It was not planned, reflected upon? There was no market study before launching the project to make sure it would work. Yet, Pro Deco is still there, ten years later, and it intends to keep going strong for many decades. To celebrate its tenth anniversary, the specialist in interior design has decided to break all taboos and prejudices his products might have ?suffered?. It has moved its showroom in Port-Louis until 8th April? closer to working people ? who can ?come and make their own opinion? over the trendy furniture and decorative textiles that could well help them change the look of their homes.

In quite a traditional country like Mauritius where people prefer conventional furniture with sober colours to decorate their homes, Pro Deco has taken up the challenge to bring some spice in their environment. Change the white paint on your walls for an orange tapestry and the living room will be completely different? for the better, of course! If people appear reluctant at the beginning, they finally realise modern furniture and bright colours are not so shocking and can even be really nice and warm.

?In 1996 when we opened, purchasing power was already quite high and people were going abroad quite often. When they saw interior designs during their trips or in European magazines, many of them wanted to have the same pleasant environment and comfort at home?, reveals the manager, Michel Vellin. He gladly admits that, when he started his company, he did not really know where he was going; one of his suppliers asked him to promote his products in Mauritius? And this was the beginning of the adventure. He then looked for other suppliers? And Pro Deco was born!

<B>One-stop shop for more harmony</B>

At the time, people had to move around to look for curtains, carpets or furniture fabrics in different places? without the guarantee they would get the right matching colours! Even for people with a ?decorative instinct?, they could not always find the perfect harmony?

At Pro Deco, the concept is based on harmony. Harmony of colours, furniture, style? The catalogues of American n°1 Robert Allen or Italian high-quality Dedar propose a whole range of colour schemes from which customers can choose their favourite one under the expert eye of the salesgirls. But Pro Deco doesn?t only propose high-class products; there are catalogues from South Africa as well, which propose good quality textiles for very affordable prices.

In fact, the price is part of the clichés usually associated with our company. ?In view of the purchasing power in Mauritius, I can?t say that our products are cheap? However, it is untrue to say that we only have products at exorbitant prices. Middle-income people can easily find affordable products at Pro Deco. Of course, we have a certain number of very high-class products at very high prices but we also have competitive prices?, explains Michel Vellin.

The fact that most products are manufactured in China allows those affordable prices. As they produce for a big market, they can afford to propose competitive prices. ?With my ten years? experience in the field, I can guarantee that products made in China are of good quality with a delicate finish?, the manager maintains.

Some of the furniture displayed in Port-Louis have been designed and made in Mauritius. The pebbles inlaid into the original wooden coffee table has been designed by Mario Guillot and made in Mauritius. Pro Deco also take orders for tailor-made furniture? What would you think of having a family picture inlaid into a table for instance? At Pro Deco, all is made to make customers feel original? The company chose to be resolutely modern and different to please all those looking for exclusivity and originality?