An interview with Igor Barabanov, sales manager, ARTISTYLE LLC.
BATIMAT RUSSIA: How often do you renew the product offering? What’s new in 2018?
Igor Barabanov: We offer new collections rather often, and now we have two exclusive projects: Family (Palitra Wallpaper Factory, Zheleznodorozhny, Moscow Region) and WALL DÉCOR (A.S. & Palitra, Dzerzhinsk, Nizhny Novgorod Region). Within these projects we issue 1-2 new collections a month. Two trends in wallpaper are always in demand — classics and floristics. Geometric patterns, imitation of stucco and other textures, various abstract figures — all these trends complement basic styles. To learn about actual trends we visit special design exhibitions all around the world. The trend of this year — classic design with ageing effect.
BATIMAT RUSSIA: How does your company manage to maintain your positions on wallpaper market?
Igor Barabanov: Our company’s advantage is specialness of our collections. We don’t aim to increase the amount of products — we focus on quality and make larger sales volume from smaller product amount. Our goal is ‘to make the display shelf work’, to decrease the turnover time of our products. Besides, our partners can count on exclusive sales in their region.
Creating new assortment is labour-intensive and time-consuming process. It takes from 2 to 8 months from the time design is purchased to the moment collection is issued. That’s why we have to be future-oriented. This comes with practice, and some of our team members have been working for over 20 years in this field.
BATIMAT RUSSIA: Our exhibition is among top-attended events. Whom would you like to meet at your stand?
Igor Barabanov: Our goal at BATIMAT RUSSIA is to find new clients and to enhance cooperation with our current partners. We expect to extend our offer by issuing new bestselling collections.
