Gloucester Renaissance: The Magnificent 7

Robert Gillman (left) and Stewart Burridge in the Gillman’s Miele centre.

Forever, better: Gillman’s extend their longest-running partnership

When Gillman’s started selling domestic appliances to the people of Gloucester back in 1969, one of the first brands they went into partnership with was Miele. The Gloucester institution celebrates its 50th anniversary during 2019 and has relaunched its Miele centre to celebrate the occasion. A world-leading brand, Miele was founded in Germany as far back as the 1800s. Now they supply the full range of domestic appliances under the mantra ‘Immer Besser’ – German for forever better. It’s that commitment to the quality of its products that make Miele one of the most popular brands on sale at Gillman’s St Oswald’s store and showroom. As with a number of other of its best-selling brands, Gillman’s has created a ‘see-touch-buy’ section of their showroom dedicated to Miele products, where they can be seen at work. Managing director of Gillman’s, Robert Gillman, said: “We were the first independent store in the country to have a Miele showroom, outside of their head office.

“They wanted us to be their showroom for the South West region and it’s worked well for us both. “It has live, working appliances in it. The dishwashers, washing machines and ovens are working. “So, if you want to bring your socks in to wash them, or the dirty dishes to wash, or even want to bake a cake in a working oven, you can.” Miele make no secret that its selling point is the ‘premium’ quality and durability of its products. That does mean the slightly higher price for their products, but Mr Gillman is certain they provide better value in the long run. “It’s a premium German brand and they live up to that ‘immer besser’ promise,” he said. “Without doubt you pay for the quality. “They are a family-owned business in the same way we are, and we have a partnership with them that is long- lasting. “We don’t only sell their appliances, we install and offer their aftercare for them. We are the one-stop shop for

98 | July 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com

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