HOUSING UNITS ADDS ANOTHER TROPHY TO ITS RANGE OF CABINETS

HOUSING UNITS

PRESS RELEASE

October 20, 2011.

HOUSING UNITS ADDS ANOTHER TROPHY TO ITS RANGE OF CABINETS.

Photo available.

When the going gets tough, the tough win awards - and north Manchester-based home furnishings store Housing Units has added another trophy to its wide range of cabinets.

Housing Units has won the "Best department store" title in the Progressive Housewares magazine "Excellence in housewares" category after beating off competition almost entirely from affluent south-east England department stores.

"It costs nothing to go that extra inch in driving customer service standards, listening hard to what our customers want, moving heaven and earth to deliver the right sorts of promotions and events, and simply looking and feeling like a place where shoppers feel at home. But it costs a lot if you don't," said Nick Fox, director of Housing Units.

"The competition was tough - and the other nominees were very, very good - but we give our all day-in, day-out, and it pays off not just for us, but for our customers too.

"But it's a spiral: put in the effort, get the custom; get the custom, win the award, feel good, make the customer feel good - get the custom. And this is all massively down to the Housing Units staff -  we're certainly a family business, and when things get tough, we all feel the pain but we all then pull together; and the result is that we all win together".

The criteria for the award was: "Should be an individual department store or a specific branch of a department store chain. With excellence in areas across the retail spectrum including product range, staff training, customer care, marketing and promotion, window and product display and also have improvement achievement in improving sales, profitability and/or footfall over the last year."

"And with somebody else influential and expert saying something about us - it's a great accolade to hear," said Nick Fox.

Housing Units - known for its top-hatted doormen - was established in 1947.

It is a family-owned furnishings retailer based in Wickentree Lane, Failsworth, Manchester M35 9BA, next to Junction 22 of the M60. It stocks 30,000 high-quality lines across a range of departments in two buildings and a crescent of specialist shops, and prides itself on its unique style of customer service, the value of its goods and the shopping experience it provides.

Ends

Further information:

Iain Macauley

0161 929 0446/07788 978800

im@pressrelations.co.uk

www.housingunits.co.uk

TV HOME DESIGN AND LIFESTYLE SHOWS? MORE PLEASE – THEY’RE BOOSTING OUR ECONOMY, SAY HOUSING UNITS

HOUSING UNITS

PRESS RELEASE

October 11, 2011.

TV HOME DESIGN AND LIFESTYLE SHOWS? MORE PLEASE – THEY’RE BOOSTING OUR ECONOMY, SAY HOUSING UNITS.

They may seem to be wall-to-wall on TV, but the overwhelming current crop of home design and lifestyle shows are doing massive favours for the UK furnishings and interiors industry.

Nick Fox, director of north Manchester-based furnishings store Housing Units, says that regardless of how tacky, tear-jerking or turgid the home design programmes are, they are inspiring homeowners into spending on changes or improvements.

“Customers will come in to the store sometimes completely undecided about what they want, but will simply refer to a TV home design or lifestyle show and say they want something the same or just like what they saw,” said Nick.

“This is where we have an advantage in that we have in-house designers who overdose on these programmes so know exactly what most customers are talking about.

“The trend is to buy complete makeovers for entire rooms – and customers are specifying not just UK-style design, but design and furnishings they have seen on travel programmes, or home-search shows abroad.

“It is genuinely creating a new niche of demand, and there is a very definite drive towards Italian-inspired interior design.”

Housing Units – known for its top-hatted doormen - was established in 1947. It is a family-owned furnishings retailer based in Wickentree Lane, Failsworth, Manchester M35 9BA, next to Junction 22 of the M60. It stocks 30,000 high-quality lines across a range of departments in two buildings and a crescent of specialist shops, and prides itself on its unique style of customer service, the value of its goods and the shopping experience it provides.

Ends

Further information:

Iain Macauley

0161 929 0446/07788 978800

im@pressrelations.co.uk

www.housingunits.co.uk

HOUSING UNITS’ EMPLOYEE OF A LIFETIME

HOUSING UNITS

PRESS RELEASE

July 27, 2011.

HOUSING UNITS’ EMPLOYEE OF A LIFETIME.

Marcus Huntington may have been awarded Employee of the Month for sales support at home furnishings store Housing Units, but for one man he was the employee of a lifetime – literally.

For Marcus is a qualified First Aider at Housing Units, but it was those skills – gained under training with the north Manchester-based store – that helped save the life of a man who collapsed in a shopping centre near his home in Middleton.

“I was out shopping, saw and heard a commotion, saw a little old lady trying to carry out CPR, so just stepped in and, assisted by a security guard, did what I’ve been trained to do,” said Marcus, who is a member of St John’s Ambulance.

“The shopping centre had a defibrillator – which I’m trained to use – and I managed to keep the man going until the paramedics arrived. It was a surreal experience, but it just demonstrates that not only have you only a few minutes to save somebody’s life, but the benefit of First Aid training can make a massive difference.”

Nick Fox, director of Housing Units, said: “While his support for colleagues and customers alike meant he received a lot of nominations from colleagues for the Employee of the Month award, it’s his quiet calm and life-saving skills that make Marcus truly exceptional as a person, not just an employee.”

Marcus has been with Housing Units for seven years. His St John Ambulance duties include everything from tending to injuries amongst the crowd at Premier League football matches, through to being on watch at local events such as fetes and parades.

Marcus was awarded store vouchers as part of his Employee of the Month recognition, but he has passed them on to his wife, Carol, who he considers much better able to make the best of them.

Housing Units – known for its top-hatted doormen - was established in 1947. It is a family-owned furnishings retailer based in Wickentree Lane, Failsworth, Manchester M35 9BA, next to Junction 22 of the M60. It stocks 30,000 high-quality lines across a range of departments in two buildings and a crescent of specialist shops, and prides itself on its unique style of customer service, the value of its goods and the shopping experience it provides.

Ends

Further information:

Iain Macauley

0161 929 0446/07788 978800

im@pressrelations.co.uk

www.housingunits.co.uk

SHE THINKS GRANDAD’S A STAR – NOW HE’S A TV STAR… FOR A SPLIT SECOND ANYWAY.

HOUSING UNITS

PRESS RELEASE

May 3, 2011.

SHE THINKS GRANDAD’S A STAR – NOW HE’S A TV STAR… FOR A SPLIT SECOND ANYWAY.

TV ad.

John Corris interview on set.

John Corris’ granddaughter Rhea Lee Mort, aged nine, thinks he’s a real star – but was disappointed he didn’t become a TV star back in 2008.

But she’s a happier little girl in 2011 – if only for a split second. Because John, a crucial member of the behind-the-scenes team at home furnishings retailer Housing Units in Failsworth, near Oldham, at last features in one of the store’s TV commercials.

Virtually the entire cast of the 60 second TV commercial are staff and family members, but John missed out last time the team featured in a Housing Units ad back in 2008. (John Corris video.)

But this time Rhea gets a glimpse of grandad John, from Failsworth, who has been with Housing Units for 12 years.

“It’s not a big part, but at least she had some fun trying to spot me,” said John, 63.

“I think I now need to hone my acting skills, and maybe develop a Brad Pitt attitude, and I’m sure I’ll get an even bigger part next time round.”

The ad was directed by Manchester-born film director Phil Hawkins, one of Steven Spielberg’s tips for movie greatness, and produced by AIR Creative, also based in Manchester.

Housing Units – known for its top-hatted doormen - was established in 1947. It is a family-owned furnishings retailer based in Wickentree Lane, Failsworth, Manchester M35 9BA, next to Junction 22 of the M60. It stocks 30,000 high-quality lines across a range of departments in two buildings and a crescent of specialist shops, and prides itself on its unique style of customer service, the value of its goods and the shopping experience it provides.

Ends

Further information:

Iain Macauley

0161 929 0446/07788 978800

im@pressrelations.co.uk

www.housingunits.co.uk

SPIELBERG PROTÉGÉ’S “HOUSING UNITS-2: THIS TIME IT’S PERSONAL”.

HOUSING UNITS

PRESS RELEASE

April 13, 2011.

SPIELBERG PROTÉGÉ’S “HOUSING UNITS-2: THIS TIME IT’S PERSONAL”.

Nick Fox video.

Phil Hawkins video (1) (2) (3) (4)

Paul Barnes video (1) (2)

Photos

TV ad.

Manchester-born film director Phil Hawkins, one of Steven Spielberg’s tips for movie greatness, has returned to Failsworth to direct a second work for leading retailer Housing Units.

Phil has teamed up with Manchester-based AIR Creative to produce Housing Units’ first-ever 60-second TV ad, which features the voice of actor Sean Pertwee.

It has been shot entirely on location at the store’s north Manchester retail park – and steers well clear of the sector-dominant sofas-wardrobes-and-beds style production. That it was also filmed on a hand-held camera highlights the natural and relaxed tone.

Phil, an award-winning former Manchester Xaverian College student, has been named as one of the young movie makers who most caught the legend’s eye.

And the people who caught Phil’s eye were the cast of the new ad: virtually everybody starring in the ad either works at Housing Units, or is related to Housing Units staff.

The challenge facing the team was to showcase Housing Units’ massive product range, plus the overall scale of Housing Units’ vast array of departments, without making it look like a living catalogue, but, crucially, to get over the key point that it’s all about personal service in the family-run and orientated store.

“The sequel is always going to be tough, and we thought that 60 seconds would make it easier – but it didn’t: using the staff, and featuring some of the new retail units and departments means this ad has no option but to be packed with people and action,” said Nick Fox of Housing Units (video).

“It’s not a list of products, it’s about the lifestyle customers enjoy, and the way the staff operate and interface with those customers.”

Paul Barnes, Managing Director of AIR Creative, said: “It just isn’t possible to convey the full scale of Housing Units’ offering in 30 seconds. (video)

  

“We needed some way of getting all of that across – the range, quality of service, attention to detail - and establishing a bigger picture in customers’ minds.  Housing Units is not just somewhere else that sells sofas. 

“The store is genuinely unique and enjoys real loyalty from its customers, so we wanted to tap into the goodwill that the brand already has, and convey that to a wider audience.  But, above all, we want people to make an emotional connection with the store.”     

Housing Units – known for its top-hatted doormen - was established in 1947. It is a family-owned furnishings retailer based in Wickentree Lane, Failsworth, Manchester M35 9BA, next to Junction 22 of the M60. It stocks 30,000 high-quality lines across a range of departments in two buildings and a crescent of specialist shops, and prides itself on its unique style of customer service, the value of its goods and the shopping experience it provides.

Ends

Further information:

Iain Macauley

0161 929 0446/07788 978800

im@pressrelations.co.uk

www.housingunits.co.uk

TIME AND DISTANCE – THE FURNISHINGS AND INTERIORS TRENDS FOR 2011.

HOUSING UNITS

PRESS RELEASE

February 23, 2011.

TIME AND DISTANCE – THE FURNISHINGS AND INTERIORS TRENDS FOR 2011.

Photos here.

Spring and summer 2011 interior design trends will travel through time and distance according to the buying teams at one of the north west’s most influential home furnishings stores.

Designers and department heads at Housing Units know exactly where the horizons will be when homeowners home-in on their house style for this year.

“Outdoor will be particularly notable this year – designers across the board seem to be homing in on mixing cultures and heritage; this trend will use traditional craft and hand-drawn imagery inspired by a vast range of countries and cultures,” said Nick Fox of north Manchester-based Housing Units.

“We’re seeing a mix of African, Russian, Scandinavian and Indian influences across fabrics, metal work and ceramics. This includes well crafted pieces of furniture, while adding embroidered or patterned textiles for understated warmth, and tables will be dressed in hot summer colours – oranges, reds and pinks.

“At Housing Units we’re referring to it as ‘Folkloric’.

“Spring will be big in the house and home this year, where flowers, fabrics and homewares will be in a broad range of yellows and soft greens including khaki, moss and olive shades.

“There’ll also be white lacquer pieces and white porcelain, a look to bring brightness to the home. It’ll all be complemented with rattan garden furniture and natural wood furniture, a theme we’re calling ‘So Fresh’.

“Interiors are going to travel back in time perhaps more distinctly than ever before, with a clear 50s influence. Faded red, jade green and harvest gold are the key colours for this trend. Retro prints and mid–20^th century furniture shapes and styles are a prominent theme.

“But we’re also looking at a ‘Granny Chic’ trend, which will take a fresh direction this spring with contemporary graphics, updates on florals, crochet, china and all things quintessentially British and homespun.

“The main theme is of flowers on tableware, cushions in teal, maroon and muted gold and a real mix of nostalgic flowery wallpapers.

“Chalky Pastels will remain big in 2011 as they were in 2010, with dusty pink, mint green and pale blue becoming a key palette for spring/summer 2011.  Subtle hints of colours will be added to tableware and hard accessories, and the colour palette is combined with matt finishes. “

Housing Units – known for its top-hatted doormen - was established in 1947. It is a family-owned furnishings retailer based in Wickentree Lane, Failsworth, Manchester M35 9BA, next to Junction 22 of the M60. It stocks 30,000 high-quality lines across a range of departments in two buildings and prides itself on its unique style of customer service, the value of its goods and the shopping experience it provides.

Ends

Further information:

Iain Macauley

0161 929 0446/07788 978800

im@pressrelations.co.uk

www.housingunits.co.uk

HOUSING UNITS PUTS KIDS WORLD ON THE MAP.

HOUSING UNITS

PRESS RELEASE

November 25, 2010.

HOUSING UNITS PUTS KIDS WORLD ON THE MAP.

Housing Units is to launch a new store in its north Manchester retail park on December 1, 2010.

Housing Units Kids World will stock clothes, footwear, toys and bedroom furniture for under-10s, slotting into the age bracket above its current Coo Chi Coo baby store on The Crescent.

“The time is right for investment, the niche is there, our customers want it, and we have the space to be able to develop something of this nature – and a likely demand to ensure solid footfall,” said Nick Fox of Housing Units.

“We’ve researched this market intensely, and have decided from the start that we’ll be stocking designer and premium brands and products - but a big influence is also the growing number of children who now have a say in the design and décor of their own rooms.

“The timing is obviously important; we’re gathering such a momentum and level of customer visits as Christmas approaches that we feel in a strong position to give Kids World a real kick start, and to be placed firmly on the map pretty quickly.”

Housing Units – known for its top-hatted doormen - was established in 1947. It is a family-owned furnishings retailer based in Wickentree Lane, Failsworth, Manchester M35 9BA, next to Junction 22 of the M60. It stocks 30,000 high-quality lines across a range of departments in two buildings and a crescent of specialist shops, and prides itself on its unique style of customer service, the value of its goods and the shopping experience it provides.

Ends

Further information:

Iain Macauley

0161 929 0446/07788 978800

im@pressrelations.co.uk

www.housingunits.co.uk

A GRAND CHRISTMAS, A FOUR GRAND CHRISTMAS IN FACT….

HOUSING UNITS

PRESS RELEASE

October 27, 2010.

A GRAND CHRISTMAS, A FOUR GRAND CHRISTMAS IN FACT….

Video.

Sales of Christmas decorations at Housing Units – which launched its 2010 festive department 106 days before Santa is due – have exceeded the same period in 2009.

But one super-enthusiastic shopper was so taken by the occasion of her visit that she spent more than £4,000 on decorations.

The department is 3,500 square feet of floor-space dedicated to Christmas trees, decorations and accessories, with seven ready-made decoration themes, while the front of the store is designed as a fairytale castle, with a layer of snow over outdoor displays and the entrance area – a special effect produced by designers more used to creating snow scenes in Disney movies.

“People seem to want a really grand Christmas this year, in every meaning of the word, with many families turning the decoration of the house into an event in its own right – by starting Christmas so early we have clearly helped both the consumer and the economy,” said Nick Fox, director of north-Manchester based Housing Units.

“While one customer spent £4,000 in one hit, it’s clear now that customers like the idea of being able to spread the cost of purchase of decorations, with many shoppers making return visits - and UK families are very much following the North American trend of making Christmas a much bigger and more decorative event in any case – so they’re actually spending more on what they really want, and spreading the cost.

“A good part of the reason for the relentless demand is that we have created seven self-contained design and colour themes – this enhances the decorative abilities of those with a good eye, but also proves to be a solution for the less well naturally co-ordinated.”

Housing Units – known for its top-hatted doormen - was established in 1947. It is a family-owned furnishings retailer based in Wickentree Lane, Failsworth, Manchester M35 9BA, next to Junction 22 of the M60. It stocks 30,000 high-quality lines across a range of departments in two buildings and a crescent of specialist shops, and prides itself on its unique style of customer service, the value of its goods and the shopping experience it provides.

Ends

Further information:

Iain Macauley

0161 929 0446/07788 978800

im@pressrelations.co.uk

www.housingunits.co.uk

CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY TO HOUSING UNITS: SEPTEMBER 9, 2010.

HOUSING UNITS

PRESS RELEASE

September 6, 2010.

CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY TO HOUSING UNITS: SEPTEMBER 9, 2010.

Photo and interview opportunities from 9am, Wednesday, September 8, 2010.

Housing Units will launch its 2010 Christmas department on Thursday, September 9 – 106 days before Christmas - and in the process do its bit to help both the consumer and the economy.

The department will be 3,500 square feet of floor-space dedicated to Christmas trees, decorations and accessories, and seven ready-made decoration themes.

The front of the store will be designed as a fairytale castle, with a layer of snow over outdoor displays and the entrance area – a special effect produced by designers more used to creating snow scenes in Disney movies.

“Christmas is getting bigger and bigger as a celebration in the UK, with many families turning the decoration of the house into an event in its own right – by starting Christmas so early we feel we’re helping both the consumer and the economy,” said Nick Fox, director of north-Manchester based Housing Units.

“Customers like the idea of being able to spread the cost of purchase of decorations - and UK families are very much following the North American trend of making Christmas a much bigger and more decorative event in any case – so they’re actually spending more on what they really want, and spreading the cost.

“The Christmas department saw 2009 turnover up on 2008, and this clearly impacts down the line – not just in terms of our sales, but also suppliers.

“A good part of the reason is that we have created seven self-contained design and colour themes – this enhances the decorative abilities of those with a good eye, but also proves to be a solution for the less well naturally co-ordinated.”

Housing Units – known for its top-hatted doormen - was established in 1947. It is a family-owned furnishings retailer based in Wickentree Lane, Failsworth, Manchester M35 9BA, next to Junction 22 of the M60. It stocks 30,000 high-quality lines across a range of departments in two buildings and a crescent of specialist shops, and prides itself on its unique style of customer service, the value of its goods and the shopping experience it provides.

Ends

Further information:

Iain Macauley

0161 929 0446/07788 978800

im@pressrelations.co.uk

www.housingunits.co.uk

GOLF DRIVE HITS 86 BIG ONES FOR CHARITY

HOUSING UNITS

PRESS RELEASE

August 31, 2010.

GOLF DRIVE HITS 86 BIG ONES FOR CHARITY.

Photo available

Most golfers would consider a score of 3,500 to be a little off par – but for 63 staff and suppliers of Housing Units it means a big improvement.

Around £3,500 was the total raised for The Christie Hospital on the day of the Housing Units Charity Golf Day at Saddleworth Golf Club on August 27, but the company’s charity events over the past eight years have now raised more than £86,000, improving lives across the region.

“The charity we support is the choice of Housing Units’ staff, and we have a superb relationship with Christies – so handing over the cheque will be a great pleasure as always,” said Nick Fox of Housing Units.

One winner was of course Christies, but the man with the trophy on the day was guest Danny Rice from Ashton-under-Lyne.

Danny Rice’s trophy was accompanied by a winner’s prize of a £200 Housing Units Gift Voucher and golf equipment.

“It was our eighth annual golf tournament, and the great thing about golfers is that they know how to have a great day whether they’re planning for fun – or to make a genuine contribution to changing somebody’s life for the better,” said Nick Fox.  

“While everybody had a fantastic day, we did not lose sight of the fact that we were raising money for people less fortunate than ourselves. It is vitally important for local business to support local causes, and the best way to do it is to provide an enjoyable day that people want to return to again and again.”

Housing Units – known for its top-hatted doormen - was established in 1947. It is a family-owned furnishings retailer based in Wickentree Lane, Failsworth, Manchester M35 9BA, next to Junction 22 of the M60. It stocks 30,000 high-quality lines across a range of departments in two buildings and a crescent of specialist shops, and prides itself on its unique style of customer service, the value of its goods and the shopping experience it provides.

Ends

Further information:

Iain Macauley

0161 929 0446/07788 978800

im@pressrelations.co.uk

www.housingunits.co.uk

HOUSING UNITS GETS GREATS NEWS: “IT’S THE BEST” - CRAIN'S

http://www.crainsmanchesterbusiness.co.uk/article/20100524/FREE/100529959

HOUSING UNITS GETS GREATS NEWS: “IT’S THE BEST”.

HOUSING UNITS

PRESS RELEASE

May 24, 2010.

HOUSING UNITS GETS GREATS NEWS: “IT’S THE BEST”.

Housing Units has been named one of the top department stores in the country in the retail industry equivalent of the Oscars.

The Failsworth, north Manchester, store won the award for best department store retailer of gifts in The Greats Gift Retailer of the Year Awards 2010 which took place at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel on May 20.

The other finalists included last year’s winner, John Lewis of Oxford Street.

The award is open to independent department stores, or individual outlets of bigger chains, and notes product range, product knowledge, staff training, customer care, promotion and display.

“This is a jaw-dropping achievement, and incredible reward for the staff and management who live, eat and breathe Housing Units, and who are passionate about making a difference,” said Stuart Fox, Retail Operations Director of Housing Units, who collected the award.

“That we are competing against some of the greatest stores in the land is tribute to all concerned at Housing Units.

“We know our customers well, we know what they like, and many of them are like loyal friends as well as supporters.”

Housing Units – known for its top-hatted doormen - was established in 1947. It is a family-owned furnishings retailer based in Wickentree Lane, Failsworth, Manchester M35 9BA, next to Junction 22 of the M60. It stocks 30,000 high-quality lines across a range of departments in two buildings and a crescent of specialist shops, and prides itself on its unique style of customer service, the value of its goods and the shopping experience it provides.

Ends

Further information:

Iain Macauley

0161 929 0446/07788 978800

im@pressrelations.co.uk

www.housingunits.co.uk

Housing Units and other photos at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pressrelations

OUTDOOR FURNITURE: HOUSING UNITS STARTS SUMMER EARLY

http://www.cabinet-maker.co.uk/news/view/id/1353

KITCHEN DESIGN AND THE REGION OF TWO HALVES.

HOUSING UNITS

PRESS RELEASE

March 02, 2010.

KITCHEN DESIGN AND THE REGION OF TWO HALVES.

There’s a north-south divide opening up in the north-west of England, with traditional playing contemporary in a game of two kitchen halves.

“In the south of the region the trend is towards open space and contemporary ‘footballer-chic’ kitchen design, while in the north of the region we’re seeing traditional kitchens scoring with homeowners,” said Mark Gilligan of The Kitchen Design Centre at Housing Units, Failsworth, Manchester.

“More than 70% of the kitchens we’re designing and installing in Manchester and Cheshire now involve knocking down an interior wall, and creating one big kitchen and living space that becomes very much the centre of household life.

“We’re seeing this as a great family benefit in an era when families seem to spend more time apart, even within the home, than ever before.

“The contemporary open-space kitchens usually feature a breakfast bar at the heart, and areas that draw different family members in – but in to what has become the same room: mum can be cooking or reading a magazine, dad can be maybe having a glass of wine and catching up on some emails, the kids are watching the TV or playing games.

“But traditional kitchens have a similar effect – around 70% of kitchens in the north of the region are ‘traditional’ - those sorts of households like the kitchen dining table to be at the centre of things, and the family gathers for meals.

“In each case, we’re seeing circumstances in which families are spending more time together. But we don’t just design the kitchen for aesthetics, we also find something out about the lifestyle of the family, and that can often determine some very specific design elements aimed at making the kitchen fit the family rather than the family fit the kitchen.”

The Kitchen Design Centre, www.kitchendesigncentre.com, is a concession at Housing Units’ Failsworth, Manchester, retail park.  KDC specialises in premium kitchen design and construction. It also has branches in Blackburn and Colne.

Housing Units – known for its top-hatted doormen - was established in 1947. It is a family-owned furnishings retailer based in Wickentree Lane, Failsworth, Manchester M35 9BA, next to Junction 22 of the M60. It stocks 30,000 high-quality lines across a range of departments in two buildings and prides itself on its unique style of customer service, the value of its goods and the shopping experience it provides.

Ends

Further information:

Iain Macauley

0161 929 0446/07788 978800

im@pressrelations.co.uk

www.housingunits.co.uk