Highgrove Bathrooms opens first NT store

A new bathroom outlet is tapping into the Top End retail and wholesale markets. Read what’s opening.

A national plumbing supplies company has opened its first store in the Territory.

Highgrove Bathrooms was founded 20 years ago in Brisbane and with more than 50 showrooms already around the country, officially opened its first NT store at its purpose-built outlet at 277 Bagot Road Coconut Grove on Saturday.

Managed by Lincoln Stepto, the Darwin store will employ five people and take on established NT bathroom suppliers Bunnings and Reece, both of which are within a few hundred metre radius of the new store.

Lincoln Stepto, Darwin manager Highgrove Bathroom. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Mr Stepto, who previously managed Darwin’s Barbeques Galore, said Highgrove had been operating since 2004 and had reported growth for 12 consecutive years during often testing economic times.

He said as well as its retail function, Highrove would also provide trade discounts and wholesale purchases to businesses.

“We have a huge warehouse out the back and we’re going to carry lots of stock so we want to have the stock on hand for people,” he said.

“If you want that shower-screen kit then we’ll have it out the back and hopefully we’ll keep it full.”

The purpose-built showroom and warehouse, which was built on the taxi HQ site, cost around a million dollars including the land.

“It’s exciting to be at ground-level of a new operation that’s fresh for Darwin,” Mr Stepto said.

“We bought the land to purpose build for this operation.”

Highgrove Bathrooms managing director James Sinclair said the company had its eye on opening a Darwin store “for years”.

“Opening in April, our brand new showroom will be showcasing our entire range of designer products on display and our fully stocked warehouse takes away the hassle of lengthy wait times, allowing builders and renovators to shop with confidence and take products home on the same day,” he said.