In today’s environment, the market place’s perception has a significant impact upon consumers’ exploration and interpretation of brands. Being perceived positively is highly beneficial to a company as this boosts image, reputation and credibility, whilst ultimately drives sales. It is clear that the media play an influential role in brand perception, which can often result in misconceptions and undesired exposure.
Topps Tiles, Britain’s biggest tile and flooring specialist group, is a prime example of a brand that has experienced image misconceptions in the past. The brand lacked the recognition and attention it deserved within the lifestyle and interiors sector. With an effective marketing campaign incorporating new room set photography and a successful ongoing repositioning within the market, through lifestyle and home interiors PR, Topps Tiles have transformed their image and are perceived more positively. The brand is now being acknowledged for their high quality yet affordable variation of products as well as their excellent personal customer service, strengthened with the wider marketing campaign, such as consistent new brochure design using new room set photography. Nicola Wilkes, Editor of Wales at Home recently commented on her own personal experience of the brand: “For a large store, I assumed the service level would be basic – I couldn’t have been more wrong.” Nicola emphasised the excellent personal customer service, helpfulness, and knowledge within the store and has supported this by informing many people of how amazing Topps Tiles were whilst being “absolutely thrilled” with the tiles.
As Topps Tiles has emerged notably, the media coverage is a true representation of what has been achieved throughout the brand perception shaping process. Since working with The White Room, the brand has featured in various magazines through a lifestyle and interiors PR campaign, including Elle Decoration, Living Etc, Grand Designs, The Times, House Beautiful, Ideal Home, 25 Beautiful Homes, Beautiful kitchens and Period Living, to name a few. This media coverage is reflective of the credibility Topps Tiles has gained. Continuous development using new room set photography and lifestyle and home interiors PR campaigns have enabled the brand to target all consumers within their target market as well as ensure the high quality of the product range is effectively portrayed.
The White Room has worked closely with the brand helping build brand awareness and shape consumers’ perceptions, which has given Topps Tiles the opportunity to receive the praise they are worthy of. Changing the perception of the brand is an ongoing process however, Topps Tiles’ reputation is constantly growing, whilst being recognised as “a pleasure to buy from” and “an example of the kind of service that every store should aspire to.” – Nicola Wilkes.