IOTA in North America
IOTA’s exclusive natural stone planters and garden sculpture
continue to build in brand reputation and sales in North America. In 2007, positive sales growth was delivered in each of IOTA's major product categories, and across all business divisions.Notable developments in 2007 included:
Wholesale distribution: IOTA’s contemporary garden planters and sculpture are now available to US retailers via local market wholesale distribution. The selected distributors have coast-to-coast coverage, with both representative networks and regional showrooms. 2007 saw some notable sales achievements: such as a listing with Nieman Marcus, achieved by IOTA’s Miami-based garden sculpture distributor.
Corporate direct: Direct corporate enquiries grew significantly in 2007, with greatest interest in IOTA's extra-large granite planters, and orders were shipped as far afield as Chicago to Kentucky, and New York to Hollywood. In addition, IOTA’s products are increasingly specified on major international projects controlled from within the North American market – for example, IOTA is now working with Toronto-based Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, most recently on a project requiring custom planters for a hotel in Mauritius.
Design professionals: From large commercial plant containers to designer pots for the garden, supply via design professionals is a major activity for IOTA. The company has identified this business as a long-term strategic priority worldwide, and 2007 saw management focussed on identifying the needs of this customer community in North America. As a demonstrable measure of this commitment, in 2007 IOTA became a Corporate Member of ASLA – the American Society of Landscape Architects.
Said IOTA’s Chief Executive, Mark Chessell:
“2007 has been a good year for IOTA in North America, and we now have strong strategic assets in place and significant momentum established. To select just one highlight from the year: I am personally delighted that IOTA has been accepted as an ASLA Corporate Member, as I think this is extremely important for us long-term.”“However, despite a positive year, I would be the first to admit that these are still very early days for us in North America. These are markets which require sustained effort and strategic commitment over the long-term – so I guess you could say that we have only just begun!”