Anthony James Interiors, Gorringe Valley Road

The assistant here was very enthusiastic about the Crown kitchens on offer. "They are a reliable British brand," and about Anthony's skills as a fitter, "Tony is a cabinet maker by trade and takes a real pride in his work.
"At the end of the day we want you to be happy and to invite all your friends in to see your new kitchen," he said. Sadly this craftsmanship was not much in evidence in the shop other than a sprinkling of sawdust that covered the worn carpet and a limited display of doors. Both the interior and the double showroom window could be put to be better use to advertise this business's strengths.

Score: 5/10
Use the showroom to promote your strengths, not as a workshop.

Cascade, Grove Road

The items in the window of this bathroom showroom were dusty which didn't make a good first impression.
Inside, the carpet was stained and the lighting harsh, so that didn't help. But the ultimate crime committed here was a member of staff bellowing, "that's a load of boll**ks" into his phone as I walked in. As I wandered round the tired displays he continued to rant into the phone, although he had seen me walk past his desk. And this heated discussion (which I hope was with the fitters and not a customer) continued as I perused the selection of items on display. I asked another assistant about installation and he indicated that I should have a chat with angry-phone-man. I left.

Score: 3/10
Top tip - don't shout and swear in front of customers.

Upfields, South Street

This sizeable showroom has a good corner location and large, nicely presented windows.
On entering, the lady seated at the reception desk said "good afternoon" but didn't follow up with any further enquiry so I wandered off to look at the displays myself. These included a glossy black kitchen with striking green glass tiles which I had admired from outside. Unfortunately the afternoon sun streaming through the large window highlighted a number of greasy finger marks and a fine layer of dust on the doors and drawers. I walked back past the assistant, who didn't look up from her book, to look at an attractive presentation of a Sottini roll top bath with over bath shower.

Score: 6/10
Cheerful and helpful service - initially at least.

Eastbourne Bathroom & Tile Centre, Seaside

The exterior of this shop looked a bit tired with a faded blue and yellow sign and awning. Inside, Armitage Shanks and Roca displays were cluttered with taps, accessories and mirrors so it was hard to see the wood for the trees.
There was also an area dedicated to saunas, but this too was spoiled by a rack of promotional literature and a stack of tile boards. The saleslady was chatting to two customers, but once they left she showed no interest in me despite the fact that I had been browsing for some time. I wandered upstairs to find more tiles, but again there was very little presentation with the boards seemingly stacked at random and empty wall space which could have been used to show the product in-situ.

Score: 5/10
The shop and the sales presentation could use some work

HKS, Seaside

Good use was made of a corner location with V&B bathrooms in the windows on one side and well propped kitchens showing onto the main road.
A cream painted kitchen was presented with pretty lilac and blue tiles behind the hob which were complemented by similarly coloured china on the breakfast table. Bob joined me and immediately apologised for the mess (there were a couple of boxes in one corner) "We are putting in a new display" he explained. I wandered round to take in the Mobalpa kitchens, Daval fitted bedrooms and the bathroom displays which were all clean and bright. "Once I know the kind of thing you are looking for I can always direct you to one of our other showrooms if they have a better display. We can handle the whole project from start to finish and we are members of the KBSA." I didn't want to take away any brochures, but as I was leaving Bob handed me a colourful HKS leaflet "Please take a look at our website," he said. "You can see actual case studies there so you get a good idea of what we can do." 

Score: 8/10
A smart showroom and Bob was confident in the product and service HKS could offer

Focus Interiors, Albert Parade

In an attractive parade of shops Focus made an impact with a bright red and white sign above the window.
Inside the small showroom was crowded with brassware, bathroom furniture and sanitaryware as well as a run of kitchen units. There were some imaginative display ideas - such as baths filled with polystyrene packing chips and basins. No space has been wasted and the result manages to be busy without looking cluttered. Proprietor Martin, who had been eating his lunch, appeared from the back of the shop with a cheery greeting and suggested I look downstairs where I found a further selection of showers and sanitaryware. Despite being underground the area was well lit and enhanced by attractive tiling. Back upstairs Martin handed me his card and suggested I visit the website to view some finished installations. "Give me a ring and I will pop out to see what we can do for you" he said. The only negative I would like to mention here is that while I appreciate that lunch often has to be eaten in the showroom it is best to avoid pungent smelling foods such as cheese & onion crisps!

Score: 7/10
Good use of a small space and cheerful service

Verrall & Parks, Seaside

Verrall & Parks had successfully created two eye catching windows with Kohler sanitaryware in one and a distinctive white gloss William Ball kitchen in the other featuring unusual handles and a red Silestone worktop.
I wandered in and was immediately joined by Russell who was very knowledgeable about the kitchens on display - answering all my questions regarding worktop and door options and volunteering information about the manufacturer. "We can undertake small building work for your kitchen and bathroom. The best thing to do is arrange a site visit so that we find out where all the services are and then we can prepare computer images. We have an excellent system, the results are almost like photographs." Russell also stressed that Verrall & Parks are part of the Eastbourne 'Buy With Confidence' approved trader scheme developed in conjunction with the Office of Fair Trading. We wandered into the bathroom area, which is not big but still showed a variety of styles, and as I left I paused to admire a set of Kohler pillar taps. Russell, seeing my interest, pointed out the alternative wall mounted version.

Score: 7/10
A pleasant shop and Russell expressed genuine interest in my project and enthusiasm for the product on sale

Winner's profile: HKS

This family run business, founded by Tim Burgess 27 years ago, has four showrooms in Sussex. Showroom manager Davina Keohane has been at the Eastbourne outlet for 12 years. She says, "We try to keep up to date with trends so there is always something going on in the shop but as Eastbourne is a traditional town the shaker and painted kitchens continue to be popular. That is not to say we are frumpy. It all depends on how you prop the displays, which also helps customers visualise how it will work at home." When it comes to service Davina says it comes from the top, "Tim is very fair, we want our customers to enjoy their kitchens or bathrooms, to come back to us and to tell their friends."