These were the observations raised by Hamburg International Sales Corp. chief executive officer for Asia and Pacific Horst Kessler, Hamburg supplier for shower enclosures and sales manager Michael Gibson and Hamburg supplier for bathroom fixtures Stephen Schumacher at the press conference during the opening of the Worldbex exhibitions at the World Trade Center.
"Even in bathroom designs and amenities, investments no longer involve a simple toilet and bath affair but having trendy designs, styles and sanitary wares that match tiles and floorings to ensure that one’s extended time in the bathroom is more pleasant and breezy," Kessler said.
Tiles, for instance, are no longer just mono-toned and subdued colors but a lot more emphasis is placed on what looks cozy, chic and even trendy.
In Japan, bathrooms are now more spacious and use the most minimal space for shower fixtures, toilets and hand washers but more spaces are dedicated to bathtubs while more floor areas are left for lounging chairs and even electronic equipment like remote-controlled televisions, videoke and bubble baths, he added.
The uncertainties of virus contaminations and terrorist attacks of recent years have made it incumbent for homeowners to stay at home more than socialize outside, which is why the desire for them to improve their homes, gardens and facilities become more imperative. They also find it more practical to invite their friends to their homes than meet outside, Schumacher said.
Hamburg’s sales has been increasing by 4.5 percent for the last two years despite the economic crisis and for 2004, the company expects a growth in sales of 20 percent or more, depending on the election outcome. Its sales last 2003 was over P100 million.
Kessler noted that the last five years had been slow for most businesses but with the apparent rebound of the property sector (with projects previously on hold now being re-started), "we expect more business for our company."
Though most of the sanitary wares being sold in the market are locally made, imported parts (like showers, bathtubs, tiles and lavabos) comprise about 15 percent of the local market, Kessler said.
In the immediate term, Hamburg has no plans of manufacturing its products locally "but maybe after five years, we will invest in a local manufacturing plant," Kessler said.
Hamburg has been into Worldbex and other trade fairs in addition to having a showroom at Pasong Tamo Ext. in Makati. Its products, though are being sold by local dealers and malls in Metro Manila and the provinces. Worldbex plans to put up showrooms in Mindanao and up north in the near future.
Kessler said the market for lifestyle products, like Hamburg’s, is growing even if the market is confined to the A, B and upper C. Most of its clients are individuals living in high rise condominiums. Its competitors are mostly European saniwares producers and those from Asia, including China.
Hamburg is offering packages of from P35,000 (excluding tiles), P50,000 and P75,000 which already includes the shower enclosures. "One thing sure, a buyer gets our product because they can identify with our products more than with the others," he said.