Tropical Influences Frank Jouret's passion for hammocks.

Who is Frank Jouret ?

It is difficult to find the words to describe the incredible journey of Frank Jouret, the founder of "Tropical Influences." Since 1988, this company has become an essential reference in the world of hammocks.

It all started with a youthful passion for surfing, which led Frank to travel the world in search of perfect waves. But it was in 1986, during a trip to the Pacific coast of the state of Colima in Mexico, that his life was forever changed. In the isolated village of La Tixcla, the Mexicans offered him to sleep in a hammock, under a palapa. It was then that Frank discovered the joy of this millennia-old object, which would become his passion and the driving force of his professional life.

Since then, Frank has dedicated his life to promoting and spreading hammock culture through his unique and original creations, which blend tradition and modernity. Indeed, "Tropical Influences" is much more than a hammock sales company. It is a true think tank, where Frank works tirelessly to innovate and create products that are increasingly elegant, comfortable, and environmentally friendly.

Today, thanks to the passion and perseverance of Frank, Tropical Influences has become a benchmark for all hammock enthusiasts. Whether it's to relax in the garden, on the terrace, by the beach, or even inside the house, Frank's creations guarantee absolute comfort and a unique style.

In summary, Frank is a true visionary, a talented artist, and an outstanding entrepreneur who has managed to transform his passion into a genuine empire of decoration and craftsmanship. His creativity, commitment, and generosity are a source of inspiration for thousands of people. And we are convinced that the Tropical Influence adventure is far from over, as Frank never stops dreaming, imagining, and creating new horizons for his company and for the culture of the hammock.

 

Frank Jouret à la tête de Tropical Influences depuis 1988

From Mexico to Brazil via the Philippines to fall in love with the tropics.

In 1988, a small inheritance of €4000 (thanks to my grandpa from Tarn) plus some savings allowed me to start in business. I gave the name of Tropical Influences to my company, because I felt that my heart, although half Belgian, had a large part that beat to the rhythm of the tropics. I was going back to Mexico to buy hammocks, but also to Brazil for flip-flops, bikinis, and surf shorts ! That summer, a novice in business, I was losing all my fortune. At the markets in the Landes, the hammock was an attraction because few people had seen one before! Among all my items, the hammock was the best-selling product, and from then on, I would be seen every summer at the markets of Hossegor, Seignosse, and Vieux Boucau with a hammock stand.

Quickly and thanks to other artisanal products imported from the Philippines, I got back on my feet. For a long time, I used to go to the Philippines to have watch dials made with marquetry using natural materials. At the request of a major French watch brand I met at the Bijorca fair in Paris (Pierre Lannier, a French brand better known abroad), my Filipino manufacturer was the only one able to produce this dial, I was the only one able to supply them, and they themselves were the only ones able to sell these watches! This was the beginning of a beautiful golden age for everyone; the state, of course, took the largest slice of the cake, but this monopoly also allowed me to increase the price paid to the Filipinos. As a result, the artisans, who were paid per piece, worked more relaxed and from time to time were happy to show me their latest acquisitions, like this one artisan who once made me cry by showing me a motorcycle and saying, "It's the watch dials." I will always remember the owner of this factory (150 artisans) who, surprised to see a client himself raise the price, said to me, "That was a very good move." Nemesio Maluya, I will never forget you because I owe you a lot too. Following this, my business rule became: "At my place, everyone must have a smile. From the end customer to the one who made the product. The whole chain must be smiling." At that time, the term " fair trade "was not yet relevant, but it was already my philosophy of life."

The passion for hammocks: choosing high-end hammocks.

At one time, I earned so well from these Philippine items (handmade watch dials) that I allowed myself to travel solely for my passion for hammocks. In villages of pure tradition, I would buy... the most beautiful hammocks that I found. I had no financial pressure; I could buy them even if I didn’t sell them. But gradually, these beautiful models started to interest more and more buyers in France, and I began to sell them. Today, manufacturers appreciate me because they know I look for high-end, quality products. They always tell me, "Foreigners don’t buy as many beautiful models as you do. They always buy the cheapest ones!" Our most beautiful hammocks are located in our department/sectionluxury hammocks.

Modèle de hamac haut de gamme

Tropical Influences : hammock shop in the Landes region and e-commerce.

Since its establishment in 1988, our company has distinguished itself through its expertise and passion for hammocks. Over the years, Tropical Influences has become a reference in the field of hammocks and outdoor furniture in the Landes region and beyond.

With over 30 years of experience, Tropical Influences is a company that has evolved with the times. Initially present at the markets and fairs of the Landes region, the shop opened its doors in Labenne in 1993, before venturing into e-commerce in 2001. Today, we are proud to offer you a wide range of eco-friendly hammocks and fair on its website, while continuing to serve its local customers with the click & collect service.

At Tropical Influences, respect for the environment is an essential value. That is why the shop offers a selection of hammocks, made from environmentally friendly materials and designed under fair conditions. This approach was even recognized in 2013, when Tropical Influences won the Landais Merchants and Artisans Trophy in the category Sustainable development awarded by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Landes.
But Tropical Influences does not stop there. In 2017, the store became a partner of Nature & Découvertes, a further commitment to its ecological approach.
As a small business, Tropical Influences emphasizes the quality of service and customer satisfaction. If you are looking for a high-quality, eco-friendly, and fair-trade hammock, Tropical Influences is the ideal choice. Visit the website and our blog to discover our world and find the hammock of your dreams. And if you are in the Landes region, feel free to visit our warehouse in Tarnos at 266 bis avenue Marcel Paul to take advantage of our click & collect service.