HAPPY HOLIDAYS – UK TOUR WALES

happyholidaysHot tub retailers in Wales are basking in the glory of a bumper year in terms of spa sales in 2019. Just like the rest of the UK, performance figures are up across the board, with many Welsh retailers reporting a record year for sales of hot tubs. “There has been a steady climb in the hot tub market, and we have seen more and more people deciding to hold back on family holiday this year to invest in a hot tub, something they can use all year round which positively impacts their health and well-being,” comments Jack Glynn of Concept Spa. But it’s the boom in the UK’s holiday sector that’s having the biggest impact on the Welsh hot tub market.

With its rugged coastline and sweeping National Parks, it’s easy to see why Wales is one of the UK’s most popular holiday hot spots. In fact a record number of holiday trips were taken in Wales last year. “As hot tubs are at the top of search list when people are deciding where to stay in the UK, holiday rental owners are actively installing hot tubs to increase both their bookings and rental value which in turn has directed a lot of business our way,” says Jack. Yan Koob of Castle Hot Tubs agrees: “The holiday rental and park market has grown as consumers demand the perfect, relaxing holiday, and over the past 10 years this side of our business has grown by 45 per cent and continues to grow year on year.” The holiday sector also makes up around 30 per cent of business for Aqua Spas & Pools based in the Vale of Glamorgan. The company is currently working on two holiday park projects, installing hot tubs for 14 woodland eco lodges. Director Julian Morgan explains: “One of the biggest advantages of being based in Wales is the potential to sell to many holiday sites including individual cottages and lodges and this business has increased over the years.”

happyholidays2 EXCLUSIVE DEALER
Aqua Spas & Pools was established in 2003 by husband and wife team Julian and Natalie Morgan. Since then, the company has become the exclusive dealer and importer of Cal Spas products in Wales – a partnership which has gone from strength to strength over the years. “A unique feature of our business is our partnership with Cal Spas in the USA. This quality brand is also imported by us, allowing us to sell direct to other UK dealers as factory direct through our buying group,” explains Julian. “In our first year in 2018 we purchased over 300 units and stock around 60 spas and swim spas in our Welsh warehouse located near Cowbridge near Cardiff. The key to our business is offering product for immediate delivery.” Aqua Spas & Pools are a small but dedicated team of four, headed up by Directors Julian and Natalie, plus a subcontractor for the pool building side of the business. Aside from Cal Spas, their other key suppliers include Leisure Concepts, Bosta, SpaEuro and Plastica. The company’s current bestselling hot tub model is the EC PACIFICA 739L – a 7’x7’ longer spa, which features three pumps, waterfalls and LED lighting. The RRP is £8,995 but Aqua Spas & Pools sell directly to the public for just over £5,500. “Being the official importer of Cal Spas allows us factory pricing, fast logistics and quicker support,” explains Julian. “We pride ourselves in providing local backup and support to the people in Wales and in turn our existing customers are our best form of marketing.” he adds. Overall Julian says he is feeling positive about the hot tub market and is feeling optimistic about the next 12 months: “We are up about 20% this year compared to last year, however the market challenges with BREXIT and the negative media haven’t helped. Less finance applications have occurred this year, but on a positive note we have seen an increase in higher end tub sales and swim spas in 2019.” The family-run Castle Hot Tubs is based in Pembrokeshire and was established in 2001 by Sally and Dieter Koob.

happyholidays3FAMILY-RUN
After years of suffering from chronic back pain and having had multiple operations, Dieter decided to invest in a hot tub as a last resort in the hope that it would offer some relief. The results were almost immediate and the couple were so impressed that they decided to open up a hot tub showroom at their Hayscastle premises. The company now boasts three showrooms across Wales, and has expanded its portfolio of products to include swim spas, telescopic garden enclosures, gazebos, garden furniture, pizza ovens, fire pits and saunas. Castle Hot Tubs also specialise in servicing, repairs, relocation and removal of all types of hot tubs and swim spas. The three showrooms are based in Haverfordwest, Swansea and Bridgend, meaning that the Castle Hot Tubs’ customer base covers the entire M4 corridor and extends up as far as Aberystwyth and Mid Wales. “With our newest showroom in Bridgend performing well and the beautiful weather that the summer offered we have experienced another year of growth for the company,” reveals General Manager Yan Koob. “We see no signs of the market slowing down,” he adds. “We tend to see consumers concentrating more on big lifestyle purchases like hot tubs, swim spas and garden enclosures rather than smaller ‘clutter causers’.”

Aqua Spas & Pools
Tel. 01446 730200
Postcode. CF71 7PF
www.aquaspas.co.uk

Castle Hot Tubs
Tel. 01348 840509
Postcode. SA62 5QG, SA6
8QW & CF33 6BJ
www.castlehottubs.co.uk

Concept Spa
Tel. 01248 723207
Postcode. LL77 7AW
& LL49 9NZ
www.conceptspa.co.uk

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