REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, SEMARANG -- Semarang based traditional boutique Gendhis exported traditional handbags made out of organic materials to Asian and European countries as well as the United States.
"A lot of foreign consumers are interested in our products because the bags and purses we sell are handmade by craftsmen in Jogjakarta using bamboo, animal skin and hyacinth as the main materials," said one of the boutique's manager, Vivi, in Semarang on Friday.
She informed that these products were being exported for a few years now and most buyers were adults.
The products are rather competitively priced, ranging from 500 thousand to one million rupiah.
To expand their market, the boutique has established a few branch stores in major cities such as Surabaya, East Java and Batam, Riau Islands. The flagship store in Jogjakarta was opened in 2002.
"We also sell online and customers can view and purchase our products without having to visit the shop," she continued.
Quality wise, organic and natural materials tend to have a longer shelf life compared to synthetic materials.
"The price speaks for the lasting quality and the bags and purses require no special maintenance," Vivi remarked.
Gently cleaning them using a toothbrush is enough maintenance for the leather products while knitted items require washing with detergent, she continued.
The products offered by the boutique include backpacks, handbags and clutch bags ranging from simple designs to ones that make a statement and come with colorful accessories.