Page 28 - HW March 2022

security, doors & windows
“We’re experiencing price increases from manufacturers worldwide on a daily basis now – we’re getting notifications all the time,” says Tim Joyce, adding: “We’ll manage through good buying and just having good stock levels to be able to maintain the prices for the time being – but at some stage that’s going to have to change.”
NEW BOOTS AND PANTIES
I’ll get to function a bit later but fashion – shapes, styles and finishes – can still be a make or break when it comes to consumers, group home builders looking for street appeal and developers.
Speaking for ASSA ABLOY, Ronnie Pocock says: “We’ve seen a trend towards less traditional colours and finishes
as well as aesthetic style. In turn even with the market as buoyant as it is we’re constantly working towards catering to all customer desires.”
Nick Rutter at GD Rutter is one among several to highlight the growing appeal of satin brass, retro with a modern twist.
“Black is definitely still up there,” says Nick, with nickel plate still probably the biggest by volume followed by black and then probably graphite with satin brass a fast- approaching new finish.
DIGITAL DOORSETS DEMOCRATISED?
The rise and rise of digital entry sets has been well documented within these pages, with early adopting retailers, merchants and homeowners willing to pay a premium over mechanical for the look as much as the functionality on offer.
It’s been interesting to hear however that in Mitre 10’s experience the market for digital is growing but not at any cost.
During our conversation about the co-op’s new Smarthome Hub concept (see page 22), Category Manager for Lighting, Heating, Cooling & Smart Home Anya Dyson says that while digital has been quite an exclusive product, now it’s “certainly becoming more affordable.”
Anya clarifies: “It’s not becoming the norm just yet, but we are seeing some really good growth coming off a low base.
“It’s moved from niche purchase territory to more general DIY and one of the insights that tells us this is that purchase volumes are now largely being driven by lower price points.
“A lot of people just like the look and the buttons, some like that they don’t need to carry keys any more.
“Not everyone is hooking it up to a Wi-Fi adaptor, but it certainly is becoming more and more mainstream and DIY.” In contrast, speaking for ASSA ABLOY, Ronnie Pocock
says: “In New Zealand we’ve certainly seen a preference for higher value products.
“People are investing more in their homes, and they are doing so with an astute approach, one that favours quality and longevity of product.”
Makes sense, with the hundreds of thousands of dollars
Free security solutions booklet
With this issue of NZ Hardware Journal, we are including a personal copy of Baber Lock & Key’s comprehensive and informative Carbine Security Solutions publication.
Easy to use QR codes throughout the booklet can be scanned to provide the reader with in-depth product information, simply by using their smartphone.
The publication will be available from hardware and lock specialists everywhere and will also be distributed to Neighbourhood Watch, Police Crime Prevention and Crime Stoppers throughout New Zealand.
You can also access a digital version of the Carbine Security Solutions publication using the following shortened URL:
https://bit.ly/3hsK3Aw
26 NZHJ | MARCH 2022
MORE AT www.hardwarejournal.co.nz