Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM OCTOBER 2016 74 A S S O C I A T I O N N E W S FERGUSON SPONSORS NKBA STUDENT MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM Students in qualified design and building programs can now join the NKBA at no cost NKBA will now offer a student membership at no cost to all those studying in the design and building fields thanks to a new, Platinum Sponsorship provided by Ferguson Enterprises (Ferguson), the largest distributor of residential and commercial plumbing supplies in the U.S. An NKBA student membership allows students to network with both industry professionals and other students. Student members also receive free registration for the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS ® ), where they can see the latest trends and technology in action and network with other students in the new KBIS Student Lounge. "We are pleased to partner with Ferguson to provide our student memberships at no cost to eligible students," said NKBA CEO Bill Darcy. "Students are the future of the industry and want to do all we can to ensure success in their chosen career." "While Ferguson's partnership with the NKBA spans more than 20 years, we are very excited to focus our efforts on students of the industry," said Kate Bailey, director of showrooms for Ferguson. "We look forward to seeing how this year's sponsorship will expand the students' access to valuable industry resources and opportunities." Other student member benefits include free or discounted kitchen and bath design software, discounts on the NKBA Professional Resource Library books, access to internships, as well as exclusive opportunities and design competitions that offer thousands of dollars in scholarships annually, plus national exposure and recognition. And now, not only is the $159 Associate Kitchen & Bath Designer (AKBD) exam application fee waived for qualified student members, but those at NKBA accredited college programs can take the exam prior to graduation once they have completed a minimum of 85% of their Kitchen and Bath coursework. To join the NKBA or to renew your membership, contact NKBA Member Relations at (800) THE-NKBA (843-6522). MILLENNIAL SPENDING Millennials are driving trends ranging from cold- brewed coffee to the athleisure movement. As such, it's no surprise that kitchen and bath professionals are wondering just how millennials are affecting our industry Apparently, they are having a positive effect. According to new research from the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), millennials currently outspend other age groups when remodeling their kitchens and bathrooms. The research found that millennials spend over 17 percent more than the average of $19,155 typically invested in a kitchen remodel, and over 42 percent more than the $11,364 normally spent to remodel a bathroom. It also showed that millennials were more likely to work with professional designer, either independently or through a showroom, than other age groups. The NKBA research study, "Understanding Millennial Kitchen & Bath Consumers," compares both the purchasing behavior and attitudes of those ages 18-37 to older generations with regard to planning kitchen and bath remodeling projects. In other good news, the study, conducted by The Farnsworth Group, also found that more than half of the millennial generation has purchased a home in the last five years. And not only do they spend differently, they research differently as well. For example, younger generations are more likely to turn to Internet searches as well as information and recommendations from friends and family members when purchasing kitchen and bathroom products. Customer reviews are also more important to

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