DIYWEEK.net

The Chinese-owned flooring retailer has set out a manifesto to become the biggest player in the UK flooring market by the end of 2018, with plans to grow its store portfolio from 22 to 80

“Massive investment, major impact and monster growth” are set to be the hallmarks of Flooring Republic’s next 18 months, says the company, as it puts ambitious plans in place to position the fast-growing business as the largest solid wood and wood laminate flooring specialists in the UK by the end of next year.

Flooring Republic is the UK retail arm of Anbo Holdings, a family-run global flooring business that was established in 1988. Headquartered in China, Anbo has operations in the USA, Australia, Italy and France.

Flooring Republic says its growth has come hand in hand with the “phenomenal increase in wood flooring demand” and with, this expected to increase even further the retailer now plans to extends its reach in the UK and open new outlets in cities and towns that share its “approach to providing greater employment£. .

The company has had huge backing from powerful Chinese investors, which has already resulted in the acquisition of online flooring specialists Posh Flooring, making a substantial addition to their portfolio; and the number of Flooring Republic outlets is set to double in the coming months with the aim of having 80 stores retailing throughout the UK by December next year.

Anbo Holdings benefits from its own sustainable supply chain from forestry, woodland and production centres in China to its international stores.

Anbo International and Flooring Republic CEO Bobby Zhou said: “We believe that Flooring Republic offers a unique business model through sustainably managed forests, fabulous strategic and economic development partnerships with urban centres throughout the country, secure employment opportunities and career progression including professional training academy apprenticeships and ultimately the best of both worlds for our customers in progressive retail outlets and hi-tech shopping experiences.”

He continued: “We are actively seeking and being regularly approached by strategic business allies that will see us add to our nationwide network through local enterprise partnerships with councils in cities and towns in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Existing colleagues in cities such as London, Leeds, Glasgow, Birmingham, York and Cardiff are already working closely with Flooring Republic and share our enthusiasm. Our message is clear. We intend to be number one in this industry and we want to work with you.”

Mr Zhou and Dominic Nowell-Barnes, previously CEO of Posh Flooring, which he started in 2008, view the next 18 months as “just the beginning” of Flooring Republic’s intended dominant position in the UK flooring market, adding that the ultimate goal is to float the company on the stock exchange.

Discussing the acquisition of his company, Mr Nowell-Barnes said he viewed the takeover an essential major step in Flooring Republic’s journey towards market leadership.

“Digital technology has made a considerable impact on customer purchase,” he said. “Flooring Republic is now the only organisation in the UK flooring market to offer the whole media and retail package of an efficient and customer conscious call centre, easy-to-use and attractive online store website and a nationwide network of modern, multi-functional outlets. We’re also the only flooring business that offers the same price regardless of which platform our customers choose to order their purchase.”