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Being engaged in manufacture, design and sales processes since childhood in furniture industry, which is also his father’s profession, Gafur Yılmaz made statements about his 50th year in the sector.

*** This release is originally published in Turkish.
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ISTANBUL (TR) - Furniture expert Gafur Yılmaz, after working in assistance with Italian architect Anacletto Mariani and engraved in memories with his decoration work, is celebrating his 50th year in the furniture sector. Gafur Yılmaz, who has undertaken the decoration of VIP halls of many heads of state and has already continued his work as Asortie Furniture Trade and Business Development Manager, shared his experiences and suggestions with young entrepreneurs who have dedicated half a century to his overthrow in the sector.

“Cultural motives highlight Turkish furniture”

Gafur Yılmaz, who stated that Turkish furniture makers stand out in the world with their craftsmanship and ability to reflect cultural motives on furniture, said: “The works that you can touch the cultural structure of the region always find a response in the customer. You should meet the expectations of your customers by narrating your collections. Your customers should know that it's not just a piece of furniture, it has a story too. We show that they have their place in this story by embroidering local motifs in the furniture we produce specially for our customers. Italian, Spanish, Arabic and Turkish motifs are found all over the world.”

“Global success requires serious analysis”

Stating that in order to get a permanent place on the worldwide arena, it is necessary to conduct a serious market and competitor analysis, Gafur Yılmaz said: “As a result of these analyzes, you need to travel the countries and make your plans by seeing their needs. For success, it is also important to observe the living standards and commercial performances of the countries where you want to promote your furniture. As a result of all these analyzes, you can shape your investments. After the analysis, you should evaluate the opportunities to the full. You should follow the government support for your work abroad and benefit from them.”

“Not only qualified production is enough, but we must also direct fashion”

Stating that it is not possible for the world to catch up with Turkey in the quality of craftsmanship and furniture, but it is not enough in the global adventure of Turkish furniture, Gafur Yılmaz said: “When it comes to fashion and design in the world, countries such as France and Italy come to mind. They also feel responsible for everything. Yes, they have very valuable designers but Turkish designers are just as good as them. We need to develop this muscle and market a little more. When we give direction to furniture fashion, we can explain our craftsmanship skills better.”

“Furniture reveals the development of society”

Stating that they could make many inferences with the demand for furniture and the customer profile during their 50 years of working life, Gafur Yılmaz said, “To give an example, about 5 years ago newly married couples still came with family members such as aunts and uncles to buy furniture. Of course, everyone was putting forward different issues by making a comment about the furniture. Evaluations were made based on only sensations about the products. Now, couples come alone, and if a mattress is to be chosen, expert questions such as thread type and orthopedic features are asked. This shows us that young people, even at an early age, trust their knowledge rather than experience. So furniture gives us insight into the development of society.”