Display specialist Ripple supports Topps Tiles’ UK store improvements

A Leading designer and manufacturer of retail interior and display solutions has created a variety of new products for a UK-wide improvement programme by Topps Tiles.

Oldham-based Ripple has created the products to improve communication, display and merchandising at Topps Tiles showrooms. The development includes a new ‘Trade Essentials’ section to convey innovative features and applications of an extended range of trade tools and products.

Over recent years, Ripple said it has significantly contributed to the store format development for Topps Tiles.

Following successful trials of the new wall units last year at outlets in Rugby, Sevenoaks, Sheldon, Reading, Watford, Solihull and Enderby in Leicestershire, Topps Tiles saw sales improve significantly. So it decided to capitalise on the initiative and roll-out the improvements across its whole retail estate.

The ‘All-Store Improvement Plan’ (ASIP) will require over a mile of wall unit fixtures across the 380 Topps Tiles showrooms in the UK. These will be installed in various configurations to a programme expected to run to autumn 2019.

Ripple creative director Scott Harrop said: “There are many benefits of achieving alignment of stores in addition to increased sales. These include operational efficiency and consistent product ranging, merchandising and communication at point-of-sale; which is designed to educate customers about new products, techniques and methods.

“The concept fits with Topps Tiles’ ambition to grow its market share pursuing the company’s strategy of ‘out-specialising the specialist’, whilst aligning the ranges, look-and-feel and in-store branding. The result is a fresh look and an environment which is future-proof, functional and flexible.”

He added: “Ripple’s creative and technical team carried out the design and technical development of the concepts, working closely with the Topps Tiles store design team. The solution is focused on clear communication of their extended product offer, providing inspiration, visibility of range and application methods. The equipment displays feature all the essential products and information needed to complete tasks such as underfloor heating and wet rooms, whilst clarifying in-store product availability.

“The solution can be adapted to display and communicate a diverse range of products such as different tile sizes and formats, grout and adhesives, screws and washers in packets, backer boards and rolls of waterproof matting, including products such as Durabase protective matting for wet rooms and Hardie Backer for the bathroom trade.”

Ripple created a range of design options, prototypes and 3-D impressions for Topps Tiles.
All the equipment is manufactured by Ripple using a range of materials, but principally from fabricated mild steel finished with powder coating and laminated MDF board. Ripple is manufacturing and supplying the equipment while installation is by separate contractors.

Ripple’s design offices and manufacturing base are at Greenacres Road, Oldham. It works across the UK and Europe and is part of Ripple Group, run by managing director David Wolfenden.
Ripple works across sectors including fashion, grocery, sport and leisure, entertainment, cookware, health and beauty, DIY and merchants, department stores, home décor, electricals and technology. It works with brands and retailers including Akzo Nobel and Dulux Decorating Centres, Trespass, Majestic Wine, B&Q, Cheshire Mouldings, Boots, Trespass, Marshalls, B&M and Energizer, to name a selection.

The company’s services include research and development; creative and technical design, manufacturing including joinery, metalwork, solid surface, plastics, painting and powder-coating and supported by project management, installation, storage and delivery.

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