Traffic jam is good news for kitchen couple

Jan 12 2009 by Karen Dent, The Journal

A KITCHEN and bedroom business is confident its location next to a road that comes to a standstill at rush hour will help pull in the punters.

Former kitchen designers husband and wife Steve and Sandra Slack have teamed up to open their own business, bringing German-designed kitchens and bathrooms to the North East.

The couple, from North Shields, believe their showroom Kasplan, on Newcastle’s busy Jesmond Road is one of the best shop windows around.

Mr Slack said: “During morning and evening rush hour, cars are almost at a standstill when they pass us.

“During the evening, we are next to a popular Italian restaurant and customers actually queue up against our window. We couldn’t ask for better visibility.”

He also believes that the slowdown in the housing market will help the new business to thrive, as people look to upgrade their current kitchens and bathrooms rather than moving house.

Mr Slack said: “We have spoken to so many people who have decided not to move house and instead have decided to improve their living space.

“This was one of the reasons why we decided to start our own business at this time.”

The company is selling fittings from German manufacturers RWK Kitchens and is targeting businesses such as interior designers and architects as well as domestic customers.

One of the kitchens on sale is designed for disabled customers and includes facilities such as sinks which move up and down to suit both wheelchair users and able-bodied people.

“The technology within the kitchen world is amazing these days,” said Mr Slack.