Richard Finch, a co-founder of e-tail business Expat Shopping, aims to revolutionise UK carpet retail through his new business, Simply Barefoot.
Simply Barefoot claims to be able to sell carpets that are 30 per cent cheaper than specialist offerings, using in-store consoles that incorporate touch-screen technology, design software and more than 250 flooring samples. The consoles also remove the need for extensive sales space.
The company has installed 30 units in independent soft furnishing retailers, show homes and DIY outlets, and plans to install a further 300 by the end of the year.
Next year the firm hopes to roll out a further 3,000 consoles. Finch said: 'We want to make carpet buying more informed and convenient.'
The present carpet market, dominated in Britain by Carpetright, has become increasingly tough. Recent hot weather has been partly to blame, along with growing interest in different types of floor coverings.
Simply Barefoot may also extend the business into wallpaper in the future, said Finch.
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