The huge variety of products available in this country never ceases to astound me.
I don’t think we realise how lucky we are to have free borders for goods from most countries. I was in the USA recently, visiting stores in our business field, and when I asked after this product or another, I was often told that goods from those countries were either too expensive or unavailable.
I entered this industry at the very end of import licensing. Fortunes were made, post-war, by those who either were able to maintain a monopoly on essential items like pottery or toilet paper, and by people holding a license to import.
A classic story that reflects the level of restriction in those times is one told to me by Paul Taylor, a long time employee of Home Fabrics, many years ago... Paul had been contracted to install the drapes in the Royal Suite of the Waitomo Caves Hotel for the visit of Her Majesty the Queen and Prince Phillip in 1953. Having passed through security, he was fascinated to find that not only did the room have its own ensuite, an unbelievable luxury, but there before him was hanging the very first roll of pink toilet paper ever brought into the country. Indeed, its importation had required a special licence be issued by ministerial intervention. So fascinated was Paul with this find that he surreptitiously removed just three or four sheets and slipped them into his pocket to bring back to Auckland as a gift for his new wife, Emily. I have always thought it worth remembering this story in case the first importation of pink toilet paper was ever to be asked in a pub quiz!
So it is a great delight when Des, Mike and I head off overseas to find beautiful new products to bring back and share with our clientele. And that we can do so knowing we can purchase virtually any fabric from anywhere in the world! We have just returned from Bulgaria and Turkey in search of fabulous new linens and textures, as you'll see in the photos.
When we travel we like to immerse ourselves in the culture, arts and crafts of each country we visit as we search for new styles, manufacturing methods and designs. We visit art galleries and craft markets and always try and get out into the countryside to gain an idea of local life.
So, on arriving in Bulgaria, after almost 23 hours of non- stop flying, we had an English speaking driver pick us up. Wanting to test his language skills, I immediately said to him: “Tell me a bit about Bulgaria. What are you most proud of about your country?” Without hesitating he responded, “Bulgaria has been voted...", here he pauses, then slowly inhales for dramatic effect, “...for the second year in a row”...another pause...“The...most corrupt country in Europe!“ All said with huge national pride oozing from every pore. Immediately after he stopped speaking, I knew two things: Firstly, that he would be a great bloke to spend a few days travelling with and, secondly, that we were very fortunate that we did not have huge amounts of corruption at home.
We travelled on to Turkey and met up with the very innovative and talented suppliers we have built relationships with over many years, then flew back home arriving here just 10 days after leaving. We were tired, but very excited about the wonderful new fabrics that will very soon creep into our 2019 collection.
If you are passing our gallery in Constellation Drive, call in and view the amazing textile art by the young designer Paige Cartledge from Cheshire, England. And, of course, remember that we have incredibly talented designers on our team, who will come to your home and assist with all you furnishing needs. We promise they won't steal your toilet paper (pink doesn't seem to exist any more!).
Just call us on 476 9102 to make an appointment.