Schmidt, a name I’m sure you’ll be hearing a lot very soon. Having completed their showroom in Branksome, more and more locals are discovering this unique kitchen showroom that is sure to give the current market leaders a run for their money. I had the pleasure of visiting their fantastic showroom one autumnal morning, to find out what everyone has been talking about. I met with owner and operator ‘Matthew Rayner’ who told me all there is to know and here’s what I found out…
80 Years In Trade; Still A Family Business
Whilst you might know Schmidt as your go-to local kitchen specialists, this brand actually derives from an incredibly interesting line of German/French heritage. The company was first established in Germany in the 1930’s by a one ‘Hubert Schmidt’ (now you see the link) and to many people’s surprise the business has remained very much within the family, currently running under Mr. Schmidt’s granddaughter’s supervision. Starting with nothing more than a small studio, the Schmidt brand comes from very humble beginnings, but it wasn’t long before the demand for their products grew. Today they have four ginormous factories (with a fifth on the way) producing their signature merchandise.
Made in Europe for Europe
Everything that is shipped to us in the UK is made in Europe and Schmidt are proud to do so. Quite often the furniture and or interiors that we purchase locally are actually manufactured some thousand of miles away, on the other side of the world. With their roots firmly planted in Europe it would be a shame to tarnish such a strong and proud heritage by importing materials/goods from elsewhere. It’s this kind of small, but exceedingly thoughtful approach to business that counts towards their uniqueness. But this isn’t the only example of how Schmidt considers the morality of their business.
A Green Footprint
It means a great deal to the company that their manufacturing process be a green one. Each and every time a tree is torn down to create a beautiful piece of furniture; a new plot is erected in its place. The factories themselves are energy self sufficient, powered by the waste created during the manufacturing process.
Even if you aren’t particularly concerned about the environment, it says a lot about the efficiency of the company. Sure they could find enough existing trees to create their products, but these guys are constantly thinking about their processes and the future of their company, which perhaps unknowingly instils a sense of trust in us as consumers. It makes us (or at least me) think, wow! Here’s a company that goes above and beyond.
The Schmidt Way
Anyone representing Schmidt (be it a store manager, a designer or even a fitter) is to prove their dedication and knowledge of the brand, using their own time to visit the warehouses and showrooms in Germany and France and that is exactly what the owner of the Poole store, ‘Matthew Rayner’, did.
He took an entire year out of work to spend time over in continental Europe, learning the ins and outs of the business. Working with the manufactures, seeing how everything gets assembled; Visiting their showrooms and getting to grips with their unique design process and even popping into the more local stores in and around London, to see how things work. Needless to say Matthew was incredibly dedicated, but he confesses that it was hard not to be having seen the companies dedication to making such stunning products.
Every Inch Your Style
Most kitchen companies claim to have a ‘made to measure’ service nowadays, but I’m certain few would rival Schmidt’s. Similarly to other companies you have the ability to customise worktops, doors, fixtures, fittings – all the usual, but few have their own ‘Creative Hub’. Every showroom is complete with one and it consists of their entire range of door and worktop colours, materials and finishes. Not to mention a showcase of various fixtures and handles. With their highly skilled creative team behind you, the only limit is your imagination.
I was so surprised at just how affordable their kitchens actually are. Considering the quality of their merchandise I was shocked to hear that you can bag yourself a brand new, state of the art, bespoke kitchen for as little as £6995. A large figure on paper perhaps, but once you’ve seen what that money gets you, you’ll be rubbing your eyes in disbelief.
It’s part of Schmidt’s promise to deliver ‘affordable luxury’. They believe in a fine balance between delivering high-quality products at a price that doesn’t break the bank.
It’s a unique way of putting all the pieces of your new kitchen together and I think everyone is going to love it! You are encouraged to spend as much time as you need with their expert design consultants, who will help you to create your dream kitchen, piece by piece. Once you’re happy with your creation your specifications will then be sent to one of their workshops, for the parts to be cut with military precision by robots and then checked and pieced together by their talented manufacturers.
There are now 16 stores in London and the South West, including Poole. It is so exciting to have one of their showrooms right on our doorstep and I thoroughly recommend you pay them a visit sometime. You’ll be instantly assured of their dedication to innovation, quality and an excellent customer experience upon your very first visit – let alone when you purchase your next kitchen from them. Pop in to discover what they can do and how you could benefit from their exceptional opening offers available now up to Christmas.
t. 01202 973008
e. design@schmidt-poole.com
w. poole.schmidt-kitchens.com
a. 441 Poole Road, Branksome, Poole BH12 1DH
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm
Saturday, 10am to 5pm
Sunday, 11am to 4pm
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