“As a forward-thinking brand, we are committed to staying ahead of the curve in addressing evolving preferences…”
Since its inception in 1991, Simpolo has emerged as a prominent player in India’s sanitaryware and bathware market, steadily evolving over the past three decades. In an exclusive interaction with Washrooms and Beyond, Sanjay Kalra, Chief Executive Officer – Bathware, Simpolo Tiles & Bathware talks about the company’s journey, strategies adopted and how the company plans to stay ahead of evolving trends.
Along this journey of over 30 years in the industry, what are the key innovations Simpolo has introduced?
We offer an extensive range of bathware tailored for both residential and commercial bathrooms. As a leading manufacturer of ceramic sanitaryware, our product lineup includes toilets, washbasins, pedestals, urinals, and cisterns.
Throughout this journey, we have been pioneers in industry deliverables, consistently pushing the boundaries of innovation and quality. Our notable contributions include rustic coloured sanitaryware, handcrafted basins, siphonic flushing in both wall-hung and one-piece closets, 4D & 5D flushing technology in one-piece closets, special wall-hung closets for kids, ISI Standard wall-hung closets and benchmarking the best White in the industry.
Our offerings span various segments, from premium to mid-range and mass-market products, ensuring we meet diverse needs and preferences. This comprehensive selection enables us to serve a broad audience, delivering high-quality solutions for any bathroom setting.
Bathrooms are no longer mere functional spaces. They are supposed to reflect the users’ personalities. Therefore, artistic and designer elements have made inroads in the bath space. What are your thoughts on this evolution?
Bathrooms are no longer just for basic use; they have evolved from mere functional spaces to expressions of personality, reflecting a broader lifestyle trend. They now provide a place for ‘me time’. Comfort and luxury are important, and people want artistic and stylish designs.
As a forward-thinking brand, we are committed to staying ahead of the curve in addressing evolving preferences. We take pride in pioneering the hand-crafted basin category—a unique offering that we have proudly developed and own. This category features meticulously hand-crafted washbasins, created by talented village women. This initiative not only allows us to create experiential bathroom spaces but also provides a platform for these artisans to showcase their skills and craftsmanship, empowering them to become independent. Each basin in our collection reflects a perfect blend of elegance and functionality.
While bathrooms are becoming colourful, a pop of colour is being added to the bath products themselves. What is your take on this trend?
At Simpolo, we understand the growing trend among a selective audience that gravitates towards pops of colour in their bath products. To cater to this demand, we offer more than six vibrant colours, ensuring that our customers have the options they seek. In line with this, we’ve also introduced our Bold Collection, featuring three distinct designs in matte black. This collection is crafted to resonate with the latest trends in luxury bathrooms, providing an elegant and contemporary touch to any space.
While we excel in serving this niche market, our primary focus remains on delivering a premium bathroom experience. We are renowned for our best-in-industry white gloss, and our extensive range of products in white continues to offer timeless elegance and superior quality. This balanced approach allows us to maintain our reputation for elegance and quality, while also providing vibrant, colourful options for those looking to add a splash of colour to their bathrooms.
“At Simpolo Bathware, we are committed to staying ahead of these trends. We are constantly upgrading our range to include the latest innovations and design trends. Our focus is on tech-based, high-functional products that offer a premium aesthetic.”
Growing demand for water-efficient sustainable products is another key industry trend. How is Simpolo poised in that regard?
We are fully committed to this. We have introduced a range of products designed to be water-efficient, with the majority of our offerings compatible with a 4-litre full flush system. This innovation saves approximately two litres of water with every full flush, aligning with our commitment to sustainability and resource conservation. By integrating water-saving features into our products, we contribute to both environmental responsibility and cost savings for our customers.
What is your current distribution strength? How are you tapping into the Tier II & III cities?
With over three decades in the industry, our key strength lies not only in providing top-quality products but also in our extensive availability through our brand stores and channel partner network. We currently have a robust network of over 1,500 dealers and 150 brand stores across India.
Tier II & III towns are shifting towards quality and unique products, with a growing focus on a luxury lifestyle, driving the presence of luxury brands in these areas. Approximately six million individual houses are constructed in the country every year, with the majority being built in Tier II & III towns. These homes increasingly feature high-tech amenities and luxury bathrooms.
To cater to this consumer segment, we have established a strong presence in Tier II & III towns and are continuously expanding our reach nationally on a daily basis. Our product range includes over 300 SKUs, encompassing modern design, advanced technology, and superior comfort, all aimed at meeting the diverse demands of every bathroom.
How are you enriching the consumers’ retail experience?
The retail experience is no longer confined to the physical world but extends into the digital realm as well. We offer our consumers a seamless platform that bridges both experiences.
Through our advanced technology, customers can explore product features and enjoy personalised visual representations on our website. We also offer online training sessions and webinars for our partners and customers, providing insights into our products and industry trends. We actively engage with our audience on social media platforms, sharing updates, design inspirations, and customer testimonials.
For those who prefer in-person interactions, we have over 150 well-equipped and consumer-friendly brand stores across the country, providing a comprehensive and engaging shopping experience.
How do you see the industry moving in the next 5 years? What are your plans?
In the next five years, we see the bathroom industry continuing to evolve with a strong emphasis on technology, high functionality, and premium aesthetics. Consumers will increasingly demand products that are not only beautiful but also smart and efficient.
At Simpolo Bathware, we are committed to staying ahead of these trends. We are constantly upgrading our range to include the latest innovations and design trends. Our focus is on tech-based, high-functional products that offer a premium aesthetic.
Currently, we offer a wide range of over 300 SKUs in sanitaryware and soon, we will be introducing a new range of faucets. Our goal is to become a one-stop solution for creating dream bathrooms, providing everything our customers need to bring their vision to life.