Incredibly, a decade-plus ago, the Kohler partnership commenced and it’s been seven years since the showroom opened to much acclaim in St Andrew. Recently, the brand, hailed as the global leader in kitchen and bath products, in partnership with Tile City, its long-standing distributor in Jamaica, upgraded the store to a Kohler Signature Store (KSS) concept, in order to improve the level of service and support offered to its customers and to provide a differentiated experience where they can dream, design and shop for the latest kitchen and bath products. Loyal and, indeed, new customers will have direct access to the latest in technology, artistic designs, functionality, and the highest quality products.

‘Twas music to the ears for those in attendance last Thursday evening at the Constant Spring location, but in particular Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett who in his address spoke to the importance of experience and its connection with tourism. “We are a confluence of so many moving parts… it requires some 75 different activities and experiences to satisfy one tourist… agriculture and manufacture are the two most critical.”

“We strive on innovation… so the question always asked when I go travelling is what’s new? What’s different? I can now add that what’s different is that we are a country with world-class kitchen fixtures and bathroom facilities available for visitors,” he shared.

“Manufacturers are our partners,” he continued, providing the commodious arrangements that are vital for the satisfaction of our visitors when they come to our shores. I’m driven by the supply side of tourism because that’s where the wealth is! But I want to ask you to take it one step further and collaborate with the Handals or anyone you wish to establish a factory here in Jamaica to produce high-quality Kohler products.”

Jamaica was lauded by the Kohler team for having the best showroom in the region: an impressive 4,000 square feet, complete with customised lighting, and for being the preferred plumbing brand for high-end residential and hospitality in the Caribbean. Plus, the increasing project pipeline in Jamaica indicated St Andrew is the strongest location to open the store. The country’s vibrant economy and growing tourism infrastructure make it an ideal environment for foreign and local investment in hospitality, secondary homes and commercial properties. Indeed, with the thousands of hotel rooms coming on stream there’s no better time to refresh, expand and reposition the brand.

Formalities handled with aplomb by Kerie-Ann “Kiki” Thombs, concluded with a ribbon cutting which finally allowed access to the brilliantly illuminated showroom. As an international brand, Kohler ensures connection with local experts and practitioners in the construction and design industries. Four local designers, notably Joelle Smith, Karina Matalon, Vanessa Paisley Clare, Rochelle Thwaites, and mural artist Deon Simone, proudly showcased their work inside the Kohler showroom alongside haute bathroom and kitchen products, lighting products, kitchen accessories, and luxury tiles.

SO gauges the experience in the Kohler Signature Store by Tile City enjoying the subtle notes of premium essentials and fragrance oil blended and bottled by Starfish for Fleetwood Jamaica Ltd; Fromage catering services; Select beverages; and the musical styling of DJ Smoke.