Thousands of supermarket shoppers throughout Britain could soon add conservatories to their grocery list thanks to an ambitious idea from a Coventry company.
Holbrooks-based double glazing firm U-fit.co.uk, which specialises in do-it-yourself Upvc conservatories, is planning to link-up with supermarkets and to offer shoppers the chance to buy a conservatory ‘off the shelf’
The company, which has its headquarters in Boston Place, is also planning to offer a similar service in catalogues which are sent out to peoples’ homes.
U-fit would actually manufacture the conservatories but they would be sold as the supermarket or catalogue’s own brand.
John Armstrong, managing director of U-fit, came up with the idea after receiving a home shopping catalogue in the post and thinking it was a great opportunity for people to look at and buy a conservatory.
From there he developed the idea that supermarkets could also offer them on their shelves and is planning to approach organisations with the idea.
He said: “These days you can buy almost anything in a supermarket, from your groceries to TVs and insurance so I thought ‘why not a conservatory’.
“As our conservatories are actually fitted by the customers themselves it seemed like the ideal opportunity for them to buy one at the most accessible outlets and where better than in a supermarket or home shopping catalogue.
“Obviously you couldn’t literally get a built conservatory on a shelf but shoppers would be able to buy a box, similar to buying a day hot air ballooning for someone’s birthday, containing the details of the conservatory they want, and it would be delivered to them ready to be fitted.
“It’s a new initiative which is still in its early stages but we will soon be approaching supermarket chains, catalogues and even builder’s merchants to see who expresses an interest in working with us to take the idea forward.”
U-fit was set up eight years ago by husband and wife team John and Ann Armstrong. The company aims to boost its £3.2 million turnover by more than half by April 2005.
For more information contact John Armstrong on 0800 3890595
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