Showers and tapware brand Methven has launched a virtual showroom to allow customers to explore its product range from the comfort of the office or home.

The highly detailed online experience replicates the setting of Methven’s Warrington Experience Centre, allowing users to peruse products on display alongside their specs and imagery, as well as marketing materials such as brochures and videos.

Launching the virtual showroom platform allows Methven to provide customers with an opportunity to build their understanding of how different ranges and technology, such as the twin-jet Satinjet technology are suited to different markets, as well as seeing alternative products at a glance.

Emma Foster, head of marketing and Product at Methven, said: “We recognise that we’re moving into a new era of customer experience, where digital is so crucial – however, it isn’t enough now to simply direct customers to a static website where products are listed in a matter-of-fact way.

“In line with the hard work and innovation that has gone into creating our Experience Centre in Warrington, we wanted customers to have a unique experience when connecting with us digitally.

“The launch of our virtual showroom complements the in-person benefits of our Experience Centre, allowing visitors to get under the skin of our products while understanding the wider context of our values as a brand.

“We see the two working in tandem together going forward and are excited for the new ways in which this allows customers to engage with us.”

The Virtual Showroom launch comes as Methven kick starts its new product and consumer experience push for 2024, following on from the launch of the 200-page One Book and the Avoca range, which consists of a cold start basin mixer, thermostatic bath filler, thermostatic bath shower mixer and a cool touch bar valve with Satinjet® showering technology.

To visit the Methven Virtual Showroom, visit https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=zujn99tTu3d

The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) has announced that SONAS Bathrooms is its latest corporate sponsor.

The sponsorship includes supporting the government-sanctioned organisation and its work on building a sustainable workforce and improving education, standards, compliance and sustainability in the KBB installation sector.

SONAS Bathrooms is one of Ireland’s leading bathroom brands. It expanded into the UK market in 2023, with more than 45 years of experience in distributing its complete range of bathroom products to retail partners in Ireland. The business sees its sponsorship and support of BiKBBI as a key step in the brand’s journey to replicating its success in Ireland into Britain.

Ger Fahy, CCO of SONAS Bathrooms, said: “As SONAS, we view installers as the backbone of the KBB sector. The insight and feedback from professional installers like the BiKBBI members, is highly values in our product development process. Becoming a corporate sponsor of the BiKBBI enhances our opportunity to collaborate with like-minded professionals who value high-quality products supported by team of technical experts. We are excited about working together with the BiKBBI members to drive positive change within the industry.”

BiKBBI CEO Damian Walters said ‘The work that we are doing in the installation community is fundamental to the future of the KBB installation sector and therefore it is vital that we have the support of the wider industry – after all, every KBB manufacturer, supplier, distributor and retailer is reliant on installation at some point in the cycle. We are thrilled to welcome SONAS Bathrooms onboard as a corporate sponsor. We understand their ambition for growth in the UK market and we very much look forward to working with the SONAS team as we continue to drive positive change in the KBB installation sector through our focus on education, standards, compliance and sustainability.’