Built on four decades of experience, few wholesale names reach as many retail shelves - or as many living rooms - across Australia and New Zealand as Isalbi Brands. Here’s the story of how selling Spanish glassware and kaleidoscopes grew into a portfolio of over 50 brands, and how we’re curating the future of retail wholesale.
In Melbourne, Albi is founded. Importing recycled Valencian glassware under the ‘Albi Ecoglass’ name. A small idea with a distinctive look, this range was the first of its kind to hit the Australia and New Zealand market.
Two years later and a state away, James Smail sets up a stall at Sydney Markets with a range of signature kaleidoscopes and other artisan curios. The kaleidoscopes would go on to appear in every season up until present day.
Quietly gaining popularity across Australia and New Zealand, Albi sets its sights wider - expanding from its glassware roots into full-range homeware and kitchenware. After the millennium, Albi founds the in-house brands that still anchor the portfolio today: Amalfi, Emporium, Rogue and Davis & Waddell.
After a decade building credibility at Sydney Markets, a new era of Independence Studios begins. It soon after earns the attention of global companies, assembling a portfolio of exclusive international gift, toy and homeware brands for the Australia and New Zealand market.
After winning three trophies at the Reed Gift Fairs GALA Awards, Independence Studios is acquired by Marlin Brands. Meanwhile, Albi partners with the iconic design programme Grand Designs to launch a stunning 75-piece Home Collection - translating the show's signature style into inspired, premium homewares for the Australian and New Zealand market.
Albi and Independence Studios officially joined forces to form Isalbi - two companies, 35 combined years of history, one unified name. Building on that legacy, Isalbi sets a new creative direction, elevating every touchpoint with more in-house design, upgraded photography and packaging that brings each brand boldly to life.
We unveil a fresh brand identity - one that reflects who we are and where we're headed. Focusing on our design-led culture, we release more exclusive lines and curated product ranges, introducing new brands every year to diversify our offering for the future. Our immersive showrooms are styled each season to showcase the latest lines, giving our partners a chance to discover, feel and buy with confidence. We also launch Isalbi Connect, a seamless wholesale portal built around the ways our partners like to shop. Four decades in the making, and many more to go.