Pushcarts get a classic flourish
Stylish mobile kiosks by Relux are a hit with retailers at home and abroad
Ekachai Veeranopparat wanted to expand the family business beyond office supplies and his dad, Vicharn, the firm’s founder, provided the inspiration with his collection of model vintage cars.
Relux was established more than 30 years ago and was among Thailand’s first producers of photo albums and plastic file folders. Six years ago Ekachai set up Relux Innovation to handle exports.
And now, taking advantage of the boom in small and medium-sized businesses, Relux is providing attractive steel pushcarts and moveable kiosks for their roving retail outlets – all in the form of vintage cars, boats, locomotives and horse carriages and even a double-decker bus and tuk-tuk.
The prices range from Bt50,000 to Bt200,000.
“We have about 20 vintage models so far that can be modified to suit each customer’s needs and used indoors or outdoors,” says Ekachai.
“They come in various sizes and we can expand the size or modify the model. The pushcart, for instance, can be adapted for use as a trolley in a restaurant, and the double-decker bus is ideal for selling ice cream or icy beverages.”
Ekachai says about 80 per cent of the pushcarts are shipped overseas, particularly to Japan, Germany and Britain. Adaptability is key, he stresses.
“Retailers use them as mobile gift shops and bakeries or just kiosks selling gifts and accessories. Resorts and hotels use them as beverage and salad bars and drinks trolleys. We developed a car model for automobile showrooms where the cashier sits inside with a sliding pad for the keyboard and monitor. Overseas franchised retailers use our products mostly as outlets for food and snacks.”
One of the most popular models is the Hispano, which looks like a classic European horse carriage, complete with antique lamps and sliding plates under the roof and the mirror that serve as counters.
The Western Express is the front end of a locomotive that can be pulled up and down by turning a gear wheel to display items for sale. A glass cabinet at the back holds more accessories. More vintage rail cars can be attached to assemble a whole train.
The carts are so finely detailed that the firm can only produce 80 to 100 models a year. Each model takes 30 to 90 days, depending on the size.
“Every model has more than 100 components, 70 per cent of which we make ourselves,” says Ekachai. “Everything is done by hand, including the custom assembly.
“This really is a niche market. The main benefits are the durability and the mobility.”
Next up for the market is a five-metre-long vintage car that will function as a mobile bistro. It comes with a pantry, counter bar and seating for eight. Look for it at next month’s Bangkok International Gift Fair and Bangkok International Houseware Fair.
WHEELY COOL
<< Relux Innovation is on Phetkasem Road in Bangkok.
<< Call (02) 811 9945-6 or visit www.ReluxPlus.com.
