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A Case Study from The Used Kitchen Company  

28/02/2024

A Case Study from The Used Kitchen Company

At kbb Birmingham our commitment to sustainability is unwavering, and we are proud to continue our partnership with  The Used Kitchen Company, a beacon of sustainability in our industry.  We remain committed to promoting the importance of eco credentials to our exhibitors and our visitors alike and together we will champion sustainability throughout the upcoming show and beyond.

We caught up with Looeeze Grossman, Founder and CEO of The Used Kitchen Company, to gain insight into their operational strategies and explore the lifecycle of an ex-display kitchen. The Used Kitchen Company has revolutionised kitchen recycling since its inception in 2005, and over the past 19 years has solidified its position as the largest platform for selling used and ex-display kitchens.

Under Looeeze’s vision, TUKC continues to achieve remarkable milestones; saving nearly 30,000 tonnes of waste from landfills, partnering with more than 12,000 showrooms nationwide, facilitating the sale of thousands of kitchens, having nearly 40,000 registered buyers, receives nearly 100,000 weekly hits through Google and showcases every listed kitchen to its 65K followers on social media. 

Grossman says “When it comes to sourcing kitchens, our process is seamless. Every day we receive enquiries from showrooms and individuals across the country looking to sell their used and ex-display kitchens. These kitchens undergo rigorous vetting from our kitchen specialists and are photographed and measured before being showcased on our platform. We leverage our extensive network to ensure maximum visibility, facilitating viewings, inquiries, and ultimately, the sale, payment, and collection process.”

TUKC clients span from property developers and architects to private individuals and celebrities, with such influence, they have a significant platform to make an impact on the broader industry.

Nobilia: A Case Study

"Once we have gathered the necessary specifications and photographs, the rest is up to us.” 

According to Grossman, potential buyers will often want to view the kitchens before purchase and TUKC will arrange all the viewings, answer enquiries, and coordinate the sale, payment, dismantling and collection at a date that suits the seller.

A great example is this Nobilia Kitchen, which we sold on behalf of Rugby Fitted Kitchens. The kitchen retails at £25K and was sold for £8,550 to Laura Martin. The sale not only included the honed black laquer furniture, the island, worktops, Neff and Liebherr appliances but all the accessories as well. The buyer was undergoing a total revamp of their kitchen in Melksham and wanted to go “dark” in the kitchen.  This fab ex-display more than ticked all their boxes

Laura, the buyer said “ The joiner that we had to fit the kitchen used some creative ideas to make the kitchen perfect for us. He built bespoke shelving, cut some cupboards to size and even used leftover materials to build a coffee bar. It was easy to order any extra items that we needed from Rugby Fitted Kitchens. The kitchen is high-quality and all of the fittings and fixtures have a luxury feel to them.

The process from start to finish was really easy, with TUKC answering any questions quickly and efficiently. To have a high-end kitchen (and appliances) within budget is remarkable. If it wasn't for TUKC, the kitchen would have been out of our price range. We absolutely love it.”

The Importance of Recycling
This case study exemplifies the transformative impact of sustainable practices within our industry. The Used Kitchen Company's endeavours, alongside a growing commitment from manufacturers and retailers alike, signify a collective step towards a greener future. By repurposing pre-owned kitchens and embracing eco-friendly manufacturing processes, we're not just reducing landfill waste — we're paving the way for a more sustainable tomorrow.

kbb Birmingham will be taking place from 3-6 March 2024, learn about the exhibitors that will be showcasing their products and latest collections.

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