We chat to Joanne Taylor, head of procurement, décor and merchandising for Bakos Brothers, about her recent buying trip to the China International Furniture Expo.
Joanne Taylor has been in the interior industry for over 20 years. Her broad knowledge and experience spans retail, merchandising, procurement, design, and styling. Having started her journey in 1993 with Wetherlys, Joanne moved through all areas of the business until, at management level, she joined Head Interiors in 1997, where she headed up its retail division, and took on several large scale domestic interior jobs.
From there, she has worked with some of South Africa’s top designers and has run her own interior design business, handling numerous high-end local and international jobs. While running her own business in 2014, she was approached by Bakos Brothers, offering her the very challenging role of head of procurement, décor and merchandising. And it was a challenge she couldn’t turn down.
Seventeen months later the signs are evident that the business is transforming whilst holding onto its very relevant history and culture. The addition of imported products, more local ranges as well as the way the stores are merchandised is an ever evolving process and has a long way to go but the wheels are turning and the change is evident. “It’s exciting, and I’m proud to be part of the process,” says Taylor.
How would you describe the China International Furniture Expo?
China has become the worlds go-to for a broad selection of interior solutions at more affordable prices. The Chinese have managed to stay up-to-date with European trends and allow a broader market to bring in product which has improved from a selection and quality perspective in leaps and bounds over the last few years.
Why are international buyers visiting the fair?
It is more accessible to a broader market of buyers. The Chinese manage to manufacture at lower costs and have also managed to, for the most part, improve their selection and quality to make it a destination which we cannot ignore for product. Quality is always an important concern for us so we spend a large amount of time searching for suitable suppliers who meet our standards while we are there.
Who are the big names exhibiting at the fair?
Kuka, Hobang, Global Views etc.
What are the top design trends emerging from the fair?
The paired down Scandinavian Bauhaus trend is still very on trend – very natural timbers, contemporary design with a slight retro feel. Simplistic design paired with beautiful textures and metallics. Focus is on finishes – in upholstery stitching detail/ contrast edges and piping as well as studs make for beautifully finished product. The use of metals, not only in chrome and stainless steel, are used a lot with varying finish including brandished dull golds/coppers and brass to offset both contemporary and classic interiors.
How do local designers interpret these trends for the South African market?
Our market is broad and Bakos specifically feeds a diverse clientele with diverse requirements. The glamour of metallic materials allow us to use it broadly in both contemporary and transitional offerings. The product offered at the fair is mostly European trend focus – large, slick, modular sofas are long and low, oversized and beautifully upholstered in a variety of linens and leathers which our market understands and looks for in terms of quality. We, luckily, have the space to be able to offer these modular sofa solutions.
When can we expect to see product from the fair emerging in the South African market?
Normally around three months later – we are aiming to have merchandise in stores for the beginning of the new year to give 2016 a fresh new injection of product.
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