Roman Showers

It is well reported that 2005 was a very difficult year across the bathroom industry, with sales across the sector slowing down, and in many cases decreasing.Roman utilised this challenging period by examining key areas of the business in order to prepare itself for the recovery and to identify new areas of opportunity.

The company focused on strengthening its customer base in terms of number of retailers, and number of products on display whilst also sustaining momentum by continuing with an extensive product development strategy. In late 2005 the company launched additions to their established and successful Orbital Range. To complement the stylish space-saving Orbital Quadrants, Roman introduced the ultra-modern Orbital Sliding Doors, which are proving to be equally successful.

Additions to the Roman collection of shower valves were also developed, with contemporary valves that come complete with massaging body-jets. The earlier launch of wetroom flooring products was enhanced with the introduction of a wetroom starter kit during 2005, which contains everything needed to tank a bathroom - ideal for creating that contemporary wetroom look.

January 2006 saw Roman enter the top end of the market with the launch of the Roman Sculptures Collection, which features 10mm thick toughened glass and minimal framing. Roman Sculptures was launched to rave reviews by retailers, plumbers, journalists and interior designers alike, at KBB 2006. It has seen the company move into new displaying retailers giving them a product portfolio that truly has something for every market place.

A key factor which has encouraged and stimulated Roman’s continued growth is their constantly developing marketing strategy. Roman’s Marketing Director Loraine Gamblin notes: “In January 2006 Roman launched a heavyweight advertising campaign with adverts appearing in more magazines than ever before and the good news is that Roman’s advertising response, which is closely monitored, certainly suggests that the market place is picking up again and demand is strong.”

All these efforts have seen Roman maintain a strong position and exceptional sales during a very difficult 12 month trading period, to such an extent that Roman completed a record sales month in June 2006. Roman has reported that June was their best ever month of sales since their conception in 1985.

Roman’s Managing Director David Osborne comments: “Roman are ecstatic with these record-breaking sales figures. The company has invested money into Research and Development along with Marketing, whilst at the same time bringing the best service possible to our valued customers, and we are really seeing it pay off. June is traditionally seen as a difficult month within our sector, so Roman’s sales figures really are quite an achievement. We are looking forward to continuing this pattern of growth and continuing to form good relationships with our current and new customers.”