Home-related DIY, from constructing flat pack furniture, to putting up a new mirror, is something you either relish or dread. For the those in the latter category, Dunelm, the UK’s largest homewares retailer, has collaborated with Airtasker, the local services marketplace, to provide a new, community-based solution.
Customers in need of skilled specialists can now connect with local ‘Taskers’ who have the time, skills, and equipment to help with their project, taking any unnecessary stress away from building and installing their beds, wardrobes, drawers and tables.
The collaboration will also create attractive new and flexible employment opportunities for Taskers in the local communities of Dunelm stores who relish the challenge of assembling furniture to earn some extra money in the current cost-of-living crisis.
Following a successful trial across 18 stores, which created more than 500 tasks, the service will now be promoted across all 180 Dunelm stores and on Dunelm.com. Customers can find out more about how to use the service and access a £15 introductory discount.
The most popular furniture products that Dunelm customers requested help assembling included beds (24.5%), wardrobes (21.2%), drawers (13.8%), tables (11%) and chairs (6.2%). Tasks also involved a wide range of other Dunelm products including lighting, mirrors and bathroom cabinets.
Jemma Williams, director of business development at Dunelm, said: “Whilst some customers relish the opportunity to put their hands to work, we’re conscious that for others the prospect of furniture assembly is something to dread.
Our collaboration with Airtasker gives customers the option to take these jobs off their plates, connecting them with skilled local ‘Taskers’ whilst supporting the local economy in our store communities. The response from both customers and Taskers to date has been encouraging, so we look forward to extending the partnership across our full store estate and online.”
Tim Fung, CEO of Airtasker, said: “Furniture assembly is one of Airtasker’s most in-demand services, representing more than 15% of tasks posted each year. Many of these tasks were organically from Dunelm’s customers, so this collaboration was a natural fit.
“Not only can Dunelm’s customers get help with assembly, but in doing so, we’re able to create more work opportunities for local communities and help locals, help locals (literally!) It’s a win-win!”
Dunelm’s collaboration with Airtasker is just one of many initiatives aimed at supporting both customers and the local community, from local charity projects to its ‘Home to Home’ homewares donation scheme, part of Dunelm’s wider commitment to a circular economy.
