Trend setters
By Emma Fowlds, marketing executive for Distinction Doors.
The best way to find out what consumers want is to study consumer behaviour, which is why, each year, market research companies like Mintel try to predict the future of consumer behaviour.
Over the next one to five years, they expect consumer behaviour to change in line with five global trends, including ‘Intentional Spending’ and ‘Hyper Fatigue’.
With intentional spending the Mintel report says that ‘factors like flexibility, durability and sustainability will play increasingly important roles in consumers’ value equation.’ It adds that hyper fatigue suggests ‘consumers will try to cut through the noise and connect with what matters to them.’
Other sources reveal that supply chain resilience, sustainability, and a return to brick-and-mortar storefronts are also emerging as consumer trends in 2023.
As the UK’s largest supplier of composite doors our data and customer research support these predictions.
Showroom visitors
Showrooms have long been a successful sales tool for home improvement companies. A space to browse, touch, and receive expert advice, in-person.
Like most brick-and-mortar retailers, window and door showrooms were hit by the pandemic but this impact was short-lived. As normal consumer behaviour resumed, many bounced back, and are now busier than ever.
This behaviour is indicative of several consumer trends – the desire to enter physical stores to experience products in real life before purchasing, and in most instances, shop local. This is supported by the enduring popularity of our online showroom locator.
Reached through distinctiondoors.co.uk our showroom locator always attracts a high number of web visitors. With our products available through a network of specialist retailers, we enable web users to find a showroom local to them simply by entering a city, region, or post code and clicking the search button.
Eco-conscious
There’s no denying that consumers are increasingly aware of their impact on the environment. It is understood that Gen-Z is the leading authority on this and has the power to influence older generations when it comes to making purchasing decisions around sustainability.
The energy and cost of living crisis has helped to accelerate this behaviour and shape consumer attitudes.
Consumers are now buying to last. They want durable goods. At a time, when many people must make complex decisions about their finances, each purchase must provide lasting value. Consumers are looking beyond discardable goods to investment pieces – high-quality, reliable products which will stand the test of time. Our doors are a classic example of this.
Reduce energy bills
Consumers understand that a Distinction door will help them live more comfortably in their home. The foam filled core offers excellent thermal performance and will help to reduce energy bills while the reinforced core and wood reinforcements give reassurance of added security and longevity.
In fact, with proven specification requirements to meet the certification of PAS 24:2016, many of our door blanks support Secured by Design approved fabricators in manufacturing the ultimate enhanced security doorset for conscientious homeowners.
Looks still matter
Performance aside, aesthetics still plays a large part in the decision-making process. Thankfully our doors, especially our nxt-gen range, more than satisfy this.
With its flush-fitted inner frame and sleek lines our nxt-gen range responds to consumer interest in flush products while also tapping into the demand for a more efficient and eco-conscious product.
This is proven by increased sales of our nxt-gen doors. 2022 saw the range achieve its highest number of sales since launching in 2017 and it is on track to do the same in 2023, or better!
So, if you’re looking for a range of composite doors to please the modern consumer, with the support of a trusted and significant brand, then please get in touch.
