Mohammed Patel maintains that he has learned the tiling and bathroom industry from the inside out. He began working in a hardware store selling tiles and sanitary ware in 1976 and has accumulated over 35 years experience in the industry.
How and why did he enter this design marketplace and what was the direction he chose to take?

Says Patel: ‘From the outset I wanted to create a venue that would represent the highest echelons in this designer segment. To become a leading retailer of premium quality porcelain and ceramic tiles, sanitary ware, tapware, bathroom furniture and accessories. This involved sourcing comprehensive collections of the top international brands and including the very best of local merchandise.

‘But I wanted to go further. I visualised a generously sized, one-stop location that would offer a truly luxurious shopping experience. The result really is an expansive high-end product, offering all of that which is available in-stock. This was vital because when people want to purchase quality merchandise they don’t enjoy long waits. The ‘in-stock’ factor is therefore a key attribute in the success of our mega-store in Vereeniging.’

Trend Lifestyle source products from Italy, Spain, Germany and the Far East and their ongoing ambition is to maintain one of the largest ranges of up-market tiles / sanitary ware in South Africa. They are sole importers of Nero Ceramica sanitary ware from Italy as well as being agents for Grohe, Victoria and Albert, Marazzi and FAP.

July/August 2012 Issue

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