Independent Plumbing Stores and Bathroom Showrooms Nationwide Unite for a Day of Support and Community Building
On September 9th, 2024, The IPG’s Trade Local Day brought together independent plumbing stores and bathroom showrooms across the UK, making a powerful statement about the importance of shopping locally. In its launch year, the event highlighted the critical role these independent businesses play in supporting local communities and economies while adopting a strong camaraderie among industry professionals.
Trade Local Day has grown from a campaign to a vibrant celebration, encouraging tradespeople—plumbers, heating engineers, and installers—to connect with their local IPG stores. It’s about more than just business transactions; it’s about building relationships, nurturing community spirit, and strengthening the independent businesses that are the backbone of the plumbing and heating industries.
A Day Dedicated to Empowering Independent Businesses
Led by The IPG, the day served as a testament to the commitment of local independent businesses in the plumbing and bathroom industry. The IPG, a group representing independently owned plumbing stores and bathroom showrooms, spearheaded the initiative with a clear message: when tradespeople choose to shop local, they’re not only getting top-quality service and competitive pricing but are also investing in the very communities where they live and work.
Nike Lovell, Marketing Director of The IPG, captured the essence of the day perfectly: “Supporting your local independent stores and showrooms isn’t just about convenience or competitive pricing—it’s about nurturing relationships, strengthening local economies, and ensuring that the personal, expert service these businesses provide remains accessible to all.”
A Celebration of Community Spirit
This year’s Trade Local Day saw independent trade counters and showrooms across the country open their doors for a day of excitement, with product demonstrations, giveaways, and even friendly competitions adding to the buzz. Stores welcomed increased footfall, many reporting that it was the busiest Monday they’d seen in a long time.
IPG members went the extra mile to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Stores across the UK hosted events featuring leading industry brands and suppliers. Tradespeople were able to gain valuable insights from suppliers who were equally invested in the local economy.
The Suppliers’ Role: Fuelling the Day’s Success
One of the key components to the success of Trade Local Day 2024 was the involvement of The IPG’s supply partners, including brands like Wavin. Their commitment to engaging directly with installers and independent store owners contributed immensely to the event’s positive outcome.
Lee Frimston from Wavin explained, “Independents are a key focus for our business, and it was really important for us to support The IPG with Trade Local Day. It’s essential to get opinions from installers and the store owners to produce products that work for them.”
Many stores expressed gratitude for suppliers’ active participation; one store proudly reported, “They were a great support, supplying bacon for sandwiches and running a well-received demonstration.” Such contributions helped create a vibrant, community-centred atmosphere that showcased the close-knit relationships between independent stores and their suppliers.
Star Power: Mark Millar’s Special Appearance
A highlight of the day was the appearance of Mark Millar, The IPG’s brand ambassador and a well-known handyman from BBC One’s DIY SOS. Mark visited several member stores, adding to the day’s excitement and drawing even more attention to the event. His participation underscored The IPG’s mission to collaborate with individuals who truly understand the value of local trade and the importance of supporting independent businesses.
Mark’s enthusiasm for the day mirrored that of The IPG, as he interacted with customers and store owners, further strengthening the bond between the independent stores and the tradespeople they serve.
Real Voices from Trade Local Day 2024
The feedback from participating stores was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their delight at the success of the day.
One storeowner shared, “We had an increase in footfall; it felt busier than a typical Monday.” Another said, “It was the best breakfast and trade morning we’ve had since opening the store.” The recurring theme across all feedback was that the day had brought not only increased business but also a renewed sense of community spirit and support for local businesses.
Industry Endorsement: A Boost for Local Stores
The day was further boosted by the backing of industry leaders such as On The Tools, InstallerSHOW, HIP Magazine, and the Heating Installer Awards. Their involvement ensured that Trade Local Day 2024 reached a wider audience, reinforcing the importance of local trade within the plumbing and heating industry.
These endorsements highlighted the day’s significance for businesses and tradespeople, strengthening the movement’s visibility and encouraging even more participation for future events.
Looking Ahead: The Impact of Trade Local Day
The success of Trade Local Day 2024 is a clear indication that independent plumbing stores and bathroom showrooms remain at the heart of the UK’s trade community. By supporting these businesses, tradespeople and the general public contribute to a more robust local economy, more personalised service, and an industry that thrives on expertise and relationships.
The IPG’s members, lifted by the success of this year’s event, are already looking ahead to future Trade Local Days. They are committed to continuing the momentum and encouraging tradespeople to make “shop local” a year-round habit. The community-driven spirit of Trade Local Day extends well beyond the 9th of September, with The IPG planning more initiatives to keep local businesses at the forefront of the industry.
Join the Movement
As we reflect on the success of Trade Local Day 2024, it’s clear that supporting independent businesses isn’t just a one-off event—it’s a mindset. The IPG encourages tradespeople and homeowners to continue supporting local independent stores throughout the year. These businesses are more than just places to buy supplies; they are the heart of local economies, offering expert advice, personalised service, and an irreplaceable sense of community.
Mark your calendars for next year’s Trade Local Day on September 9th, 2025, and stay connected with The IPG and Trade Local Day for updates on future events and initiatives. Together, we can continue to build a stronger, more vibrant trade community.
For more information on The IPG and to find your local members, visit The IPG website.