In the world of textiles, where tradition meets innovation, few stories are as compelling as that of Erdem Fabrics. The brand, now making waves in the UK, carries with it a rich history steeped in craftsmanship, family legacy, and a bold vision for the future. At the helm of this exciting venture is Şahika, an enthusiastic leader who has seamlessly transitioned from a decade-long career in finance to spearheading the UK and EU operations of her family’s esteemed business from Bournemouth.
Born and raised in Turkey, Şahika’s journey to becoming the face of Erdem Fabrics in the UK is as inspiring as the brand’s collections themselves. "Growing up in a family business I spent countless summers working alongside my mother and uncles, absorbing their expertise in transforming living spaces and learning invaluable lessons from their interactions with customers and partners. " she reflects, "but my path initially took me into the world of finance." With over ten years of experience in retail banking, most recently with NatWest Group in London, Şahika honed her skills in a fast-paced, results-driven environment. However, the call of her family’s legacy was always there, quietly beckoning.
In early 2024, the moment came. With a keen sense of timing and a deep-rooted passion for her family's trade, Şahika decided it was time to step into the family business. "I felt it was the perfect time to bring our heritage and expertise to the UK market while incorporating my own design vision. To pay tribute to my grandfather, who started this incredible journey, I named the brand after him." she says. And so, the UK chapter of Erdem Fabrics was born.
Erdem Fabrics isn’t just another name in the upholstery fabric industry. Since 1963, this Turkish-based company has been offering exclusive in-house and curated collections to international markets. Their flagship location in northern Turkey, established in 1971, has become an iconic landmark in the region. Over the decades, the business has built strong relationships with numerous fabric mills, many of which are hidden gems in the Turkish weaving industry. These mills, known for their selective approach, have found a trusted partner in Şahika’s family business—a company that brings their exquisite materials to a broader audience.
"Our strength lies in our ability to curate exclusive collections from various mills, not just from the renowned Bursa region but also from the heart of Anatolian weaving in Maras, Urfa, and Mardin.," Şahika explains. "From silk to leather, viscose to cotton, chenille to bouclé—our collections are a testament to the richness and versatility of Turkish textiles." This diversity is what sets Erdem Fabrics apart, allowing them to cater to both contemporary and traditional tastes while maintaining the highest standards of quality and unmatched exclusivity.
In the UK, Erdem Fabrics operates primarily as a wholesaler, with a strong focus on made-to-order requests and door-to-door delivery. "We understand that in this industry, time is of the essence," Şahika notes. "That's why we've streamlined our operations to ensure that our maximum lead time is six weeks, including the FR treatment. We stock our inventory at our warehouse in Turkey and, depending on the order volume, we can fulfil and deliver orders in under 6 weeks as well."
What truly drives Şahika and her team is a mission to bridge the gap between beauty, functionality, and availability in the supply chain. "We recognize the challenges our customers face with sourcing times and stock availability," she says. "By bringing our top-tier collections from Turkey to the UK, we're not just offering fabrics—we're offering solutions."
As Erdem Fabrics continues to establish itself in the UK, Şahika is focused on the future. "We aspire to be recognized as a leading supplier of emerging fabric trends," she says. Backed by a dedicated R&D team and deep market knowledge spanning Canada, the United States, and the Middle East, Erdem Fabrics is poised to offer customers valuable market insights and trend forecasts. "Our goal is to give our clients a competitive edge and a sense of exclusivity in an increasingly competitive market."
For those looking to explore what Erdem Fabrics has to offer, the invitation is open. "We’re excited to showcase our collections," Şahika concludes. "Visit us at www.erdemfabrics.com and don't hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you find the perfect fabrics for your needs, and we look forward to working with you."
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