Kohler’s new signature showroom was launched in the UAE in the first half of the year, a first for the region. Founded in 1873, Kohler Co. has more than 50 manufacturing locations worldwide.
The newly launched showroom aims to showcase the brand’s extensive products range to the region’s A+D industry. The opening of the showrrom was inaugurated by His Excellency Engineer Essa Al Hajj, Director General of Dubai Development and Chief of Dubai Health Authority, and was attended by the global president of Kohler – Larry Yuen, along with regional president Salil Sadanandan.
The design of the signature store revolves around the concept of an oasis in middle of the desert, surrounded by four rivers of paradise. A metaphor for the brand’s hospitality and graciousness – values of Kohler that are deeply rooted into its 40,000 associates. The space is conceptualised keeping in mind the needs and demands of consumers, and designers.
Kohler’s Signature Store
The signature store will feature a myriad of options, from traditional faucets & fixtures, durable cast iron bathtubs and farmhouse kitchen sinks to the latest technology-driven products such as the intelligent toilets and custom spa experience.
One of Kohler’s key launches – Anthem & Statement Showering Collection was unveiled at the signature store. The latest collection features simplified controls (mechanical or digital) and accommodates the most elaborate designs.
“Each market where we’ve launched a Kohler Signature Store or Kohler Experience Center has been a design center”, says Larry Yeun. “Each has received tremendous acclaim from industry professionals and consumers, allowing them to connect with the Kohler brand and our products more personally and meaningfully”.
Tapping into the region’s talents
Larry spoke about the brand’s plans for the region and how they were focused on delivering cutting edge design, technology, and quality to their customers. “Herbert V. Kohler Jr., Executive Chairman of Kohler Co., once said that we push to live on the leading edge”. He elaborated on how Dubai is a global design hub with a unique style. “We can provide thoughtful design and cutting-edge kitchen and bathroom technologies that influence the regional design sentiment.”
The showroom signified a global paradigm shift in the brand’s retail experience. “The exclusive space for architects, interior designers, and end consumers lets our customers explore their imagination and create bespoke experiences. It will allow the Middle Eastern design community to reimagine their industry”.
As per Larry, the global nature of the Kohler aids in customising products and creating design and technology-led offerings for each of their markets. “In the Middle East, we showcase many contemporary-designed products that help consumers tell a story of minimalism, comfort, and enjoyment to create personalized experiences in the kitchen and bathroom space. We strive to pioneer opportunities for product innovations with an eye towards gracious living and wellbeing”.
Entering the middle east market was a crucial part of the brand’s expansion plans and overall vision. “With the Kohler Signature Store Dubai, we are elevating our retail experience allowing customers to have an interactive and immersive experience with KOHLER’s global range of products,” says Larry. “We look forward to further serving our customers through dedicated investment, strong distribution and driving continued growth”.
Commitment to sustainability
From a sustainability point of view, Kohler has made a commitment to achieve net zero by 2035. An example is WasteLAB, a novel effort to look to nature as a model for sustainable processes. As per Kohler, it’s a step toward building a sustainable circular economy, one in which they reuse, rethink, and repurpose waste streams to create beautiful, thoughtful products.
From 2019-2021, Kohler’s WasteLAB tiles have diverted more than 54,000 pounds of waste from landfills, exemplifying their commitment to sustainability. A 2019 recipient of a Wisconsin Innovation Award, the WasteLAB is just one of several success stories to come out of Kohler’s innovation startup – Innovation for Good.