THE SHOWROOM FLOOR
A Story in Light Shining a spotlight on Hubbard Kitchen, Bath and Lighting
In 1972, Bonner Hubbard opened Hubbard Pipe and Supply Inc. in Fayetteville, North Carolina. What started out as a simple plumbing wholesale supply company has expanded into four supply houses and three designer showrooms that house much more than pipes. Hubbard Kitchen, Bath and Lighting currently has locations in Fayetteville, Southern Pines and Wilmington, North Carolina. Each boutique style showroom showcases the latest in decorative plumbing and lighting fixtures, as well as a sampling of home accessories and lamps. Hubbard is a rarity in the lighting world as an independent, family-owned local business on par with showrooms in major markets. Although Bonner and his wife Dot both passed away in 2002, the company has stayed true to their vision of service and integrity. In 2004, their children, David Hubbard and Nancy Hubbard Teachey, along with Nancy’s husband and current president of Hubbard, Wilson Teachey, opened the first Hubbard showroom to expand their decorative plumbing offerings and create an environment where customers could see products in application.
Corbett’s Fathom pendant in a display that also includes Troy’s Dine ‘N’ Dash and Barista
Hudson Valley’s Washington and other fixtures illuminate a kitchen vignette at Hubbard Kitchen, Bath and Lighting 40
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“Hubbard Kitchen, Bath and Lighting is dedicated to cultivating relationships, as well as providing an exceptional personal experience in an inviting atmosphere,” said Ashley Butler Blue, the showroom manager for Hubbard Kitchen, Bath and Lighting. “We guide our clients through the selections process by not trying to ‘sell’ them on a product but by providing them with the knowledge to make an informed decision.” Hubbard added lighting to its showrooms in 2013, and Blue joined the company that September. Her background in lighting goes back over twenty years when she worked at her family’s lighting and electrical business, Butler Lighting. When their Fayetteville branch closed in 2013, she decided to jump into a different current: decorative plumbing. “Little did I know I would love the plumbing industry so much or that soon water and electricity would mix when Hubbard decided to move into lighting that fall.” Blue says that the Hubbard team works tirelessly to make sure customers feel right at home. “We like to provide a very personal showroom experience and get to know our customers and their projects,” said Blue. As a result, each showroom has been crafted into a warm, inviting and homelike environment, using a mix of colors, textiles and staged displays – complete with makeup and toothbrushes in vanity drawers. At Hubbard, customers can easily envision products in their own homes and get inspired by seeing them up close.
Corbett’s Bliss chandelier sparkles above a freestanding tub, setting the stage for elegance and relaxation
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Building relationships with their vendors is equally important. Hubbard’s team appreciates the inspiration and creativity behind Littman Brands’ products. “It is great when there is a story behind the design inspiration of fixtures,” said Blue. “That is one of the things we love most about Littman Brands.” Hubbard’s consultants enjoy telling customers the stories behind the products’ unique details and names. Blue explains that they have showrooms in very different markets and like to display fixtures that link themselves to the area. “In our Wilmington location, we have some interesting coastal-inspired pieces like Troy’s Catch ‘N’ Release, Outer Banks and Brunswick (a North Carolina coastal county!). Corbett’s Fathom is another favorite on display in our working kitchen. Our favorite vignette in our Southern Pines location drew inspiration from a trip to Littman Brands’ Dallas Market showroom.” As marketing and creative director of Hubbard, Nancy Teachey is always looking for new ways to incorporate the latest trends into their showrooms. “She was wowed when our rep Shelly Earp made sure we noticed the beautiful shadow effect of Corbett’s new Enchanted family,” said Blue. “Shelly knows we are all about the little details.” After this past January’s Dallas Market, the Hubbard team came back and worked to find a way to showcase Enchanted’s cast shadows. One of the working bath displays was quickly remodeled to take full advantage of its effect on the ceiling. “Now that so many fixtures are available in LED, we are seeing more of the creative ways that shadows can be used to complement the design of a room. It is exciting to bring these technologies into a homelike setting and inspire someone to think outside the box.” Hubbard keeps up with today’s trends and increases visibility by staying active online and on social media. “Now through the use of tools like social media, we share not only design ideas and new displays but the features and benefits from our vendor partners like Littman,” said Blue. “We are looking forward to seeing what’s new in January.”
Corbett’s Enchanted casts beautiful shadows
Outer Banks and Brunswick by Troy Lighting 42
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