DIYWEEK.net

Corby-based Cunningtons Tools has widened its customer base by launching an online tool shop promising delivery of items direct from stock.
Well-known tool shop Cunningtons Tools has launched its online version of its 30-year business - The Big Tool Shop.

The web-based shop will provide hand and power tools at competitive prices for immediate delivery straight to a customer's front door.

Derek Ritchie, the managing director of Cunningtons said: "I am very pleased with the launch of www.thebigtoolshop.co.uk. Our aim is to establish a strong position online to widen our customer base so that we can sustain the business into the future."

Cunningtons was established in 1935 and began as an ironmongers before it was purchased by Derek Ritchie in 1985.

Mr Ritchie expanded the business from a small retail shop into a trade and retail outlet. He also expanded its product ranges so it incorporated the engineering market alongside the diy trade.

Cunningtons became Cyclomarket Limited T/A Engineering Supplies, catering for a large range of customers. It has a retail counter which encompasses everything from ironmongery, hand and power tools, fasteners and fixings right through to adhesives and even fireworks.

Expand

Mr Ritchie said: "Cyclomarket is a successful company, but we were looking for new ways to expand the business and we felt the best way to this was to turn to the internet.

"With The Big Tool Shop we are hoping to increase the volume of customers by being able to deliver goods to the whole of the UK, not just Northamptonshire. We are also actively encouraging our existing customers to visit the online shop by sending them e-newsletters."

He said his ultimate plan is to have more than 25,000 products on the site with 90% availability for next-day delivery.

He went on: "We have researched other sites and we have found that a large number cannot offer the same availability that we can. We feel as the site expands we will be able to offer a higher level of service and choice to a wider range of customers.

"The site is still in the early stages and we are adding new products all the time, but we feel with the knowledge of our very experienced staff that we can grow our online site beyond what we would be able to offer from our existing retail outlet."

Sarah Ritchie, director added: "We see great opportunities online and believe that this heralds the future for Cunningtons. We look forward to the next 30 years of business with enthusiasm and pride."