Cebu Bionic Group subsidiary opens showroom in Escario

CEBU, Philippines - Establishing an avenue for high-end premium products of tiles and bathroom wares, Intranet Trade International Inc. (Itrade) formally launched its showroom - Architectural and Interior Source (AIS) last August 31.

With Cebu Bionic Group of Companies as its mother company, Itrade operates AIS as an exclusive distributor of architectural finishes and bathroom wares.

AIS has a total area capacity of 400 square meters and is situated at 5th floor, Escario Building, North Escario Street, Barangay Capitol, Cebu City.

Itrade President Buch Richnold Sia said in a press conference that the showroom is a redeveloped branding of the company in showcasing middle to high-end innovative products which is specifically designed for architects and designers.

AIS, he added, primarily focuses on major Spanish tile brands such as Ape, Saloni, Cicogres and Carmen and the Japanese brand, Toto, for bathroom, fitting and sanitary wares.

He cited that in 2011, 44 percent of the total volume of import accounted for Spanish tiles, thus considering it as the biggest import for tiles in the country.

Aside from displaying luxury brands, he further noted that the showroom focuses on the quality, value for money, design, and character towards space.

“The intangible can be seen with high prices. The showroom is intended to focus on space and character. There are more emotions towards the product and the design has a value. A good design is a factor to create a good business opportunity,” he stated.

Tile prices start from P900 per square meter and above for ceramic and P1500 per square meter onwards for porcelain tiles.

Sia said that prices of Spanish tiles are more competitive than Italian brands although both have high quality in design and sizes.

He cited that the varied clientele of such high-end products include high residential units, hospitality establishments, hotels, resorts, and areas for public use such as lobby and reception.

He added that a lounge for designers will be launched soon in the showroom to have a more professional feel for their clients.

Serving as a spin-off company and subsidiary of Cebu Bionic Builder Supply, Inc., Itrade is envisioned to handle the wholesale business operation of its mother company that caters to distributors and dealers of home finishing and building materials in the Philippines.

Cebu Bionic Builders Supply Inc. also has retail outlets that includes Cebu Bionic branch located in the South and Cebu Bionic Hardware Mall in Magallanes, Build It! Materials in Labogon and another branch to open in Danao before yearend and Unihom in Bogo.

The mother company is celebrating its 36th year in the construction industry on this month of September. (FREEMAN)