Warwick Fabrics, a leading global fabric and textile wholesaler based in Melbourne, Australia, has distribution outlets across Australia, the United Kingdom and New Zealand. It recently entered the Nepali market by forming a partnership with Bella Casa International. Matthew Gilliam, director of International Sales at Warwick Fabrics, was recently in Nepal to assess the Nepali textiles market. In an interview with the
New Business Age, he talked about the company and its plans for Nepal. Excerpts:

What prompted Warwick Fabrics to collaborate with Bella Casa in Nepal? How do you anticipate this collaboration benefiting both parties and your Nepali customers?

Our partnership with Bella Casa has thrived through numerous successful projects over the past few years. Realising the need to strengthen this bond, we convened in Singapore last September for our inaugural face-to-face meeting. As a family-owned enterprise with over 58 years of history, we highly value enduring partnerships, and our initial interaction with Bella Casa cultivated a profound connection. Our decision to collaborate on ventures in Nepal is rooted in our belief in establishing exclusive distributors for each market. We have complete confidence in Bella Casa's capability to represent Warwick in Nepal, offering local consumers access to our meticulously crafted, high-quality products. We offer a three-year quality guarantee on all our offerings, ensuring durability and satisfaction.

Nepali customers appreciate sophistication and durability in their purchases, qualities that perfectly align with our product philosophy. Upon my arrival in Nepal, I couldn't help but notice the emphasis placed on quality—from the standards of the airport to the calibre of accommodations and transportation infrastructure. Nepali consumers demand nothing short of excellence which puts our collaboration in a position to elevate the textile landscape in Nepal.

Could you share Warwick Fabrics' unique selling point (USP) with us? What sets your textiles apart from other brands?

As an Australian company, we place a premium on delivering quality, supported by our extensive three-year guarantee. Prior to their market release, our products undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet commercial-grade standards. Designed to withstand high rub tests and possessing inherent stain resistance, our textiles are perfect for commercial projects. Nonetheless, their versatility extends to residential use as well. We provide highly specified products renowned for their durability and luxurious soft touch, making them ideal for residential settings. While we are known for our commercial ranges, we are equally favoured and recognised in the residential market.

Please tell us about your product range that will be available in Nepal? How are you ensuring that these products maintain the same quality and reputation as in other international markets?

Our company's roots are in upholstery which remains fundamental to our reputation. However, over the past two decades, our offerings have diversified, particularly in high-quality drapery products. In Nepal, customers can expect to experience our double-width shears, 100% blackout curtains and a variety of hospital-grade products engineered with antimicrobial properties and easy cleanability. We also offer vinyl and PVC options which are known for their hassle-free maintenance. Our commitment to quality is steadfast, with rigorous quality control measures carried out at our Australian headquarters. Each product destined for Nepal undergoes thorough testing and inspection to ensure it upholds our global standards.

We provide highly specified products renowned for their durability and luxurious soft touch, making them ideal for residential settings. While we are known for our commercial ranges, we are equally favoured and recognised in the residential market.

While we partner with leading mills worldwide for production, our primary stockholding and quality control operations are centralised in Melbourne. This ensures consistency in quality across all markets, spanning from Japan and Thailand to Dubai and the UK, including Nepal.

What unique challenges and opportunities do you anticipate in the Nepali market compared to other regions where you operate?

One of the unique challenges that we foresee in Nepal is logistics mainly due to the country’s landlocked status. While sea freight is typically a cost-effective option for global transportation, it is not readily accessible here. As Warwick operates within the logistics sector, our primary objective is to efficiently transport fabric from our storage sources to the end consumer. This challenge is particularly significant given the logistical complexities of operating in a landlocked country like Nepal. However, with the burgeoning tourism industry in Nepal, there is an uptick in flights and connectivity which could potentially reduce freight costs. Additionally, we benefit from substantial stock holding in India which enables us to access inventory from our warehouse there as required.

In terms of opportunities, the growth of tourism in Nepal, especially post-COVID, presents a promising prospect. There is a noticeable shift towards eco-tourism and trekking which is expected to attract more international visitors and investment in infrastructure such as hotels and transportation. This trend aligns well with Warwick's positioning as an international brand associated with quality. As someone who plans to return to Nepal for trekking, I see firsthand the potential for Warwick to be involved in projects here and to be recognised for its commitment to quality. Moreover, the upcoming direct flight between Nepal and Australia, particularly to Sydney, presents a significant opportunity. With more direct flights between Melbourne and India, there is potential for synergies and cost savings in freight transportation, as these routes can efficiently utilise cargo space which is often underutilised.

With your extensive 17 years of experience in South East Asia, the Middle East, and SAARC, how does Warwick Fabrics maintain its competitive advantage in these regions?

Primarily, Warwick boasts a rich industry legacy spanning 58 years which solidifies our reputation as a reliable family-owned enterprise. Our fabric stock holdings, among the largest in the southern hemisphere, are a source of pride. They enable us to foster close relationships with our distributors and guarantee swift and efficient access to our inventory throughout Asia. Staying at the forefront of the market is crucial to us, driving our focus on innovative design, complemented by exceptional service and readily available stock from our Australian headquarters.