4x4 – four openings in four months for Schmidt

The interior solutions franchise starts 2022 on the right foot

By the end of April, Schmidt will open four new franchised showrooms across the UK in Mere Green (Sutton Coldfield), Solihull, Eastbourne and Swansea.

The Mere Green and Solihull openings are of particular significance, being the franchise’s first move into the north of England, a key site in its aim to have nationwide reach by 2025.

Jean-Michel Peragine, Schmidt’s UK head of expansion, was understandably excited. He said: “We have a very strong base in the south-east. The Midlands was the first target for our strategy for national growth. To have two showrooms opening within a few months; there is a huge boost for our brand and reflects the work of our people, both our franchise partners and our expansion teams who are supporting them.”

Schmidt’s made-to-measure kitchens aimed at the mid- to high-end of the market could soon be going even further north, according to Jean-Michel. He said: “We know there is a huge potential market in northern England and Scotland. We have a very wide product range, which we adapt to each area for our new showrooms using careful demographic data and based on our experience of opening nearly 30 showrooms already in the UK, and more than 800 worldwide… When we combine what we know with the passion and service of a local franchise partner, it is a powerful force.”