We like to put our collaborations in the spotlight. This month: Design By 2 (DB2) in Eindhoven. Managers Barend Verschuren and Derk Hebels talk about their passion for the world of carpet and the cooperation with Tapibel.
DB2 is located on an industrial estate in Eindhoven. When you step inside the striking showroom, the carpet tiles, sample cards and recently also design furniture fly around your ears. Barend: “In our showroom it’s a coming and going of customers, so it’s handy that everything is immediately within reach.”
Where the company’s name comes from? The collaboration between two parties. Derk: “The requesting party, the client, has wishes that do not always match with what the market has to offer. Together we refine the ideas and create a beautiful end result.”
“Design by Two’ stands for the collaboration between the requesting party and us as the providers. Together, we refine the concept to create a beautiful end result.” – Derk Hebels
Carpet lover and connoisseur Derk has been active in the carpet business all his working life. He started with two other brands in his portfolio.
Derk: “Our focus? Offering the better carpet segment for architects. So I was looking for a nice addition to my product portfolio. Through a trade fair contact I got to know Tapibel ten years ago and that’s how the ball got rolling. Four years ago, Barend joined the company”
Barend: “The market has changed enormously. Tapibel has grown nicely with it. In turn, we publicised the brand to architects, turn-key furnishers and flooring companies. The result? A nice position in the Dutch carpet market.”
“We have secured a nice position in the Dutch market with Tapibel. They are known to architects, turn-key furnishers and flooring companies.” – Barend Verschuren
Barend is the face of the Tapibel brand for the Dutch market. “I come from the textile world myself and have experience with the organisation, the products and the market. Four years ago, in 2018, I finally joined DB2. Tapibel is our main focus now, of which I am the face.”
“I come from the textile world myself and have experience with the organisation, the products and the market.
“We have started working closely with Tapibel in recent years. We market their project collections. The new Design Collections and updated branding are boosting the collaboration. The main advantages of Tapibel? The value for money, fast delivery times and short lines of communication. They are a partner you can rely on.”
“The price-quality ratio, fast delivery times and good service are the main advantages of the cooperation.” – Barend Verschuren
Which Tapibel collections are most in demand? “That really depends from project to project. What we do see is that broadloom carpet is losing popularity. That is no longer in demand. Fortunately, we are particularly at home with carpet tiles.
“The new Tapibel Design Collections in Cobalt and Econyl® are well received, though. They really have their own signature. And that’s catching on. “
Another trend? Sustainability. “In the Netherlands, this is a real requirement, especially in public procurement. So Econyl® is a popular choice. But sustainability comes at a price, of course. We see that not all clients can or want to afford it yet.”
“Sustainability in carpets is a real trend in the Netherlands. But it also comes with a price tag.” – Barend Verschuren
In May last year, DB2 expanded its range. They were allowed to add Swedish furniture brand Johanson to their portfolio. Barend: “We are the agent for Johanson in the Netherlands, everything from furniture sales goes through us. A super cool challenge.”
“In the world of furniture design, I sit at the table with the really big names. When we’re in talks anyway, it’s easy to mention Tapibel and thus get them in with the big players as well.”
“Tapibel is small player, it gives a thrill to manoeuvre with them among those big boys.” – Barend Verschuren
Where does that passion for the trade come from? Barend and Derk both have a broad interest in the person behind our customer. “We like the different possibilities with the product.”
The best thing about the job according to Barend? “There is a lot of variety. One moment you are taking samples away and the next moment you are sitting at the table with architects to make the right combinations. In addition, it is also fun to score and win a contract. It is and remains a sales function, of course.”
“The person behind our customer interests us. And the possibilities of the product. You can go in so many directions with carpet.” – Barend Veschuren
