Member Article

Former Sunderland AFC striking legend unveils new Plumbase showroom

Ex-Sunderland striking legend Marco Gabbiadini unveiled a new showroom for Plumbase this week (1 June 2015), welcoming the building trade through its doors in Hendon, Sunderland.

Plumbase is part of Grafton Merchanting GB and the new 2000ft2 showroom shares a site with complementary merchants, Buildbase, Hirebase and Electricbase - strengthening the merchant’s unique one-stop shop proposition by offering everything the local tradesperson needs on one convenient site. The new concept is the first of several showrooms that are anticipated to roll out across the UK later in the year.

Gabbiadini was joined by local builders, plumbers and electricians took part in the official opening on Commercial Road with giveaways and special offers. The former Sunderland striker signed autographs for fans while local manufacturers provided advice.

Seven staff are employed on Commercial Road. Since opening two years ago, Plumbase has been fulfilling the local trade’s needs for the full range of materials as well as offering a high level of professional knowledge and expertise.

The hero of the new showroom is a fully working kitchen, specially designed to offer cookery demonstrations with the latest steam ovens, induction hobs and Quooker boiling water tap. It is complemented by a vast range of designs and accessories, so customers can mix and match to suit their own taste and style.

There is also a wide collection of bathrooms, wet rooms and showers including one of the latest gadgets that enables music to be played through the bath or shower area from a mobile device.

Andrew Arnold, Grafton Merchanting’s Divisional Showroom Manager for the North and Scotland was part of the showroom design team. He said: “Our Sunderland operation is testament to the breadth of products, expertise and knowledge we can bring the local trade, all in one convenient location.

“We have used local companies and suppliers to support the showroom where possible. All backed by the buying power and know-how of one of the UK’s biggest merchant groups.”

Crystal Harland, newly appointed showroom manager, said: “The new showroom is beautifully designed with a separate entrance, so tradespeople can be confident in bringing their customers to what has essentially been a merchant site. It means that customers can choose for themselves what they want for their home.

“Consumers are also welcome on their own, and we can offer design services and home visits as well as introduce them to a reliable local builder or plumber. We have around 30 different bathroom and kitchen displays, so whether you’re looking for country cottage or modern minimalist, we will have something for you.”

The new showroom is a collaboration of Plumbase expertise with leading northern manufacturers. Bathroom furniture is by Be Modern in Tyne and Wear, showers from Roman in County Durham, granite and solid surfaces by Stone Connection in York and tiles are by the Yorkshire Tile Company.