5 minute read
Q & A with ColCam
WHEN AND HOW DID COLCAM START AS A BUSINESS?
ColCam as it is known today, began in 2008. From it’s very small and humble beginnings, ColCam started its AGHA journey with a very conservative 3x3m stand in the great hall and year-on-year expanded and grew into what it is today. We cannot wait to show you all our largest ever stand in the Foyer this year.
WHAT ARE YOUR BEST SELLERS AND MOST POPULAR WITH YOUR CUSTOMERS?
We always smile when this question is asked, because year on-year, the top 3 ranges are our Magpies, our Rope Puppies and our spectacular Wooden Ducks. Whilst our homewares are absolutely beautiful, it is important to note that lifestyle & décor are trend based, so rather than pin point an item from each range, I can confidently say our top 3 categories are Storage & Planters, Brass and Lighting.
WHY SHOULD RETAILERS CHOOSE TO STOCK PRODUCTS FROM COLCAM?
Because of the partnerships we have with our manufacturers overseas, we can negotiate incredibly fair prices on our handcrafted ranges and import them into Australia at an affordable rate. With the exponential increases we have all faced in the last 2 to 3 years, ColCam has continued to offer some of the most competitive pricing in the wholesale market and our supply has been constant – yes there has been a delay or two worldwide, but we have always done our very best to ensure our customers receive their stock in as timely a manner as possible.
WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION FROM?
From many places – it is never just the one source. Often, we look to the runways for new seasonal colour, silhouettes and motifs that may begin appearing across a multitude of designers, architecture, new buildings, and the style and mood they evoke. We look to art and ceramics that can be envisioned in a new way using new materials. We look to our incredible environment – the colours, the trees, the sounds, the smells; and we cast our eyes across social media to see what people are gravitating to.
ANY FAVOURITE COLCAM PRODUCT OR COLLECTION, AND IS THERE A STORY BEHIND IT?
When one of our workers discovered she was pregnant with her first bub 4 years ago, it is safe to say that there was a small but substantial shift in one of our emerging categories – kids & babies decor. At that exact time, we also saw the market starting to focus on a renewed vision of what young toddler bedrooms should look like and that new vision began to closely align with the earthy, textured and natural look ColCam had been refining for the 5 years prior. Whilst there were some other companies out there solely creating rattan baby goods, we embraced a “Transitional” approach that would work for all of our customers. We designed with the frame of mind that the same cushion could work in a 3 year olds bedroom as well as an adults loungeroom. A light fitting would me amazing over a 5 or 6 year olds study nook as it could over a Breakfast table in a Hampton’s style kitchen.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR RETAILERS AND BUYERS TO ATTEND MELBOURNE GIFT FAIR AND FUTURE AGHA GIFT FAIRS?
Often, I will photograph something ready for our online catalogue, and its beauty honestly doesn’t translate. Other times, I will photograph something HUGE, and it will look incy wincy despite including its measurements. Trade Fairs really help you see a product in all it’s glory. You are able to look, feel and touch and pick things up to see how substantial they really are. You see colour theory in full play, you see lighting and mood creation and you see products in a completely new way – especially some items you may have glanced over in a catalogue thinking they weren’t for you, but once styled, work perfectly for your store. It is also a wonderful resource for visual merchandising inspiration and for discovering new brands. Most importantly, it’s a way to really connect to the wholesalers and have a conversation and see if their brand aligns with yours.
HOW HAS AGHA GIFT FAIRS HELPED YOUR BUSINESS?
The exposure to new customers is absolutely incredible. Year-on-year our business grows because of the success of our AGHA trade fair stands.
SEE YOU AT STAND CON104 FROM 30 JULY TO 3 AUGUST
