The new partnership between NMBS and Regatta Professional is said to have “ignited workwear sales for independent merchants across the country.”
Regatta Professional is a leading supplier in trade, corporate and uniform workwear, and joined NMBS in early 2021. Since then, the brand has been embraced by NMBS members keen to bring an exciting new stock offer to their customers. The supplier previously had some representation to the industry via a national builders’ merchant chain, but the opportunity to become an NMBS supplier has given it exposure to a significant new distribution channel – something it was keen to explore.
Sarah Francis, Regatta Professional Account Manager and National Sales Lead for the Merchants and Agricultural sector, said: “The last year has been challenging for the whole market, but it has also presented us with some big opportunities. As a family-run business ourselves there is already a lot of synergy between the Regatta Professional brand and independent builders’ merchants. Since joining NMBS we’ve been delighted with the response to our product range and have already seen a significant growth in sales.”
In fact, the partnership has proven so successful that Regatta is currently in the process of expanding its sales team to meet the increased demand.
Sarah added: “We’re already starting to see patterns in the kinds of products merchants want to stock. Our Tactical Threads styles, which are designed for tradespeople who are a little more fashion conscious, have proven incredibly popular. People don’t just want the trade trousers – they’re buying a real mix of Regatta Professional, from softshell jackets, sustainable styles, safety footwear, waterproofs, accessories and Hi-Visibility ranges.”
This strong start to the relationship with NMBS’ members has inspired the company to embrace the merchant industry even further, and it has since signed deals with NBG, Fortis and H&B – three of the major independent merchant buying groups.
Merchandising displays and support
Regatta Professional is also working with NMBS members to introduce premium merchandising displays for merchants who want to offer their customers even more choice. It will also soon become an NMBS OnePlace supplier so that the entire range will be available to all NMBS members via the online platform, giving a digital reach to more than 4,000 branches.
Sarah continued: “NMBS members are coming to us and saying they want to get the clothes on display so that their customers can touch, feel and really experience the products for themselves. They want functional, fashionable workwear, with plenty of choice to help tradespeople pick what looks good. At Regatta we can offer independent merchants quality products from a supplier with a great reputation, so it’s no surprise that they’re picking from our full head-to-toe product offering and giving their customers a retail experience.”
One merchant who has embraced Regatta’s products is Thorncliffe Building Supplies, which said: “Everyone knows the Regatta name and it is being well received in branch. We have seven meters and an accessory floor stand, which looks amazing. We are stocking and selling Regatta Professional hi-vis, trousers, hoodies, waterproofs – workwear sales are really growing and only going up, up!”
NMBS Trading Manager Baljit Singh has been working closely with the firm since it became an NMBS Supplier and has seen just how fully the company has embraced NMBS Members. He said: “Regatta has put its whole focus on NMBS members and has already had great success. It is actively trading with many of our members, and will be attending the NMBS Exhibition in September with over 40 Spot Buy deals finalised ready for members to place orders during the two-day event.”
