“Ribhalla” brand will be a more recognized and preferred name both at home and abroad.
As Sarıkaya company is the owner of “Ribhalla” brand. It is in an effort to make Ribhalla a leading brand of Turkey. Therefore, we develop our product range day by day. Located in Bursa, the textile hub of Turkey, As Sarıkaya is a young but deep-rooted company thanks to its professional and experienced team. We asked A. Samet Sarıkaya, Company Executive, about the details of their success story.
Could you tell us about your company’s operations and product groups addressing to home textiles and contract business?
We have been producing jacquard fabric in middle and upper segment. We place a particular importance to quality, and we make production through.
What is your annual production capacity?
The production capacity depends on the weight in grams and density of fabric. So, it is around 100-120,000 meters.
What is the export ratio over your total sales? What are your current export markets and activities?
We have 65% of export and aim to make it %75 in 2021 thereby trying to make our company more export oriented.
How did the pandemic affect your company? What changes have you observed in your current markets and export volume?
We have been affected negatively as all other companies. Even though the export volume did not change much, domestic market had a big slowdown in the pandemic. In total, we have done our best to get this period with minor damage.
As you may know there is a digitalization tendency during the pandemic as all exhibitions have been canceled. How did you manage this pandemic period and what have you done about digitalization?
Although the exhibitions are effective to find potential customers, I prefer mostly direct business trips market by market. In my opinion, exhibitions are for prestige mostly not for hot sales as we have reached more customers and business by making business trips than to exhibitions. Regarding digitalization, it doesn’t make sense because buyer wants to see and touch the product before he/she gives a decision. So, we always prefer face-to-face contacts.
Can you tell us about your references? Are your products used in hotels, restaurants and contract areas in both domestic and foreign markets?
Although we make wholesale, we also supply fabrics to projects in foreign markets. Our products are used in many Turkish television series in channels like TRT, STAR TV and SHOW TV.
What are the dominant colors and designs for 2021 season you think?
We prepared very strong collection by good research and development. The color depends on market as well. Every country has its own trend colors. For example, a popular color in Russia may not be interesting in Qatar. According to me turquoise and petrol green will be the popular colors in 2021.
What are your plans for 2021? Will you attend any exhibitions in Turkey or in abroad?
Our aim is to increase our sales by 30% and we believe that we took necessary steps for it. All necessary pre-interviews with potential customers have been done and all we have to do is to make visits. As mentioned before, we have no plan to attend any exhibition in 2021 as it is not part of our strategy, at least for this year.
What would you like to add and highlight in the interview?
In the interests of brevity, we are a company who cares for quality. Also, fashionista, nominative and imitate. By means of those; we can establish long-term business partnerships with our valuable customers. It also makes us be ahead in the game.
