5 minute read
Quick Q&A with IsAlbi
WHEN AND HOW DID ISALBI START AS A BUSINESS?
IsAlbi is the result of Independence Studios and Albi Imports merging in late 2020. The merge took place during the pandemic adding an additional layer of challenges! 18 months on and the business has had many learnings and is now powering on all engines with a new, invigorated team that has exciting plans for the future.
WHAT ARE YOUR BEST SELLERS AND MOST POPULAR WITH YOUR CUSTOMERS?
With such a wide range of brands and categories, we have best sellers across every segment of the market. Our core categories and ranges continue to cater to our very mixed customer base, and we complement those products with seasonal ranges and fashionable stories.
To name just a few: our Jellycat Bashful Bunnies can be found in most family households; the Masterpro range of cookware is a kitchen staple; stylish households that like to entertain will have a set of Andre Verdier cutlery to impress their guests; and many living rooms around the country feature an Amalfi piece whether it be a vase, figurine or statement lamp.
ANY FAVOURITE ISALBI PRODUCT OR COLLECTION, AND IS THERE A STORY BEHIND IT?
Rogue:
One of the most exciting areas to watch is our rebrand and launch of our Rogue artificial flowers and plants. Heading up the team is Vanessa Wong, a pioneer of the faux flora category. Vanessa’s vision for Rogue will see this brand evolve creatively into a leading worldclass brand with a completely elevated look and range selection that will no doubt excite our retail customers and consumers.
Jellycat:
You will find a Jellycat plush toy in most households across Australia & New Zealand. The Jellycat design team thrive on pushing creative boundaries with this brand, so watch out for quirky patisserie items coming to life, whales and gorgeous new books to accompany their ever-so-soft plush toys.
Amalfi:
Closely researching new trends, colourways and textures the Amalfi homewares stories have been curated with a fresh lens, guided by our new head of homewares, Mamta Johal. With more than 20 years’ experience in design and buying roles working for iconic brands in Australia and the UK, Mamta brings to IsAlbi a broad and diverse background in the retail industry.
isGift:
The iconic gifting brand is known and loved by retailers and consumer across Australia and New Zealand. Known for fun, quirky and functional gift ranges featuring toys, tech gadgets, educational activities, and health and wellbeing stories. The isGift umbrella brand is expanding into new categories with these initiatives: Maverick, Discovery Zone, The Auto Collection, Altima and The Australian Collection.
Umbra:
Hot off the press IsAlbi has just announced their appointment as distribution partner for Canadian based homewares designers Umbra. Featuring the very best furniture, mirrors, bathroom and storage accessories hand-picked for modern Australians who take pride in their homes and are looking for quality that will stand the test of time.
WHY SHOULD RETAILERS CHOOSE TO STOCK PRODUCTS FROM ISALBI?
The breadth and depth of categories and ranges ensures quality and uniqueness every season. We carry stock and we have excellent logistics solutions which means your orders arrive when you need them.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR RETAILERS AND BUYERS TO ATTEND MELBOURNE GIFT FAIR AND FUTURE AGHA GIFT FAIRS?
There is no other forum in which to meet suppliers, touch and feel products and plan a buying trip. And let’s all agree trade fairs are fun!
ANY NEW AND EXCITING PRODUCT OR COLLECTION LAUNCHES AT THE MELBOURNE GIFT FAIR?
You bet there is!! The Melbourne Gift Fair is the inaugural outing for IsAlbi since the merge of Independence Studios and Albi Imports. We will be presenting a variety of curated product ranges that will have clear retail appeal for all ages - from babies to mature consumers. PLUS we will be launching new in-house and distributed brands such as our IsGift Auto Collection and Umbra Furniture. We can not wait to meet and greet customers and showcase our new ranges across our 3 stands.
HOW HAS AGHA GIFT FAIRS HELPED YOUR BUSINESS?
The extensive reach of the AGHA membership provides new sales channels and opportunities for the vast IsAlbi product ranges. The AGHA team have been incredibly supportive and we value our association greatly.
VISIT STANDS 128, 228 & 241 FROM 30 JULY TO 3 AUGUST
