PHILIPPI is an owner-operated design manufacturer headquartered in Henstedt-Ulzburg, located just outside the city gates of Hamburg. For the past 26 years, Jan Philippi has been designing premium products for the segments of living accessories, gifts, travel and office items.
Interview with Jan Philippi, Chairman & Head of Design at Philippi.
A brief description of the company and its activities.
Jan Philippi: Philippi is an interior design company. Our designers create stylish yet durable home accessories.
I suspect that in any household that values modern, contemporary design, you will find at least one Philippi accessory.
What are the main areas of activity of the company?
J.P: We often take everyday objects and manufacture them in a new, chic design. Materiality is very important to us. We combine high-quality materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, natural wood, or leather into an special piece.
We mainly focus on durability. Our materials are valuable, so their form should exude a lasting style. Once the designs and prototypes are finished and approved, we produce the series in our partner factories in China and India.
Once production is completed, we ship them to our warehouse in Hamburg, Germany, from where we supply to about 2000 high-quality furnishing stores worldwide.
Our customers range from Chile to Japan and from New Zealand to Canada.
What’s the news about new products/services?
J.P: Since the Corona pandemic, we have increasingly sought direct contact with the end consumer.
We supply customers worldwide through our own webshops and those of our partners.
Direct contact with the end consumer is vital because we learn a lot about functionality and daily requirements.
Recently, we have been using short videos and stories from the production process to bring the lengthy design and manufacturing process closer to the customer.
What are the ranges of products/services?
J.P: Our accessories include vases, bowls, photo frames, candle holders, lanterns, table decorations, and practical kitchen aids.
What can you tell us about market trends?
J.P: I believe that quality is becoming increasingly important to customers. Especially for customers aged 35 or 40 and above,
the workmanship and design quality are essential; they do not settle for hastily assembled novelties.
At Philippi, we always strive to stay innovative. Often, the details give a bowl the final chic, that certain something that brings joy for many years.
What are the most innovative products/services marketed?
J.P: We have just launched a new glass series called NIL, which is so featherlight that it almost feels invisible. This Japanese glass is ultra-thin, very elastic, and mouth-blown, almost without a base.
The feeling of holding such a glass is unique and surprising. Therefore, we believe we have brought something very special to the market. Try it yourself!
What estimations do you have for 2024?
J.P: Due to the wars in Europe, people are more cautious about consumption. They want to be sustainably convinced by a product before buying it.
Our product development is challenged to convince customers with innovative and surprising new products.
We have just launched our new Fall/Winter 2024 collection and are overwhelmed by our customers’ reactions.