Despite the dreary weather in Bexhill that day, this shop managed to look bright and clean and Julie's friendly greeting helped.I asked about wall-hung sanitaryware and she took me through to the back of the shop to show me a Geberit WC frame. "Although you have to build this into the wall, it really is no deeper than a standard cistern, so you don't lose much space. People sometimes worry about it holding the weight, but you can see how sturdy it is," she said. Julie went on to explain the options of a full- or half-height false wall and showed me wall-hung basins as well. "My husband will come out to have a look with no obligation to buy. There is so much choice now, but we can get you most things. We aren't tied to any particular brand."Wet Tech used its own fitters and Julie introduced me to one of them who was in the shop. Two more customers came in while we were chatting and Julie acknowledged them before finishing with me.

An extensive shop front in Hastings allowed this retailer to advertise to passing customers and it made the most of this opportunity with an eye-catching sign.Unfortunately, once inside, the dull lighting and tired carpet tiles made a bleak first impression, which wasn't helped by several gaps in displays where items were missing. Chris approached me and we discussed the merits of replacing a bath with a walk-in shower. He showed me a couple of alternatives and suggested he visit my home to measure up. "This is a free service," he said, "and it will allow me to see what's possible and make suggestions."I wandered to the back of the shop where there was a nice display of Twyford shower enclosures set against neatly painted walls with a laminate floor and good lighting.

Steve at R&R in Bexhill-on-Sea told me that a British manufacturer made kitchens exclusively for him."They are extremely good quality," he said and proceeded to demonstrate soft-close doors and pointed out various internal fittings.He extolled the virtues of Silestone worktops, even conjuring up a lump of quartz to demonstrate how tough the material was."This is the third strongest material known to man," he said. "It's ground down and then compressed to make beautiful, tough surfaces."After that, we moved on to discuss appliances, which included a demonstration of a boiling-water tap. "I have one of these at home," he said. "We use it for cups of tea, cooking pasta and instant cafetières of fresh coffee."R&R had its own team of fitters and Steve volunteered that they would undertake tiling and building work, too.

A smart exterior and bright windows meant this small kitchen studio in Bexhill-on-Sea encouraged passers-by to pop inside.Gavin was friendly and obviously proud of his business, explaining about the different kitchens on offer (rigid or flat-pack) as well as talking me through various appliances. "I employ two fitters on a freelance basis, but they have worked with me for a long time, so they are very familiar with the products. You pay them direct, I don't make any money out of the fitting, so it is more cost-effective for you," he said. "I can also organise the electrician and any small building work." 

Dask kitchen studio in Battle was run by husband-and-wife team Allan and Kim, who sold their own range of kitchen, bedroom and study furniture and prided themselves on offering a personal service."First we will come out and spend some time with you. This will help us to find out what you really want from your kitchen. We like to add touches that will make the kitchen special to you," said Kim.Allan talked me through the displays and pointed out the soft-close doors and fittings. Kim showed me some projects they were currently working on.

An attractive showroom fronted by a strong husband-and-wife team 

Situated in the pretty town of Battle, Jane Pyne's kitchen and bathroom showroom had a comfortably cluttered feel to it with an array of accessories on the window-sill, ranging from loo brushes to candles, and tile boards stacked against the wall.Jane reassured me that although she didn't have the space for extensive displays, she could source most well-known brands. She pulled out some brochures and pointed out various options I might want to consider. I asked about installation and Jane said: "I use a reliable fitter called Andy, he's very experienced. He usually comes with me on site visits and then I will oversee the whole project. You don't have to worry about a thing."

Steve Roller founded R&R Kitchens in 1988 and last November opened The Bathroom Studio in the same parade of shops."We have been inundated with enquiries in what would otherwise have been a fairly quiet time for us. The bathroom shop is a separate company with a different name so that each shop has its own identity - they do exactly what they say on the tin."Steve's enthusiastic attitude affects the whole team. "You never get a second chance to create a good first impression. We are a happy company, we enjoy going to work and the customers pick up on that. A happy customer is our future. We are offering good quality products, we are proud of what we sell and we believe we are here for the long term, so our reputation really matters."