An interview with Alexei Plakhuta, sales manager, Fipar (Zambaiti).
BATIMAT RUSSIA: New collections of wallpaper are issued each year. What kind of newly-designed products do you offer?
Alexei Plakhuta: In 2018 we issued the new brand catalog “Philipp Kirkorov. Part 1 Music for Walls”. This collection was designed by Russian pop music king Philipp Kirkorov together with Egidio Freddy, the art director of Zambaiti and the most popular Italian wallpaper designer today. The new “singing” collection was presented on April, 2 at Grand Tsaritsyno Palace. More than 400 clients from Russia and CIS countries were present at the event, they gave an ecstatic reception to our new catalog, and we received a lot of pre-orders. The presentation was covered by 8 central Russian TV-channels. The wallpaper is produced at Fipar factory in Russia, a member of Zambaiti group. Approximate retail price is 4000 rubles per roll.
We’ve presented many newly-designed items in 2018 at the spring exhibitions. They include the Trussardi 3 brand catalog produced by Zambaiti factory; Murella wallpaper designed by Egidio Freddy; Laguna, Belagio, and Via Della Seta collections greeted with high approval.
BATIMAT RUSSIA: What is your competitive edge?
Alexei Plakhuta: In all modesty, Zambaiti design, color schemes, special effects are unchallenged. They are the most successful and commercial. The inexpressible Italian charm, the perfect quality, heavy-weight and dimensional wallpaper — the Zambaiti collections are unattainable.
We combine the latest fashion trends with vast experience in wallpaper manufacturing, we create Italian-style collections that ensure market success. Egidio Freddy, the wallpaper maestro, creates collections that become popular even before they are issued. He finds inspiration in antique palazzos taking elegant Italian interiors and fine palace decor to wallpaper canvases.
BATIMAT RUSSIA: You, as well as many other leading companies, have decided to take part in BATIMAT RUSSIA 2019. What do you expect from the exhibition?
Alexei Plakhuta: Our first and the most important expectation is to meet our current and prospective partners. The exhibition, which used to take place in the beginning of April, now is shifted to earlier date, and this fact caused argument among participants and visitors. That’s why we hope for extended media coverage and advertising campaign to attract visitors. We expect entering into new contracts, extending our current contracts, and receiving maximum interest towards our products. One of the key issues is technical support. We expect European service for Russian prices.
On a final note, we wish to all our counterparts perfect collections, sales success, and lucky trade all year round!