While many kitchen and bath designers enjoy the benefits of working out of a showroom, in recent years, there’s been a trend toward more designers moving to a home-based model. The combination of financial losses from recent pandemic-related lockdowns and new technology that makes the work-from-home model more viable will likely see this trend continue to grow.

But in the current climate, where fears of a second COVID-19 wave and job uncertainty are creating challenges, these design professionals need resources to help them grow. Recognizing this, Global Kitchen Designers/Kathy Ireland^® has launched a new Sub-Dealer program aimed at supporting home design and trade professionals whose businesses were affected in recent months by the pandemic.

The idea, according to company founder and CEO Mayan Metzler, is to provide designers access to high-end European lines that they might not otherwise be able to offer their clients, creating a more level playing field for designers who don’t have a showroom by allowing them to compete with others who might have more resources.

Global Kitchen Designers/Kathy Ireland^® is an independent seller of European kitchens with 16 showrooms nationwide, including New York, Miami, Seattle, Denver, Dallas, Atlanta, Washington D.C., Chicago and Los Angeles. The showrooms carry high-end kitchen collections by European brands Leicht, Stosa Cucine, TEAM7, Charles Yorke and Pianca.

“In order for a home design or trade professional to become a kitchen dealer and purchase directly from established manufacturers, a substantial investment is required on their part in a showroom, displays, kitchen designers, design software, and more,” Metzler said. “Trade professionals who are using kitchen dealers may or may not receive a commission, which is usually a nominal fee and is not comparable to the potential margins available to a kitchen dealer.”

Metzler continues, “GKC’s Sub-Dealer Program is structured to allow trade professionals to benefit from the potential profit margins, without having to make any investment.” He adds that GKC can also assist designers by providing a variety of services, “including design, ordering, technical support, and more.” 

To find out more or to register in the Sub-Dealer Program, visit globalkitchenconcepts.com.