‘Being part of one the UK’s leading flooring buying groups has a vast array of benefits that members can measure in terms of extra profit, leaving them free to run their business their way. But there is so much more to Metro Group membership than just beneficial pricing,’ says Jody Shaw, Metro operations director.
‘The group negotiates on behalf of independent flooring retailers across the UK to get the best possible terms to support them. These net terms are passed on to members for them to manage their own prices. This puts retailers firmly in control of their own pricing and profit. There are other incentive schemes in place with certain suppliers so that Metro members can benefit further.
‘Retailers who experience the frustration of having a customer who wants specific flooring when they don’t have an account with that particular supplier can simplify this, and save time and money in the process. Metro has in place a Central Order System with all our suppliers, for us to order on your behalf. This ensures retailers can quickly and easily get the products they want, at the best prices, and have them delivered to their store. All it takes is a phone call to the Metro head office. In many cases this has led to accounts being opened with members who may have struggled to open accounts before.’
The CarpetFirst label has been developed to support members who want to take advantage of own-label ranges. The decision to show a product under the manufacturer’s name or the CarpetFirst name is left to individual members to decide.
CarpetFirst ranges are rebranded products agreed with major UK and European manufacturers: cost pricing is the same, whether sold as CarpetFirst or under the manufacturer’s brand name.
A major benefit of Metro membership is the group’s subsidised and personalised merchandising service, which can do everything from design and print a business card to revamp a shopfront or store, and everything is bespoke.
Nottingham retailer Carpet Style recently took advantage of the facility to replace its ageing signage while the building was being repainted. At very short notice the Metro team was able to design, manufacture and install the 15m-long signage within a week, using state-of-the-art CNC machinery.
‘Every Metro member receives a £600 VAT-free allowance to spend each year with the service. This is the group’s commitment to give members access to the best marketing and merchandising support, something that has been recognised once again with the Interiors Monthly award for Best Marketing Support (Flooring) in August.
‘There’s so much more to the group than just buying flooring,’ says Shaw.
Metro will be at Hall M, Stand M53 at The Flooring Show.
