One on One: Yawar Salman

Entrepreneur Yawar Salman talks to T.Edit about his latest business venture, Sanitär. The company retails, distributes and manufactures sanitary wares and building material products. Find out all about Lahore’s finest lifestyle store, Salman’s vision and trends that are here to stay



How did you venture into the business?

I have been in the Tech / IT business for 12 years. Opportunity to invest in an old sanitary ware brand came through a private equity venture.

Sanitär is rapidly making a name for itself in a cut-throat industry, who do you see as competition?

Since Sanitär caters to all the three segments of society; mass - mid and luxury, our competition is varied but you can say our main competition in the retail space is S Abdullah, SMC, Kale and Hadayat Sons.

Is there a market for luxe sanitary fittings?

In a country of 220 million there is a market for everything. Luxury market is on the rise but what Sanitär wants to create is affordable luxury.



As Sanitär happens to be an exclusive retailer of wares does that restrict access only to the privileged? 

Sanitär is catering to both the mass, mid as well as the luxury market.

What product, among all that you have to offer, would you term state of the art?

We are exclusive distributors to a Swiss multinational, Geberit, which has state of the art sanitary ware and plumbing products. Geberit has installations in projects like Burj Khalifa, the Lourve-Abu Dhabi and Four Seasons hotels around the globe.

Why does it appear that Sanitär is partial to foreign products?

Sanitär aims to promote and create local brands in the space of building materials. We are also working to introduce European, Turkish and Chinese companies in Pakistan to set up local manufacturing units. Pakistan needs to raise exports and stop relying on imported products. Sanitär also has a bespoke division.



Do you source all your products from one particular brand?

We are a multi-brand business.

What is the most challenging aspect of your business?

Making this business grow rapidly in Pakistan and then taking it regional.

How do you keep on top of current design trends?

I stay updated by attending building material expos in Europe, China and South East Asia. Social Media is also a great tool to track the new trends all over the world.

What in your opinion will be the ruling trends in 2019?

Contemporary design trends will continue to rule.

How do you unwind?

I live on a farm on the outskirts of Lahore and enjoy connecting with nature. Best way to switch off!

What are your interests apart from business?

I like to travel up north in Pakistan.  I also happen to be good at sports so I enjoy playing tennis in my spare time.