{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/651c19a79b495d0012adec42/6ab14c03683c10f2d109a6d7?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"How Ripples doubled its showroom network in five years","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/651c19a79b495d0012adec42/1790003971298-24e48c89-bb9c-4ede-a099-727b8557b11f.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p><strong>Why is franchising suddenly booming in the KBB industry?</strong></p><p><br></p><p>Ripples managing director Paul Crow joins Andy Davies to discuss how the bathroom franchise has almost doubled its showroom network in five years – despite an unpredictable retail market where footfall remains under pressure.</p><p><br></p><p>Paul explains why attitudes towards franchising have changed, why Ripples has deliberately resisted chasing growth for growth’s sake and why the company is now preparing to recruit franchisees again.</p><p><br></p><p>They also discuss the changing nature of independent retail, the benefits of sharing knowledge across a network and why Paul believes the relationship between retailers and some major suppliers is becoming increasingly disconnected.</p><p><br></p><p>And could the next generation of Ripples include existing independents converting their showrooms?</p><p><br></p><p><strong><em>Don't forget that entries are OPEN for the kbbreview Retail &amp; Design Awards 2027. The closing date is November 12th and everything you need to know is at </em></strong><a href=\"https://kbbawards.co.uk/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><strong><em>kbbreview.com/awards</em></strong></a></p>","author_name":"kbbreview, Andrew Davies"}