Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
More than seven tiles
|
The tile market in the city is at par globally, finds out TANYA ABRAHAM.
|
A GROWING market demand for tiles seems to have left the tile dealers in the city a little breathless.
Growing demand
Such has been the sudden growth, spurred by the demand for high quality, varied floor and wall tiles that dealers have stepped out into the global market, importing them into the city. In fact, there is such a variety available that consumers are happy that products once available in metros like Bangalore or Bombay is freely available here.
Here, we are not referring to any run- of- the- mill product. But tiles that surpass average nomenclature. No longer is the customer restricted to few products with little choice and no longer does he have to leave Kochi for newer, more stylish products.
Import
Of the two major dealers in Kochi, Zuliquar Ahmed, proprietor, Tropical Traders believes that the change has been phenomenonal. He explains, "it all changed when imported tiles began coming into Kochi from countries like Thailand, Spain and Italy, not more than three years ago, and there has been a considerable demand for this product since. This is largely because of the high quality they possess and the variety of designs, colours, textures and finishes that are available." He informs that importing companies have a variety of specifications and designs unseen elsewhere. From categories like- `Natura', which refer to tiles with a look and feel of natural products like wood, `Marmi' with a marble effect, `Antique stones' or Terracotta tiles that have terracotta finish with inlaid designs to avoid monotony, the list is endless.
Colour borders
Not just tiles, but what is available today includes colour co-coordinated borders in muted or bold patterns. In fact, there is such a demand for beautiful rooms that show rooms display a plethora of choices that includes samples of a complete bathroom or kitchen. Even tiling of floors has not remained drab and numerous options are available.
Intense research
Most of this, it is said, is because the companies go into intense research and detailing. Designs are seldom repeated and change from time to time, creating a whole new line. Mr. Ahmed informs about a company in Spain that has manufactured a new ceramic tile with the strength of a vitrified tile. It is true that most of these tiles are more expensive than those produced locally. But Mr. Ahmed points out that there is always a difference in the product.
Categories
The tiles are grouped into nine different categories depending on the quality, where grade nine refers to the most superior tile. As for prices, an Indian floor tile begins at Rs.40 per sq feet, while a Spanish tile costs Rs.60.
This difference is also largely attributed to the 43 per cent import duty that exists; although dealers claim the available prices in Kochi are likely to be more competitive when compared to other cities.
Sara Mathews, a customer, says that it makes no sense in travelling outside the State to purchase high quality, beautiful tiles when it is all avaibale here.
General Manager, Sree Venkateswara Agencies, C. K. Sunil points globalisation to be the reason for Kochi's bullish tile market. "what is available in countries like Italy is available here today. And architects and interior designers in the State purchase from Kochi."
He further explains that a large section of their clientele are non-residents, "people who are aware of good quality tiles, similar to what is available outside India."
So, gone are the days when people left the city shopping for tiles for their house. Now it is all available here and at a competitive price!
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
|
