Domestic Appliance Distributors

2021 marks the eve of our 30th anniversary. On reflection, Domestic Appliance Distributors (D.A.D) has grown significantly over these last 29 years. We were established in 1992 by Adrian Gillman and began in a 2,000 square foot warehouse. Through passion, innovation and expertise, today we proudly operate from a warehouse that is 160,000 square feet and stock a diverse and comprehensive range of brands. We have also introduced two of our own brands to the industry in this time, Iceking and Montpellier.

D.A.D’s workforce is currently circa 80 employees, with the family business, the Gillman Electrical Group employing around 220 at the last count. Proudly, a significant number of employees have worked within the Group into the double digits, with some celebrating more than 25 years this year. Over this time, effective processes have been put in place and are now tried and tested. This, along with the relationships our team have built with our customers over the years, ensures they receive a knowledgeable and efficient service every time.

Iceking marked its 25th anniversary last year with a record number of sales and the introduction of its first ever American style Side by Side Fridge Freezer, the IK436W. Following the success of this model, we also added black and inox models to the range. Montpellier also had its best year of sales since it began in 2012, and it’s popularity and presence online continues to grow, with ambitious targets set for this year.

Glasgow based MCD was acquired in 2020, and in joining the family business, it expanded the company’s presence in the north of the UK. MCD is a distributor and Trade Centre for retailers and contractors in Scotland and the North of England, with an updated showroom, website and a new trade counter. A permanent stock holding of a wide range of core products means that order fulfilment and a quick turnaround are very much in place, to the mutual benefit of both retailers and brands.

D.A.D also launched an all-new website at the end of 2020. Retailers now benefit from a much-improved customer journey: from multiple filtering options to narrow down results, sourcing imagery and specifications and easily accessible accounting facilities and history at the back end of the site.

We remain passionate about supporting our customers with great deals, effective point of sale and an efficient network both in house and on the road. Communication has remained strong throughout the first and subsequent lockdowns and as essential businesses we have worked hard and smart to fulfil orders. Last year we grew our range to include Beko built-in appliances, and in 2021 we are due to launch Daewoo televisions and refrigeration and Bertazzoni premium appliances.

Always forward thinking, we continue to champion our independent retailers, spearheading their growth and vision for the future. Prior to lockdown in March 2020, we held a successful, free social media training day and a new product launch for many of our independents.

As a business we are always looking to adapt, support and grow and our customers continue to be at the heart of what we do.