Built-In Kitchen Appliances (BIKA), a prominent retailer of electrical appliances in Liverpool, is taking significant steps to enhance its service offerings by expanding to seven-day trading. This move reflects the company’s commitment to meeting customer demand and solidifying its position as a regional destination shop.
Founded in 1990, BIKA operates from a vast 20,000 square foot showroom in Anfield and has grown to become one of the UK’s largest white goods retailers. It boasts an extensive selection of renowned brands, including AEG, Rangemaster, Stoves, Hotpoint, Neff, Bosch, Smeg, and Hoover. The showroom serves customers throughout Liverpool and the North-West of England, as well as North Wales, providing a one-stop-shop for domestic appliances, sinks, taps, and waste disposal systems.
Steve Woods, Owner and Managing Director of BIKA, emphasised the importance of independent retailers in the market. “Independent retailers work extremely hard to run a profitable and progressive business,” he said. “Being a member of Sirius has a multitude of benefits beyond supporting margin. It gives us strength in numbers, and it’s a very easy group to be a part of as our independence is respected and supported.”
Woods, who has a background as a refrigeration engineer, was driven to innovate in the kitchen appliance sector. He founded BIKA with a clear vision to specialise in built-in appliances. “I wanted to swim against the tide,” he explained. “I could see there was an opening for built-in products, and it worked very well.” Over the years, BIKA has expanded its operations, moving to its current location in a former Liverpool nightclub, The Wookey Hollow, in 2000.
The BIKA showroom provides customers with a comprehensive shopping experience, showcasing thousands of products arranged in kitchen room sets to help them visualise how items will look in their own homes. As an accredited retailer for many leading brands, BIKA has dedicated zones for Smeg and Siemens, along with areas for Neff, Bosch, AEG, Belling, and Stoves.
Darren Scott, Business Development Manager at Sirius Buying Group, highlighted the importance of digital presence in today’s retail landscape. “The best independent retailers are those open to change and using the latest digital tools to boost their outreach,” he said. “As well as investing in their showroom and website, BIKA is building a strong presence through Sirius digital channels, supported by a consistent Facebook strategy and the use of Trustpilot reviews.”
Steve Jones, Managing Director at Sirius, expressed pride in BIKA’s achievements. “We are committed to supporting independent retailers to grow their revenue streams while navigating the ongoing challenges of retail,” he stated. “BIKA exemplifies how our Approved Members can effectively drive their products and services directly to customers at the highest levels.”
With the introduction of seven-day trading, BIKA is poised to enhance its customer experience further, ensuring that shoppers have access to quality products and services throughout the week. As the retail landscape continues to evolve, BIKA stands as a testament to the success of independent retailers who adapt to meet the needs of modern consumers.
