Because premium design at an affordable price is an important factor for trade plumbing fixture buyers (alongside, of course, great availability), it REALLY pays to stay aware of product trends.

That’s why this quick read blog reveals some of the changes we’re seeing in US-wide demand and also explains how the right supplier can help turn shifts in the plumbing fixture market into awesome category performance for you.

Read on to discover how the American homeowners are changing their preferences PLUS practical tips to help leverage changing trends.

US Plumbing Fixture Trends: Six Must-See Changes in End-User Demand

Our decorative plumbing fixtures are at the cutting edge of design innovation (after all, we design, assemble and test our own fixtures right here in Omaha so we’ve set some of those trends ourselves!). 

Here’s some of the latest developments our team members have been seeing:

1. Tubs and showers are changing…fast 

Bathtubs are in less demand in 2022 and where a homeowner does want a tub they prefer a free-standing unit with either a free-standing tub filler or wall-mounted tub filler.  When it comes to finishes, matte black and satin brass are on-trend along with the increasing popularity of reduced wall mount brassware in showers and flush mount showerheads. After all, end users like to save water but this is secondary to the effectiveness of a showerhead.

Tip: Be sure to stock compact shower valves with built-in diverters allowing several functions, with a smaller presence on the wall, as well as ensure your supply is ultra-reliable for fast fulfilment. For our part, we’re proud to maintain substantial stock levels in Omaha and ship as quickly as next day at no charge to showroom.

2. Waterfall fixtures are here to stay

Waterfall-type decorative plumbing fixtures simply bring a luxury look and feel to any space, and they’re becoming more and more accessible within more budgets.

Tip: We’ve worked very hard to bring waterfall design fixtures to our stockists at extremely accessible prices. If your showroom isn’t benefiting from this resource simply contact us for more information. 

3. Control options matter

There’s a definite move towards push button controls and linear trims, meaning individual thermostatic mixers and volume controls are reducing a little in demand.

Tip: Finishes designed to go the extra mile to blend in are increasingly popular and, therefore, your product showcase units, stock levels and even colleague training should be updated to leverage this change.

4. The target markets for your buyers are on the move

Rising interest rates in 2022 mean the types of projects your customers are likely to be working on are likely to be adapting to this environment. Meanwhile, with home building slowing (but still vastly improved compared to the peak of the Covid era) a lot of multi-family and hospitality projects are coming to the fore as the industry catches up. 

Tip: The mid-market remodeling segment is growing extremely well. The Artos team specialises in supporting your sales into this market as plumbers and contractors LOVE the premium design and availability we can offer at budget-friendly prices. 

5. ‘Aging in place’ is a societal trend to watch

Older people remaining at home, instead of going into assisted living, means the usability and quality of their bathroom becomes are a huge priority. 

Tip: Making sure your showroom stocks and colleague training cater to this group of end-users, who expect high quality at an affordable price, will help to stay ahead of the ageing in place trend. We’re happy to support Artos showrooms with training covering the latest products and user trends. Just ask!

6. Don’t avoid planning for decreased spending

It can be tempting to avoid even thinking about the word ‘recession’, but planning ahead for a slowdown can help weather the storm until the market picks up. 

Tip: Maintaining high margins and making the most of every single sale is more critical than ever. If you’d like more margin from your category, speak to our team!

We love to help showrooms make decorative plumbing fixtures work hard for their business! Our ethos? Making it easy for dealers to make high profit sales.

The Artos Difference

As an established US family business at the heart of the plumbing industry, we’re trusted by retailers across America.

Here’s why!...

✓ Supported retailers: Retailers across the US drive higher sales using our famous, custom-made showroom display unit and ‘need help? Just ask!’ ethos 

✓ We hate delays: Substantial inventory in Omaha plus free shipping

✓ Proud of our heritage: Over 35 years serving the US plumbing industry 

✓ US quality assurance, every time: Our products are assembled and tested in Omaha 

✓ We’re design innovators: Our in-house craftspeople live to set new trends in affordable luxury

✓ We make fixtures simple: Using awesome resources like our Artos Shower Set Selector

Plumbers and contractors especially love our combination of pacesetting design and accessible prices as they allow premium fixtures from an established brand to be used against tight budget demands.

Plus, our renowned selection of US designed, assembled and tested products is simple to navigate for showrooms, plumbers, contractors and end users alike…

• Designer collections: Made for those who want their spaces to stand apart, the Kascade, Milan, Novi, Opera, Otella, Quarto and Safire product ranges feature shapes, styles and finishes purpose-made to compliment great design.
  
  
• Everyday collection: Our Trova Collection is a go-to selection of popular products featuring impactful design and great value. Why? Because we want to make decorative plumbing fixture excellence accessible for as many American homes as we possibly can.
  
  
• Shower set selector: Designing a dream shower set is easy thanks to the Artos Shower Set Selector on our homepage. Plus, every one box-kit set ships free from Omaha.
  
  
• Towel dryers: Each towel dryer, crafted to exacting standards by an Artos manufacturing partner in Europe, is played in steel, copper or nickel and comes complete with a frame, hearing element, hardwire kit and programmable timer.
  
  
• Accessories: From towel bars to robe hooks, every product is made with the quality and design flair you’ve come to expect from Artos.

To discover the Artos team’s passion for helping ambitious showrooms, simply contact our specialists to discover a proudly unique approach.

See also: How to Find The Right Decorative Plumbing Fixture Partner, What Does a Faucet Lifetime Warranty Really Mean?