This achievement is all more noteworthy given that Tippitoes is bringing to the market major purchase items, witness the excellent "Littondale" range of wooden furniture, recognised as products of real substance available at a significant discount to comparables.  Similarly, launched only last year, Tippitoes strollers have taken to the streets in their thousands and built a reputation for durability (the new Max Viz is also eye catching in the extreme).  Perhaps what most singles out Tippitoes as a company that is able to deliver the goods, however, was its ability to obtain a significant and award winning presence in what was already a mature and generally well served market. Tippitoes is a force to be reckoned with in the Safety Gate sector, a market for which it has exciting plans.

The Company is regularly asked how it manages rapid growth with apparent ease and the answer is always the same, summed up succinctly by General Manager, Paul Walters; "we listen to what people have to say".  From the outset of its expansion drive, and in a spirit of mutual trust, Tippitoes freely discussed with trading partners and industry experts the needs and wishes of the nursery trade with the singular aim of plugging the gaps, be they product wise or service related.  If Tippitoes believes it can do something it will say so, commit itself as to when it will be done and, invariably, deliver on time.  On the other hand, if a challenge may be beyond it then Tippitoes is comfortable saying so because, for Tippitoes, letting people down is not permissible.  This honest approach has been the cornerstone of Tippitoes' success.  Of course, initially there were sceptics but, as Paul Walters says, "Quite understandably.  When we declared our intention to transform into a major brand it was clearly a bold claim."  The company recognises it still has a very long way to go but, now, if Tippitoes says it will do something the general reaction is to unquestioningly accept that it will be done.

What next from Tippitoes?

It recently announced that it was extending its mainland service to Northern Ireland and Eire and, at the time of going to print a couple of weeks into that strategy, it is clear that word of what is on offer has spread beyond the shores of Great Britain.  Tippitoes has received a very warm welcome in Ireland and is confident that it will have comprehensive coverage of the market by the end of this year.  That is great news for Irish retailers who can confidently expect top class levels of service and support across a wide range of products.  In particular Tippitoes sees Ireland as a fantastic opportunity for its strollers.

What is the Company's view on the direction its product development will take?

Tippitoes has been asked more than once if there is any product area that it will not consider.  Until recently the answer was "no" but that may have changed.  In Baroo, the company hopes it has found an ideal partner and so it seems likely that bedding, linens and soft furnishings will be a sector in which Tippitoes has no plans to involve its brand name.  Other than that, as Paul Walters says, "of course we remain careful neither to stretch our resources nor strain our capabilities but, as for "no go areas", for us there is no such thing and if we perceive a need we will set about satisfying it."

Hotline: 0845 600 8595 

www.tippitoes.com

Stand A14

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