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Here’s why we think 2020 should be the year you choose to shop independent, and how doing so could benefit you when buying a kitchen.

The Second Nature story began over 110 years ago, as a family run independent business in County Durham.

Since then, we have evolved and grown, whilst keeping our roots firmly in the region, establishing Second Nature as one of the leading independent kitchen brands across the UK.

Staying independent is very close to our heart so this is why we only supply and sell through expert independent kitchen retailers across the UK, all dedicated to creating beautiful kitchens for their customers.

With an independent kitchen retailer you get an individual kitchen experience, completely tailored to you and your lifestyle- nothing is off the shelf.

Are you considering buying your dream kitchen this year? We’re sharing 9 reasons why we think you should choose an independent kitchen retailer…

           

1. YOUR KITCHEN WILL BE TRULY TAILORED TO YOU

When you buy a kitchen from a Second Nature independent specialist, it will be truly unique to your specifications and requirements.

Your retailer will design your kitchen from scratch, tailored to your tastes and lifestyle. So, whether you’ve always dreamed of a statement kitchen island, or you’ve always longed for clever storage solutions to make your space more efficient, your specialist retailer will use their industry expertise and experience to bring it to life perfectly.


2. YOUR RETAILER IS WELL KNOWN IN THE AREA

You may have already met your local independent kitchen retailer. He/she may have been picking up his weekly shop, dropping his children off at school or enjoying a meal in a nearby restaurant- they’re just a member of the community, like you.

It’s likely that your local retailer has worked very hard to build a name for their company in your local area and they will have worked hard to become an expert in their field. This business is his/her passion and livelihood, so you know that they will give your project 100%.

Also, if they’re well known in the area, you’re not likely to be far away from others that have used the retailer, so reviews and recommendations shouldn’t be hard to come by.

           

3. START-TO-FINISH SUPPORT

With an independent retailer, you can rest assured that the team will manage your project from start to finish and they will be there to provide advice every step of the way. This management is all part of the service- there are no hidden extras to pay for.

You may need to stock up on tea bags for the days the duration of your project, but the team will style, craft and install the kitchen you’ve been dreaming about for so long. A space for your family, a space to relax and a space to cook and dine- a kitchen to enjoy.


4. FULL PROJECT MANAGEMENT

A one-stop-shop for your kitchen renovation you will receive full project management from an independent retailer- from a tailored kitchen design and installation, often through to the management of your electrics and plumbing. Your local specialist wants your experience to be as smooth as possible, so you won’t have to worry about a thing (except maybe what you’re going to cook first in your new kitchen!).

           

5. YOU CHOOSE THE BUDGET

When it comes to money, your kitchen is made on your terms. If you have a set budget in mind, you can tell your retailer this in the initial planning stages and they tell you realistically what you can achieve for your money, following your specifications and requirements to create a space you’ll love.

They understand the importance of value for money and are passionate about designing beautiful kitchens, whether they’re large and extravagant, or compact and efficient.


6. THERE AREN’T ANY GIMMICKS

When you need help from your independent retailer, there are no gimmicks or call centres- you simply get in contact with your project manager who is there for you every step of the way. It’s just good old fashioned customer service from a local specialist who cares about your experience.

           

7. YOU’RE GETTING WHAT YOU WANT, NOT WHAT THEY WANT TO SELL

So you’ve spotted a big sale at a chain DIY centre and it’s got you considering a kitchen from there. However, the deal may not be all it’s cracked up to be. Is this a high quality kitchen you love that’s tailored perfectly to you, or are you just interested because there’s 50% off the marked price?

There’s nothing wrong with looking for the best deal, but with an independent kitchen retailer, each kitchen is tailored to the individual, so you know you’re not just being sold the stock they need to shift!


8. WORD OF MOUTH IS IMPORTANT

Recommendations and great reviews are everything to an independent business. It’s these amazing customer experiences that gain the company new customers in the future, so it’s important to your retailer that you have a positive kitchen buying process and love your end product. You can rest assured that they will go above and beyond to create your dream space.

In turn, once your kitchen is complete, why not recommend the retailer to your friends and family? You will feel amazing for supporting a great independent business and they may gain work. Win, win!

           

9. YOU’RE SUPPORTING THE LOCAL ECONOMY

Last but not least, purchasing from a local independent supports the region’s economy.

Research shows that just £10 spent with a local independent shop means £50 back into the local economy – so, just imagine how much buying a kitchen can help! This means that your dream kitchen can indirectly make a big impact on your local community.


SO, WHY NOT MAKE THIS THE YEAR YOU PLEDGE TO SUPPORT INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES?

Searching for an independent Second Nature retailer that’s local to you? Use the ‘Where to Buy‘ search function on our website to find your closest showroom and start your journey today.

You can find an abundance of inspiration for your dream kitchen over on our Real Projects page, where we showcase real life projects from retailers all over the UK.