Dawn has taken its innovative lifestyle concept to the Eastern Cape with the opening of a new showroom in Port Elizabeth that profiles its latest products, along with those of complementary brands like Cobra, Vaal, Libra and Isca. The showroom marks an industry first for the province.
The new lifestyle centre showcases working displays and boasts a state-of-the-art training, testing and demonstration centre, as well as private consultation rooms and a boardroom, a coffee bar and lounge and a full-service restaurant. The centre also includes a versatile ceramic and tile retail store.
Specifiers, architects, interior designers and homeowners can plan their bathrooms and kitchens, or those for their clients, in a relaxing environment – assessing the products best suited to their needs while enjoying a cup of coffee or a bite to eat.
Duncan Edwards, regional director Eastern Cape for Cobra Watertech, says the showroom reflects a collaborative approach among South Africa’s leading plumbing and sanitaryware manufacturers.
“The latest products from these manufacturers are on display and showroom staff can advise on product selection and operation across the board. This ensures that the right product is selected for the right application. Our staff can also answer customer queries regarding water and energy saving as well as current international trends,” says Edwards.
Although it is not a retail outlet, Edwards says the showroom streamlines the pricing and purchase process.
“We’re able to supply recommended retail prices and can compile specifications, finishing schedules and bills of quantities in the showroom with customers, and then send these to selected merchants for pricing. This eliminates the time and effort of searching for quotes.”
The Cobra display features a comprehensive range of Cobra sanitaryware and accessories, including the Designer collection of taps and mixers designed by Brian Steinhobel, and the sophisticated Style range of taps and mixers.
“The working displays of showers, kitchen mixers and electronic mixers are a definite highlight,” says Edwards. “Consumers like to be able to see how products work.”
Sue Hart, regional sales manager at Libra, says the showroom is the perfect place to view all the latest sanitaryware, taps and accessories under one roof. “It means consumers only have to make one stop, and designers, specifiers and architects can bring their clients to just one store, rather than having to visit different venues. It also provides customers with a visual idea of how to put the products together,” she says.
The Libra showcase features a cross-section of products, from entry-level ranges to the exclusive Platinum range. It also includes working displays.
Jason Wolff, Isca sales executive, says the displays are of a very high standard. “Visitors can expect more informative product presentations here, compared to what they would normally see in the average Eastern Cape merchants’ stores. The variety of displays offers customers a wide range of choices,” he adds.
Vaal Sanitaryware sales and specifier consultant, Debra Evert, says the Vaal display features the company’s latest basins, pedestals, toilets and urinals as well as new counter top basins, among other products. Vaal also has an on-site office at the showroom.
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