Established in 1962, Wan Tai & Co. began as a trading company dealing with timber and plywood. By the 1980s, when the second generation took over, the business strategy shifted to kitchen sinks. But with a call for tender to provide sanitary supplies to the Raffles Hotel, an opportunity came up for the company to turn into the import of European sanitary wares. And with that, Wan Tai & Co hasn’t looked back.
Following the Raffles Hotel project, Wan Tai has supplied sanitary products as well as bathroom fittings and accessories to significant landmarks in Singapore including Fullerton Hotel, Reflections at Keppel Bay and Capitol Piazza. Today, the company continues to be powered by a passion for well-designed and good quality sanitary wares.
Bathroom Gallery’s showroom comprises different design concepts, displaying products that are not grouped by brands but by style.
Since the early 2000s, Wan Tai has been making inroads into the residential sector fuelled by the belief that bathrooms are one of the most significant areas of the home. “The homeowners of today have discerning tastes, and they are willing to pay a difference to find unique products for their homes,” says Jeffrey Tay, who is a sales director at Wan Tai. With that understanding, the company launched Bathroom Gallery and Bathroom Warehouse in 2001 and 2013 respectively.
Occupying a 15,000-square foot showroom, Bathroom Gallery offers an extensive range of bathroom products displayed thematically in an upmarket boutique. Unlike conventional showrooms, the themes throughout the space are not grouped by brand; rather, they are based around different design concepts. Bathroom Gallery encourages consumers to go beyond the perimeters of brand and to embrace a “mix-and-match” perception to find out what truly suits their style and lifestyle. The range includes products from Cea Design, an Italian label that manufactures minimalistic yet playful faucets with a 316 stainless steel finishing as well as Villeroy & Boch, who are known for their well-designed ceramic wares.
Bathroom Gallery’s luxurious fittings are displayed by design concepts, which encourages consumers to go beyond the perimeters of brand and to embrace a “mix-and-match” perception to find out what truly suits their style and lifestyle.
While Bathroom Gallery caters to a higher-end clientele looking to invest in designer products, Bathroom Warehouse offers quality fittings and accessories at affordable price points. The store carries reputable brands such as Hansgrohe, Grohe and Duravit. Following the successful reception of Bathroom Warehouse, Wan Tai is looking to add to their two current stores.
Bathroom Warehouse retails affordable yet quality fittings and accessories suited for today’s discerning homeowner.
“Here at Wan Tai, we don’t just sell bathroom wares,” says Jeffrey, when asked what the core mission of the company is. “We want to make a different to people’s bathroom experiences. After all, the bathroom is one of the most important spaces at home. And you would want it to be comfortable. So when you come in to our showrooms, don’t be afraid to tell us what you want and need. We are here to help you achieve your dream oasis.”
This was adapted from Brand Story vol.1 2016
