IDS, the UK’s largest distributor of surface materials, held a successful series of open days for its customers in May and June, with the three branches involved reporting a footfall increase of up to 50% during the events.
Through the events, IDS aimed to raise awareness of their product offer in flooring, worktops, sinks, taps, wall paneling, laminates, panel products and solid surfacing with hundreds of new and existing customers.
Visitors to the Parkhouse, Leeds and Southampton showrooms enjoyed hospitality, kitchen and bathroom product giveaways, exclusive offers and discounts, tours of the warehouse and met with IDS product experts, leading to the opening of new trade accounts, stock clearances, new sales leads and engagement with neighbouring businesses.
IDS also teamed up with Bushboard to deliver M-Stone and Encore solid surface professional installation mini demonstrations during the events, and many of the visitors have already booked themselves onto a training course.
Says Hayley Fagan, showroom development manager at IDS: “These open days gave us a great opportunity to really showcase the breadth of products that we offer. We are delighted to see such a huge increase in footfall to the Parkhouse, Leeds and Southampton showrooms during the open day weekends, as well as the new trade accounts secured. Visitors left with a much greater understanding of IDS and the quality of service we provide.”
Staff entered into the spirit of the events by dressing as the IDS health and safety mascot Captain Scarlett to encourage people to visit, as the open days also involved fundraising activities. Over £500 was raised for Macmillan Cancer Support through raffles, tombolas and duck hunts.
