Company opens showroom for architects, designers

CEBU-BASED Intranet Trade International Inc. (Itrade) is confident of growing its client base in Cebu with the opening of its showroom, Architectural and Interior Source (AIS).

The company, according to Itrade president Buck Richnold Sia, will bank on the growing highend hospitality and residential industry for the growth of its business here.

Itrade operates AIS as an exclusive distributor of architectural finishes and bathroom wares. The company is a subsidiary of Cebu Bionic Group of Companies.

Sia said the showroom will showcase the middle to high-end innovative products specifically designed for architects and designers.

“This showroom will cater to the needs of designers and architects, particularly those working on high-end projects,” Sia said. “We focus on high-end products because they have more value for money.”

Sia said the showroom is intended to focus on space and character. “There are emotions of the product and its design has a factor that creates a good business opportunity,” said Sia.

AIS features high-end Spanish tile brands like Ape, Saloni, Cicogres and Carmen and the Japanese brand Toto for bathroom, fitting and sanitary wares.

The showroom is located at the 5th floor of Escario Building on Escario St. It has a total area of 400 square meters.

Sia said the company was the biggest importer of Spanish tiles in 2011. It holds a 44 percent market share of the total volume of imports on Spanish tiles. He said they opted for Spanish tile brands because of its competitive price over Italian brands although both have the same high quality designs.

Prizes of ceramic tiles start at P900 per square meter, while porcelain tiles start at P1,500 per square meter.

Sia will also set up a lounge to make the showroom a professional hub for designers and architects.