Cartridge World opens first showroom store in Harrogate
Published: 27 February 2017
Cartridge World has opened its first new-look showroom store in Harrogate.
A departure from its traditional retail outlets, the printing specialist’s new showrooms will allow customers to interact more freely with printing supplies and hardware.
The showroom includes meeting areas and facilities such as free coffee and Wi-Fi, so customers can discuss and explore their printing options in a comfortable environment.
Paul Callow, Cartridge World UK & Ireland CEO, said: “The very first Cartridge World store outside of Australia – where Cartridge World was founded – was opened in Harrogate in 2002, so it is entirely fitting that this brand new showroom should open in the town some 14 years later.”
This is the second store directly owned and managed by the master franchise, which took ownership of Cartridge World Petersfield.
“In Petersfield, we’ve seen sales up 8.5 per cent in January 2017 versus the same time period last year, and five per cent more new customers,” Paul added.
“Along with Harrogate, we plan to use these stores to demonstrate best practice and what is possible when franchisees take full advantage of the promotions, tools and services, which have been introduced to the network by us since taking control of the UK business last April.”
Cartridge World UK & Ireland plans to open five showrooms in 2017, either through its existing franchise network, new franchisees, or through the master franchise. The business also has plans to roll the concept out in France, Spain and Portugal. The UK and Ireland master franchise acquired the franchise rights to these countries in November 2016.
Gavin Askew, Cartridge World’s UK general manager, said: “Harrogate has a place in our hearts because it’s where a lot of us did our training when we joined Cartridge World.
“Small businesses come and go in local communities, and when the old Harrogate store closed, it was clear that it needed to be re-opened as quickly as possible to continue serving the local community.
“We’ve invested a lot of time and effort in developing this fantastic store to help elevate the Cartridge World brand. I’m excited about what this new retail experience will mean for our customers and the future success of the business as a whole.”
