KUALA LUMPUR: Creative Lab Sdn Bhd, a three-dimensional (3D) interior design service provider, has announced plans to expand its operations in countries with an already established presence, such as Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
Chief retail officer Keith Loh said the company has also set plans to expand its presence locally and new markets regionally in the next few years.
Loh said as of July 2021, Creative Lab has 42 outlets across Malaysia, two in Vietnam, three in Indonesia and one in the Philippines.
"Obviously, the retail expansion now is a bit tough amid this pandemic, but I think we must keep going. Thus, we plan to have a few more outlets in those few countries," he told the New Straits Times in an interview.
Creative Lab is the retail arm of global tile conglomerate Niro Ceramic Group.
Founded in 2018, Creative Lab provides a 3D interior design service that allows customers to visualise the impact of their design choices better.
According to Loh, Niro Ceramic already has offices and manufacturing facilities in each of the three countries.
Creative Lab will now look to expand its retail presence in all three of Southeast Asia's most important markets.
Moving ahead, Loh said Creative Lab also aims to secure 11 franchise outlets by year-end.
He stated that the franchise programme was launched because the company believes some entrepreneurs would like to run businesses focused on home renovations and furnishing.
The program package includes an initial franchise fee of RM40,000 for five years and an initial outlet set up of RM210,000, which is estimated based on outlet size not more than 1,500 square feet.
"We have already secured five franchise outlets to date, and we target to have 11 dealers by the end of the year.
"I think the target is achievable because we are quite fast in opening new outlets," he said.
Creative Lab has developed a proprietary 3D design software called ViSoft, named after its technology partner, a German software producer for the tile and sanitary industries.
This high-quality 3D design will allow homeowners to visualise their home with the tiles and sanitary wares they have chosen.
Before making a final purchase decision, homeowners can consult the Creative Lab showroom's actual samples.
These can all be accomplished in a shorter period of time, thereby avoiding the long waiting time experienced by homeowners.
Loh said Creative Lab would expand its services in the future by collaborating with home improvement industry partners.
He said the company's goal is to serve as a one-stop-shop for homeowners looking to renovate.
"We will collaborate with our partners to develop a package, such as offering a discount on the tiles and curtains whenever they purchase with us.
"I cannot reveal the full plan at this time because the memorandum of understanding (MoU) with our partners has not yet been signed, but it is expected to be concluded by next month.
"Actually, the plan was to complete the deal earlier, but due to the full movement control order (FMCO), we are unable to do so," he explained.
Loh said the company would also offer its own tiles installation program next month.
"We will engage our internal team to do the right installation for customers when they purchase with us.
"We are also exploring the renovation part where we could focus on providing customers full convenience," he added.