Maker’s Spotlight: Kalalou

{Sponsored} There’s something special about goods made with hand tools and glass blown with imperfections from ancient ovens, with those natural stamps of authenticity adding to the beauty and uniqueness to each handcrafted item. Kalalou’s product line comes from all over the globe, all made by artisans and ready to add a special feel to a store’s collection.

Kalalou, and founding couple Doug and Susan Williams, has 35 years’ experience sourcing world goods made from natural materials such as glass, iron, clay and leather. They built the business out of their garage with a focus on South American and Central American artisan products. These days, the sources are less regional, with goods traveling from the far reaches of the globe to the Kalalou facility.

Over the past couple of years, while much of the world was home during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kalalou saw a shift in demand to home-based goods, but they’re excited to see gifts becoming popular again.

Josh McKay, vice president of sales and marketing at Kalalou, particularly loves the breadth of colors and materials in the line, representing the vibrance of life of the makers Kalalou supports. “(Our) clay artisans create true clay and earthen creations, using time honored traditions their parents and grandparents used … comes out feeling like antique wood rather than clay,” McKay said.

Shopping for goods & inspiration

Kalalou has showrooms at both Atlanta Market at AmericasMart and Las Vegas Market. For buyers who can only make it to one show or just one of Kalalou’s showrooms, they’ll find the same products at both showrooms.

For buyers seeking whimsy, traditional or contemporary goods, the collection found at the Kalalou showrooms covers all of the bases and much more.

Besides just visiting Kalalou for truly unique products, buyers will find inspiration in the way that the showroom is merchandised. Every surface is a product, with vignettes created on top of furniture from the collection and an eclectic mix of textures and colors that make each product pop.

McKay’s favorite part of the IMC shows is “the people. From the retailers we have the opportunity to serve, hearing their stories, learning about their businesses and needs, to the market staff itself who are always so open to listening to what we think could drive a better market, it’s the fantastic people that make up this industry that bring this whole thing home for me personally,” he said.

What’s new for Kalalou?

While they weren’t ready to announce new products or a total number of introductions launching January 2022 at the time of publishing, McKay said that the Kalalou team usually launches about 600 new product introductions at both markets in both January and at the Summer shows; it’s definitely a can’t miss stop on your Atlanta Market or Las Vegas Market trip!

Buyers can look forward to specials from the Kalalou team — from sales incentives, shipping promotions and sometimes even contests — as a way to give back to the buyer community as a thank you for visiting them at the markets.

Visit the Kalalou Showrooms in January:

Las Vegas Market: C604

Atlanta Market: Building 2, 1018

Winter Market Dates:

Atlanta Market runs January 11-18, 2022. Register here!

Las Vegas Market runs January 23-27, 2022. Get more details here!

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