My Direct Blinds Pty Ltd, an online only fabricator, manufacturer and retailer of custom made window furnishings from Australia, plan to boost its presence in South Africa in an expansion fueled by the low barriers to entry in the local market.
Expanding the brand in Africa will grow competition for companies like blinds online SA LLC, and many other retailers currently operating in the market which should help end consumers who are looking for window coverings with a great price point.
A watchful eye will be cast as local markets in South Africa stagnate due to slowing economic growth, in effect curbing consumer spending.
None of this seems to worry the Australian based company, as they plan to enter as many as three other global markets in the next five years, director A. Ristevski said in an interview.
South Africa, which has the continent’s most developed retail market, is still amongst twelve other African countries where the Australian outfit may consider entering the market by acquiring existing brands, he said.
“Today we have visited South Africa, and we’re quite amazed by the opportunity here”, Ristevski said on Tuesday in the capital Johannesburg. “If we choose to enter, it might be by acquisition instead of by creation of the brand from scratch.”
Special manufacturing process
“We have our own fabric manufacturing facilities, component designs, and manufacturing blueprints for all of our parts including the aluminium tubes, and base rails on our blinds. This will give us a competitive edge versus existing brands in the marketplace, allowing us to offer better value to consumers.” Said Ristevski.
Other Options
My Direct Blinds, also plans to add more retail stores in other African countries. He expects one store to open every month for the next three years.
“We are open to a lot of other options”, Ristevski said. “If we have information that the market or barrier to entry is low, or that some owner or group wants to sell, we will investigate.”
Their plan for the brick and mortar stores is to offer other products for a home furnishings bonanza. Their sister company offers rugs, homewares and furniture. By bundling all of the products together he hopes to up sell to their existing customer base, as most “will be looking for these things in their new homes anyways” Ristevski said.
Currently, My Direct Blinds only operates in Australia. It plans to enter South Africa before the end of 2019 closes out, and does not count out any opportunity for a joint partnership with delivery companies whom are offering an express option for the ever changing demands of today’s consumer. “Most want delivery within three days”, Ristevski said.
