Expansion in China is imperative for furniture manufacturers. But just where, to be precise? In a nation that is the fourth in the world in terms of land, with 22 provinces, four municipalities and five autonomous regions, it is easy to lose one’s way.
Nevertheless, there are many cities that due to position, growth and economic development appear to be ideal destinations for Italian furniture, offering fertile ground in which to spread.
From Shanghai to Shenzhen, Xi’an to Hangzhou, the big Chinese cities are welcoming many ‘satellites’ of Made in Italy: showcases and display spaces that narrate the history and identity of brands through their products; but also a lifestyle, a way of understanding the home, for which flagship stores provide an accurate overall picture.
Minotti, Scavolini, Giorgetti and Flou are just some of the brands that are expanding their retail network in the Far East. We have gathered information on the latest openings to outline a map of Made in Italy on this Asian market.
Xi’an
One thousand square meters on two levels, 14 experience rooms formed by large arches, each with a different setting and mood. This is the architectural and interior design concept of the “Fritz Hansen Gallery” in Xi’an, the first store of the Nordic brand in China, and the largest Fritz Hansen showroom in the world. Opened in collaboration with Upper Living, the Gallery has been created by the artist and designer Jaime Hayon, whose Mediterranean roots can be seen in the sculptural silhouette of the store, the variegated range of lively colors, and the warm, relaxing atmosphere.
Shenzhen, Xiamen
A double opening for Minotti in China, with a new showroom in Xiamen in partnership with Casabella, in June, and another in Shenzhen with the partner Domus Tiandi (based on the success of the same collaboration for Minotti in Shanghai and Beijing), in July. Both facilities are large (respectively 1100 m2 and about 1000 m2) and have two levels. The showrooms also share the interior concept that reflects the elegant, sophisticated character of the company, vividly conveyed by the latest collections on view. Another common feature is the large octagonal fireplace, a recurring element in the Minotti showrooms.
Last but not least, il flagship store di Xi’an.
Hangzhou
Fa tappa a Hangzhou il percorso di espansione in Medio Oriente di Rimadesio, affiancato ancora una volta dal partner locale The Madison Group. Dopo l’apertura dello showroom di Pechino e il rinnovamento dello spazio di Shanghai, l’azienda inaugura il suo terzo store in territorio cinese: un’area espositiva di 200mq (al diciannovesimo piano del Gongyuan building, nei pressi dello stadio Huanglong) accoglie un’accurata selezione dei migliori arredi firmati Rimadesio, proposte coordinate per le zone giorno e notte, complementi, porte e scorrevoli per raccontare e trasmettere l’identità del brand.
Qingdao
Flou chooses Qingdao, a coastal city on the southern tip of the Shandong peninsula, to open its latest showroom in Asia. The monobrand space is inside the Easy Home mall in the Shibei District. Opened on 6 September in partnership with Habilus Home Furnishing, the exclusive space – with an area of 350 m2 – presents the new collections for the bedroom zone (from beds to wardrobes to complements), and the latest proposals for the living area, enhanced by furnishings with built-in lighting from the brand Natevo by Flou.
Guangzhou
From product to project, the prolific long-term collaboration between Giorgetti and Carlo Colombo leads to a new achievement: the designer has created the concept for the new showroom space of the company in Guangzhou, inside the prestigious Louvre Furniture Mall, with organic and fluid volumes and forms inspired by nature. In an area of 480 m2, visitors can see the narration of Giorgetti’s manufacturing and lifestyle, including new collections and iconic products. All enhanced by decor objects from the Giorgetti Atmosphere collection.
Hong Kong
The new flagship store of Molteni&C | Dada in Hong Kong confirms the success of the decade-long partnership with Firmstone, and marks a further step in the path of regeneration of the distribution network in the Far East. The store is located in the Harbour Centre, in the district of Wan Chai, and stands out for its 400-plus square meters, alternating iconic products with the latest new creations. The result is an immersive experience of the brand’s living concept. The opening of the new store follows that of the Dada Kitchen showroom at Gloucester Road, again in partnership with Firmstone.
Shanghai
First showroom in China for Preciosa who chooses the city of Shanghai for its debut in the Far East and Tiamantti as an exceptional partner. Located at the Shanghai Home Expo, the space measures 90 square meters and includes the presentation of eight chandeliers and six solitaires made in the Crystal Valley in Bohemia, the company’s headquarters.
The new Scavolini store is also located in Shanghai: the exhibition space is set up on two floors inside an independent building in the Lujiazui financial district, part of a major shipyard renovation project, signed by Kengo Kuma.
