shelf’ designs you like the best. With a local kitchen retailer, the choices are endless! While this could be considered one of the pros and cons of a local kitchen retailer, we’re certain that greater product choice is a definite bonus! Instead of having to compromise on style (and quality), you’re able to make every detail unique to you -  no compromise necessary.

Value for money

With national chains offering such low prices for their kitchens, we’re really forced to consider whether (or not) local retailers are financially the better choice. When buying a kitchen we want to be sure we’re getting good value for our money - this is where national chains fall short. While their prices may be tempting, their products often lack quality, costing you more in the long run.

This shows that the pros and cons of a local kitchen retailer can still greatly outweigh those of a national chain, as their high-quality products and competitive prices guarantee great value for money!

a hand putting a coin in a blue piggy bank

Installation

Something many people overlook when evaluating the pros and cons of a local kitchen retailer is the installation process. Most independent retailers have an in-house installation team, meaning they’re able to develop a strong personal relationship with the team and guarantee a high-quality finish.

This isn’t the case for the majority of national chains, however, as most large companies usually hire subcontractors. With no internal commitment to the company (or their reputation), some subcontractors cut corners in order to get the job done quicker - leaving you with a poorly finished kitchen. 

Customer service

National retailers often hire salespeople who know a little about kitchens and a lot about commission - so while they may be very persuasive, it's likely you may never see them again. This can become difficult later on as any questions and complaints you have will be dealt with by an entirely separate team!

With a local retailer, your personal designer will guide you through the entire process, answering any questions you have and making sure the renovation runs as smoothly as possible. By going through the entire renovation process, we’ve seen just how helpful a local kitchen retailer can be. From those first discussions to the final finishing touches, having them on hand can make all the difference when deciding who you should trust with your kitchen renovation.

great customer service to represent the pros and cons of a local kitchen retailer

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Need help designing your dream kitchen?

Emma Reed - kitchen designer

As a kitchen designer, I love creating a stunning space where life is easy and memories are made! If your kitchen needs upgrading, modernising or a complete renovation, let’s have a conversation and see what you could do with your space.

A new kitchen with a specialist design is more cost-effective than you may think – just get in touch with us today for a free in-store kitchen design consultation and we’ll show you how.

Emma Reed – Kitchen designer – 01792 712000

A few more from us…

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FREE DESIGN
AND PLANNING
We offer a free home design and measuring service and free consultation in store to accurately design your kitchen. We will offer our professional opinion to ensure you know what is viable and what is not.
We recommend you contact us for an appointment so that we don't miss you. Call us on 01792 712000 to book.
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EXTENSIVE SWANSEA
SHOWROOM
Visit our Swansea showroom and see a range of kitchen examples. Browsing is free anytime between 10am - 4pm Monday to Saturday. Book an appointment if you want to sit down with a consultant and plan your dream kitchen.
We are located in a new showroom on Valley Way, Enterprise Park, Swansea (next to Town Tyre's) with stunning displays and designs to inspire you.
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FULL RANGE OF KITCHEN ACCESSORIES
AND TOP BRANDS
Our impressive range of sinks and taps are regularly compared against other leading companies to ensure you always get the best value for money around.
We can supply the full range of Caple appliances. Introducing our partnership with Bora hobs and Quooker which will be displayed and working in our showroom.
We offer free in-store kitchen design consultation
Just get in touch with us today to book an appointment and we can start creating your dream kitchen.
Brochure
We now offer finance through Dopple

Kitchens by Emma Reed is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Social Money Ltd t/a Dopple, a company registered in England under company number 08054296, and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is entered on the Financial Services Register under reference number 675283. Registered with the Information Commissioner's Office under reference number ZA026178.

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