ALPHARETTA, GA.—Hansgrohe, the kitchen and bath manufacturer and its designer brand Axor, are heading into 2012 with a new, multi-interface website. In addition to a new design, the site offers a “Hansgrohe PRO” portal, which caters to the needs of architects, designers and trade. It will also incorporate helpful and interactive features such as design and trend ideas, planning programs, a “Water Savings Calculator,” an enhanced “Shopfinder,” as well as easy “point and click” access to the company’s social media pages and feeds.
“We wanted to make sure that our customers—whether they are consumers, trade or A & D—have a multi-dimensional online resource at their fingertips,” said Russ Wheeler, president of Hansgrohe N.A. “Our new website provides the tools needed to create that dream kitchen or bath in just a few clicks. Our new site wouldn’t be complete without a focus on water conservation. The Water Savings Calculator will help our customers decide which product is best for them, from water efficiency to cost. At the same time, it will help create more eco-conscious awareness in general—a benefit to us all.”
Some new features include:
Business and Customer Interfaces—To further facilitate customer needs, the new website offers two separate interfaces: “business to consumer” (B2C) and “business to business” (B2B). These can be used individually or in tandem to direct costumers to the experience they seek. The B2C interface is designed for consumers who are more inclined to focus on the aesthetic appeal of Hansgrohe and Axor rather than the nuts and bolts of plumbing. Here they will find product information and design tips that center around the look and feel of the Hansgrohe and Axor offerings. The B2B interface will appeal to architects, plumbers, remodelers and showroom associates, as they will find sales tips and rough-valve information that can be used to assist in successful project pitches and installations.
Designs and Trends—Consumers are often looking for inspiration and handy tips for their projects. While the wide range of products and new technical options are among the many benefits Hansgrohe offers, choosing just the right combination can be a challenge. With this in mind, the company has created a special area to help spark new ideas and offer suggestions. On one tab, multiple design themes are outlined such as “Retro Look” and “Experience Nature.” The pages explore a multitude of styles and tastes and use fashion and other home décor products to provide inspiration and ideas. In addition, the “design stories” tab offers video tours and a “behind-the-scenes” look at bathroom concepts prominent designers have conceived for collections with the Hansgrohe and Axor brands.
Planning and Water Conservation—The new website also gives consumers practical advice, recommendations and a checklist to simplify bathroom planning and prepare for a visit to a Hansgrohe dealer. Further, because Hansgrohe is committed to the environment, it was important to develop a Water Savings Calculator tool. Using the calculator, visitors can select a product and enter their personal consumption data. Based on this information, personalized statistics on energy and water costs are generated. The system also visually and numerically displays how much water and money can be saved by opting to use Hansgrohe’s proprietary EcoRight low-flow products. To complement the useful device, general water saving pointers are provided. Once a consumer has made their product choices, the “Shopfinder” can provide an enhanced listing of dealers with general contact information, videos, images, multiple map viewing options and more. With a wide range of dealers across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico, the Shopfinder helps visitors pinpoint the closest location for them, as well as offers numerous options to narrow search results.
Hansgrohe PRO—Architects, designers and the trade will find a portal especially developed for them called “Hansgrohe PRO.” It boasts in-depth planning data, installation instructions and technical tips. Details on individual products are featured in a comprehensive way with specification information, compliance data and helpful downloads included. A special “Consultation and Planning” section breaks down important information and practical help according to target groups. Plumbers and dealers, architects and planners and distributors each have their own section tailored to their specific needs.
Axor NYC—In September 2011, the designer brand of Hansgrohe opened its very first North American design studio, Axor NYC. Because the studio is so vital to the brand in North America, an entire area of the website is dedicated to it, featuring an in-depth description, studio hours and contact information, as well as an assortment of photographs. Located in the heart of Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, the space showcases the entire Axor line of products, is a valuable resource for the industry and design-savvy public and a venue for numerous events. Designers, architects and consumers can visit the space, work with a product specialist and create a specification document to take to a local dealer.
Go to Hansgrohe.
