IHA speaks with Mireia Server, export manager of Rolser, S.A., based in Pedregeur (Alicante) Spain. Rolser will present their fashionable shopping carts and totes in Discover Design N8124 at the 2017 International Home + Housewares Show.
In 1966, Vicente Server Ferrer and his wife Isabel Perez Costa founded Rolser in Pedreguer, Spain to craft palm wicker baskets. Now the global company is managed by their sons and their children. Rolser products, made in their hometown of 7,000 residents, are seen in window displays and streetscapes around the world. Their factory has developed sustainable practices that make the company a leader in resource optimization.
Rolser stylish shopping trolley carts and totes enliven urban streets and markets in 60 countries on five continents. Close contact with their customers allows them to respond to customer demand and adjust their production lines to supply individual orders. Over their 50 years of innovation, Rolser has evolved product function and versatility in features and function while enhancing value and quality. Years ago, trolleys had limited and specific uses but now have become a part of everyday life.
Mireia, where do you find inspiration when designing new products?
Our inspiration comes by studying the next trends—in fashion shows, catwalks and fashion magazines, but especially in what surrounds us. Sometimes we do not realize what is here with us every day. For example, the Rolser 2017 collection features the Bancal model whose different shades and colors are inspired by the seasonal changes in our landscape and the splendid sunlight we enjoy.
Are there any specific designers, places or eras that influence you?
Usually the designs come from our design department led by Isabel Server, and Joan Server, our managing director. But we also ask artists from the area for some concepts; they understand the Rolser spirit and collaborate with us with beautiful ideas.
How do you choose which idea to take forward to development?
Yes, throughout the year we create new ideas. Since we are manufacturers, we can easily make the product and then we can see what we like or like less, and refine it to be elegant and practical and with the quality we require.
How do you identify the key user audience for your products?
We strive every day to manufacture quality products with the fine design that will make every day easier for our users—to build the ROLSER brand identity.
How do new technologies influence your product design? Do you use 3-D printing, Kickstarter or other platforms to develop or launch products? How do you use social media?
Yes, we have 3D printers that help us in the designs of a new chassis. Thanks to them we can test and improve the various mechanisms before starting production.
Social networks are an important tool for us to keep up with news and experiences of our users. We now use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Linkedin and of course, the Rolser blog with its two weekly releases.
Where are your products manufactured?
In Spain, specifically in Pedreguer, a town in the Alicante province.
How do you see design’s importance in our industry as it moves forward?
For us it is crucial. We want to show people that our carts can be an accessory. When going out to the street, the cart can be just like a handbag, a belt, shoes—all of which create of the elegance of a person. The ROLSER cart is also integrated in that elegance. We want people be proud to take the cart to the street to give a touch of glamour to any small cargo transfer.
Can you give us a preview of what you will be showing in your booth in Discover Design?
For the Chicago Show we have new bag formats, diverse designs and varied colors which reflect our region and our brand. Our Com 8 is a remarkably slim, lightweight and easy handling cart, made with an exclusive new material that provides unique weather resistance. It reinvents the concept of folding and its minimalist design fits into the smallest imaginable space
Tell us about your previous experience with Discover Design.
From one year to the next we see an increase in buyer quality and exhibitors’ booth and product designs. We love to attend to Chicago Show. We are also lucky that each year more buyers are interested in our product.
Thank you, Mireia, for telling us about your company and your methods. We look forward to seeing your full assortment of colorful products in Discover Design N8124.
To learn more about Rolser, vist www.rolser.com.
Discover Design is the premier destination at the International Home + Housewares Show for trend spotters who make design their priority. Retailers looking for the unique will find early 200 design leaders at Discover Design located at the front of the North Building.
Anchored by renowned brands such as Alessi, Blomus and Charles Viancin, Discover Design welcomes new exhibitors, such as notNeutral, Luckies of London, and S’well Bottle, and introduces 10 emerging companies at the Design Debut incubator. Additional fresh offerings from veteran design-focused exhibitors such as Kikkerland, Zoku and Magisso will also inspire your choices for the coming year. Find more information on Discover Design exhibitors online.
