We use cookies to provide you with a better experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.

logo
  • Engineers & Specifiers
  • Contractors & Installers
  • Wholesalers & Distributors
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Free Subscription
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • PRODUCTS
    • Bath & Kitchen
    • Fire Protection
    • HVAC
    • Hydronics/Radiant
    • Plumbing
    • PVF
    • Tools
  • PROJECTS
    • Commercial
    • Green Building
    • MRO/Retrofit
    • Remodeling
    • Residential
  • HOW TO
    • Design
    • Fire Protection
    • Legal Matters
    • Management
  • BUSINESS
    • Buying Groups
    • Technology
    • Associations
  • CODES & STANDARDS
    • ANSI
    • ASHRAE
    • ASSE
    • Regulations
    • Green Building
    • IAPMO
    • ICC
    • NFPA
  • RESOURCES
    • Media Kit
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Classifieds
    • Digital Editions
    • Behind the Wall
    • Webinars
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • DIGITAL EDITIONS
Home » BENDER Opens Reimagined Showroom
Feature

BENDER Opens Reimagined Showroom

A vintage building houses a modern display area of high-end plumbing fixtures.

September 9, 2018
Ruth Mitchell
No Comments
tw09_bender

BENDER, a fourth-generation family-owned and -operated distributor, debuted its reimagined New Haven, Conn., showroom in late May. During its open house reveal, more than 1,100 guests toured 21,000 sq. ft. of expertly designed space and vignettes showcasing decorative plumbing, kitchen and bath cabinetry, lighting and tile. 

The showroom is located in the Mill River district, which is undergoing a resurgence as New Haven works to  transform the old manufacturing facilities into a new bohemian-chic district. 

“It was a customer-appreciation event,” says owner Max Bender. While the outside of the building retains its simple charm, the inside surprises customers with its wow factor. 

What makes the renovated showroom unique is its nod to the past and eyes on the future. 

Constructed in 1889 as a grain warehouse, BENDER (www.bendershowrooms.com) transformed the space in 1991 into a showroom and warehouse. After years of success, it was time to update the space. To set it apart from competitor showrooms, the distributor reimagined the area as a state-of-the-art showroom yet still showcasing the craftsmanship of the building’s original character.  

To keep the charm of the old building, the loft-like open feel of the space provides for a nice flow to the showroom. The original exposed brick walls serve as a neutral backdrop and the textured ceiling has the imprint of the old wood beams, a nod to the old and the new.  

The Bender showroom model started in the company’s Norwalk, Conn., location and perfected in New Haven.  To maximize the customer experience, the showroom sells kitchen, bathing, lighting, tile, stone, plumbing and HVAC — focusing on the high-end, “attainable-luxury” items, Max Bender notes. The company sells Kohler and carries other high-end brands such as Franke, Gessi, and Franz Viegner.

 “It’s house jewelry — all the decorative products under one roof,” he says. “From the knob to the cabinet to the light bulb to the sconce to the tile and stone; we have everything except appliances,” said Max. With more than 600 faucets, numerous interactive displays (steam shower anyone?), and 23 kitchen vignettes, it is easy to see how the location has become a destination.   

What makes this space different is the merchandising. Owners David Bender and son Max note that the New Haven showroom is the second location where the staff designed the merchanding. 

 “In a conventional showroom, everything is merchandised differently — it’s a hodgepodge,” Max Bender explains.  “It doesn’t stir creativity, it doesn’t help you visualize or appreciate the beauty.  The new showroom’s clean, sleek lines on all-clear acrylic pods with the faucet bottoms cropped off makes it easy for a customer to visualize putting together products.” 

He credits his father for wanting to make a more interactive experience; customers can take a faucet and set it down on various sample countertops to see how the two elements work together 

“Customers can see it come to life, which provides a better customer experience,” David Bender explains.

A home construction or remodeling can be overwhelming. Some customers like the experience of taking time to select individual components, while others want to walk in, see a vignette and purchase it as is.  To help with visualization, six Kohler vignettes are installed on the right — each designed for clients to imagine different wall textures, bathroom lighting and color.  

The BENDER showroom philosophy believes in marrying function, budget, design and customer convenience.  By providing all product in one room, the showroom design maximizes customers time. 

“There’s something for everyone,” Max Bender says “The brands support us, and we support their products.  We provide top-shelf customer service and can help create a beautiful space at any budget. We provide obtainable luxury.

Bath & Kitchen Plumbing Wholesalers & Distributors
  • Related Articles

    Ferguson opens flagship showroom that doubles as national training center

    Blackman Plumbing Supply Opens 7,000 Square Foot Showroom in New Jersey

    PIRCH opens its largest kitchen and bath showroom in New York City​

Ruth outline1
Ruth Mitchell

Embassy Group Annual Conference

More from this author
You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Most Popular

  • Louisville Water Uncovers Ancient Check Valve Dating Back to the 1870s

  • F.W. Webb Customer Throws First Pitch at Red Sox Game

  • Plumbing Museum Leaving Space in Watertown

  • NIBCO Announces Promotion of Dawn Bloch to Vice President, Customer Engagement

Featured Video

Merit video june

Merit Brass Merit Press Technology in Copper & Stainless to Save You Time & Money

Industry Events

  • 25Jun

    2022 ASHRAE Annual Conference

    Toronto,
  • 26Jun

    SWA 94th Annual Convention

  • 09Aug

    PVF Roundtable Q3 Networking Meeting

    Houston , TX
More Events

Subscribe to our newsletters & stay updated

Subscribe & Learn More

  • Tw06 2022 cover
    Learn More
  • Pe06 2022 cover
    Learn More
  • Phc06 2022 cover
    Learn More
  • Es07 2020
    Learn More
Subscribe

More from PHCP Pros

  • Editorial Team
  • Home
  • Contact Us
  • About
  • Advertise

Follow Us

© 2022 All Rights Reserved

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development | ePublishing