At the end of June, we set out on extended business travel, not only to satisfy our wanderlust but also to make some global reconnections with some of our partners around the world. For the past couple of years our travel, like that of so many others, has been cut drastically. Our decision to travel again was partly about regaining some freedom and feeling a bit of control.
WHY WE ARE TRAVELING AGAIN
It’s been a long time since we’ve connected with our suppliers face to face. While video conferences and phone calls are certainly helpful, nothing beats live, personal interactions with people we’ve known for years, renewing professional relationships, and developing new products.
The world is changing more rapidly than ever. We believe our supplier relationships are essential to our business and to support our customers. Spending dedicated time with our suppliers strengthens our offering, providing our clients with relevant and fashionable indoor | outdoor living products.
WHERE WE ARE GOING
Our journey begins in Turkey. It is a wonderful place to start. It is a place for fantastic food, colorful markets, sophisticated manufacturing and warm and welcoming people.
From Turkey, we will travel throughout the Middle East and into Asia, stopping in Thailand, where most of our finely-crafted, hand-glazed ceramics are fabricated. Our path continues to Vietnam and Indonesia, where much of our Archipelago Collection is produced. Next, we head to India, where our Ingot Collection is now being manufactured. We will return to Indonesia and then back to Turkey to round out our trip.
Our travels through Asia will allow for a great deal of new product development. We will be working closely with our existing suppliers to imagine new silhouettes and colorways to enhance existing collections and potentially introduce some new lines.
Fortunately, it also provides us an opportunity to enjoy some of our favorite things… from the wonderful, fresh foods to spending time in countries with deep histories and amazing cultures. The locals in these places really know how to live and how to share it with visitors.
WHAT IT MEANS FOR OUR CLIENTS
The global supply system has been in a state of chaos for some time now. Our supplier visits strengthen our relationships and give us a better understanding of the struggles suppliers face. This helps us plan better and set reasonable expectations for deliveries and new products.
We will also be spending a great deal of time discussing current trends, how to develop products that are affordable, refreshed and consistent color story direction, and emerging trends for 2023 and beyond.
WHERE TO SEE OUR ADVENTURES
Our nearly 3-month trip means exciting things for us and our clients. We know you are going to love what is coming next. Traveling has reinvigorated us in the way that only travel can. Look for our adventures on our Instagram account. Be sure to check out our reels tab, where much of the content lives.
USEFUL LINKS
ceramics collection – https://www.seasonalliving.com/collection/ceramic-furniture/
archipelago collection – https://www.seasonalliving.com/collection/archipelago-collection/
ingot collection – https://www.seasonalliving.com/collection/ingot-collection/
seasonal living instagram – https://www.instagram.com/seasonal_living_trd/
seasonal living instagram reels – https://www.instagram.com/seasonal_living_trd/reels/