Tune into RadioTEDU's ”In&Out with Semih Yalman” featuring guest Kürşat, a computer engineering student and entrepreneur, for an insightful deep dive into the global furniture industry. The discussion highlights the importance of luxury, traditional craftsmanship, and the profound emotional value of furnishings in people's lives. Kushhat, who successfully leverages digital marketing and software applications to sell limited, high-end furniture across 80 countries, addresses crucial industry dynamics. Topics covered include the rise of minimalist trends, the current limitations of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in industrial design, and the challenges and immense potential Turkey possesses in establishing powerful, branded furniture concepts to rival global leaders like Italy or IKEA.

The conversation between Professor Yalman (host) and Kürşat (guest) explored several key facets of the furniture sector:

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Guest Profile and Business Model

• The program, In&Out with Professor Yalman, is broadcast from Radio TEDU Ankara Studios

• The guest, Kürşat, is studying computer engineering at TED University. He works in the furniture field, specifically focusing on digital marketing for the furniture sector globally.

• Kürşat has successfully integrated software applications with marketing approaches to help brands reach global customers.

• His company specializes in luxury furniture and traditional craftsmanship, producing limited sofas and furniture rather than relying on manufacturing or serial production.

• The business has achieved significant global reach, selling many containers to around 80 countries and serving over 800 customers.

• Kürşat plans to launch a new, minimal, and affordable furniture brand called ”Fresh brand” in the coming year, aligning with current minimalist trends.

The Role of Furniture (Emotional vs. Functional)

• Furniture is deemed important for people not only to furnish their houses but also to furnish their ”soul”.

• It is considered an emotional value rather than solely functional.

• People choose organic materials (like wood and leather) because artificial materials lack the desired luxury and emotional connection.

• Furniture plays a crucial role in creating a bond; for instance, researchers suggest that assembling furniture together (like IKEA products) is an ”unmissing thing” in people's lives, fostering co-created memories.

Global Markets, Branding, and Production

• Branding is considered important in the furniture industry, serving both as a trend-setter (style) and a habit developer.

• Turkey has a big potential on the furniture market.

• The global dynamic is shifting: Chinese producers quickly steal designs (often Italian ones) and mass-produce. The US market, however, is increasingly rejecting Chinese furniture, forwarding business opportunities toward Europe and Turkey.

• Prominent national brands (e.g., Italian furniture) are valuable due to their heritage, production quality (e.g., building a sofa in one piece), and a global perception of beautiful design.

• Kürşat notes that Turkey currently lacks powerful global furniture brands (like an IKEA or a ”Turkish style” concept) due to issues related to education, traditional mindsets of furniture bosses, and working conditions. He aims to address this by creating a major Turkish furniture brand.

RadioTEDU, In&Out with Semih Yalman, Furniture Industry, Digital Marketing, Luxury Furniture, Traditional Craftsmanship, Emotional Value, Furniture Branding, Global Furniture Market, Turkish Furniture Potential, Minimalism, Scandinavian Style, Japanese Minimalism, Industrial Design, Artificial Intelligence in Design, Production Quality, TED University, Ankara