Fun, excitement and free demonstrations will permeate the air the weekend of October 6 and 7, when Kooyman reopens its redesigned, modern and stocked Kitchen and Bath Department.
Kooyman’s Commercial Officer Evencia Carty-Seabrookes said the Kooyman Kitchen and Bath section suffered major damages during Hurricane Irma, just over a year ago. Though not immediately apparent, the roof on that part of the building was completely torn off. “It was quite hard-hit, because it received a facelift not too long before the hurricane. The entire department had to be cleaned out and gutted, nothing was salvageable,” she explained.
Kooyman began rebuilding this section in April this year and it lasted until August. “It took quite some time as we awaited the arrival of specific metal beams from the Netherlands. Once these were installed and the roof was poured, we began to finalise the interior and start preparations on display.”
Kooyman spent about US $500,000 to remodel its Kitchen and Bath Department.
Customers will be pleased to know that everything is now better and enhanced in the department as it received a total transformation. “Nothing is quite the same as before, but it is better. Better because customers have a better view of the total assortment.”
The department now features six kitchen displays with some of the most popular kitchen styles against hand-picked paint hues that bring out the beauty of the various kitchen cabinet styles. There are also more countertop options on display giving customers a better opportunity to envision the kitchens in their homes.
The kitchen displays include ovens, stovetops and sink installations, which make the displays feel like home. Kooyman also carries a wider assortment of bathroom toilets and vanities which are now displayed in a modern layout, including showers with glass doors, floating sink and toilet displays of European and American standards.
The tile section has also experienced a major upgrade. “Displays were fewer, but with some changes to the layout, Kooyman has been able to double the assortment of tiles now featured.” Also added is laminate flooring and backsplash tiles to the displays, which has brought depth to the department and offers customers a better view of what Kooyman has to offer.
Other items being sold include electric ovens, stove tops and hoods, bathroom sinks, faucets for kitchen and bath, accessories and bathroom fixtures, amongst other things.
Asked how the renovation will enhance the experience of shoppers, Carty-Seabrookes said: “The new displays are meant to inspire customers and aid them in planning their dream kitchen or bath, or both. Browsing is now much easier; more space has been created for customers to walk swiftly from kitchen to bath to tiles. This open concept creates a sense of calm and may put customers at ease so that they may choose the styles that most fit their style.”
A number of things will be happening on the reopening day. There will be a tile demo on backsplash tile and other tile application techniques fitting the layout and style of bathrooms and kitchens. There will also be interior design presentations by interior decorator Dion Gumbs, who will help customers choose the best options in paint, fixtures and tiles to make their kitchen and bath “come alive.” Kooyman’s 3D Design Service and account managers will be on site to schedule consultations and give advice on suitable options.
Windward Islands Bank (WIB) will also be on site providing customers with information on their “WIB home fix + loans,” to help customers realise their dream. Additionally, there will be fun, food and entertainment for the entire family.
There will also be a clearance tile sale on Kooyman’s old assortment of tiles, where customers can enjoy savings as the company makes way for its new assortment now featured in the newly renovated display.
So, what differentiates Kooyman’s renovated kitchen and bath section from others that currently exist in the country? “Our open concept is truly unique. We’ve torn down walls and put our customer convenience and shopping experience a priority,” Carty-Seabrookes said.
“Our Kitchen and Bath section is back and better than ever. For a year we’ve been forced to sell our products from a cramped space as the department was under construction. So now that we have the space, we’d like to invite our shoppers to experience our newly renovated Kitchen and Bath Department. The changes were made to accommodate our shoppers and we’d like to celebrate this achievement with them. It’s a family event. We will have food, prizes and fun for the kids,” she added.
