Hunter Douglas Launches New Display System
Hunter Douglas developed this display system to support its new Showcase Priority Dealer program and to differentiate this level of dealer from other Hunter Douglas dealers.
The new maple-finished Showcase Display System is flexible and can be configured many different ways.
All modules are clearly identified with the Hunter Douglas logo and include backlighting and four-color room scene photography.
Wellington Display Attracts Female Consumers
Wellington Cordage, one of the leading rope manufacturers in the U.S., wanted to make the purchase of rope in tune with today’s female consumer. Research has shown females find it difficult to decipher current packaging to determine the rope with the correct efficacy for their needs.
Wellington discovered that consumers looked initially for a rope that was designed to work for their particular application, and then sought the strongest product possible. By creating a new look and merchandising system, Wellington was able to increase store sales by 20%, and also boost its distribution to “Big Box” retailers.
Wellington Cordage’s new look and merchandising system was produced by Proteus Design, a Boston, MA-based retail design firm.
Levitz Showcases New Store Design
Levitz Furniture, a leading specialty retailer of furniture, bedding and home furnishings, is opening newly renovated stores across the country, starting with a 53,000 square-foot store in Staten Island, NY.
The new store, which boasts 25% more space than its other tri-state area locations, offers customers even more ways to experience Levitz’s brands and value prices including the addition of a Schandig Gallery and a Levitz Kids Store.
The new stores will feature an expanded selection of furniture and bedding; the convenience of wider aisles; better lighting; and more accessible customer service centers.
New Markets Emerging For DIY Retailers
Following a five-year boom, do-it-yourself retailers are now placing their hope in three emerging DIY markets: Women, Hispanics and Baby Boomers, for future growth, according to the marketing research firm, Mintel.
“We saw retailers make many outreach efforts last year,” said Justin De Santis, Mintel Analyst. “For example, suppliers introduced new lines of traditionally male-oriented products such as hand tools with ergonomic features, design, and packaging that specifically targeted the female DIYer. There is a major opportunity to provide more targeted products for this group.”
Mintel research reports that close to 60% of women surveyed had undertaken a DIY project in the last year. Major retailers such as Lowe’s and Home Depot are offering educational workshops, adapting product lines, and making store layouts more female-friendly. To appeal to the growing Hispanic market, retailers are expanding Hispanic and Spanish-speaking staff while continuing to introduce bilingual signage and packaging. The projected number of Hispanic homebuyers will also drive sales opportunities. Baby Boomers are predicted to buy everything from high-end furniture to small barbecues at DIY stores. Home Depot’s recent acquisition of online company Home Decorators Collection sets the stage for more expansion opportunities that can attract this key group. Boomers growing into the 50-65 year-old bracket will cause that segment to be the fastest growing age group in the U.S. until 2010 and Mintel predicts that installation services sales and one-stop shopping will increase as this market seeks more “do it for me”purchases.
“Companies will need to continue providing more programs and services to attract these emerging groups,” De Santis said.
Increase In ‘DIY’ Consumers Presents Opportunities For Home Improvement Stores, Says Vertis Study
According to the Vertis Customer Focus 2006 Home Improvement study, 56% of adults who are planning a home improvement project are the main decision makers and do the work themselves. Among the most popular projects is interior painting with 48% of adults surveyed planning to paint in the next 12 months.
Although the study found many consumers shop at large home improvement stores for their project needs, some are turning to discount stores for minor repair and maintenance supplies. In particular, 37% of men shop at regular discount stores because products are less expensive or because they can purchase the best quality for the price; an increase from 31% in 2004.
Furthermore, only 8% of men stated home improvement stores always have the products they need, compared to 15% in 2004.
Sterling Promotions
Survey Reveals 76% Of Women Don’t Own A Home
A new online survey conducted by Women and Company, revealed that 76% of women respondents do not own a home. Survey respondents cited the following reasons: they are unwilling or unable to buy (20.03%); their current living expenses are too high (17.11%); and the timing isn't right due to their life circumstances-job change, divorce, etc. (16.33%).
Women respondents also said they didn't own a home because they were saving for other goals-retirement, children’s college education, etc. (16.33%); or that they preferred to rent than own (3.42%).
Gardening Shows Dramatic Rise In Participation, Study Shows
More people than ever are working on their lawns and gardens, a record 91 million households last year, according to new data from the National Gardening Association (NGA).
Vickie Abrahamson, EVP and co-founder of the consumer research firm Iconoculture, noted several cultural trends driving the growing participation in gardening and other nature-oriented pastimes. “People are continually bombarded by technology throughout the day, so they are looking to slow down by engaging in simpler, more natural and relaxing pursuits,” said Abrahamson. “The same consumer attitudes that are driving increased spending on spas and visits to farmers markets are driving increased participation in garden activities and creating livable outdoor spaces.”
Bang & Olufsen Unveils BeoLink Wireless
Audio Solution
Bang & Olufsen has introduced its first multi-room wireless solution, BeoLink Wireless 1.
The stylish BeoLink Wireless 1 adds the convenience of wireless transmission of quality audio between rooms, replacing the Master Link Cable in Bang & Olufsen’s BeoLink concept.
RTX America Launches Landline/Internet Phone
RTX America has announced the DUALphone, a Skype-certified hybrid phone that allows consumers to combine the benefits of traditional phone lines with Skype Internet calling capabilities.
“We’ve eliminated the need to sit in front of a PC when placing Skype calls,” said Chris Tubis, CEO, RTX America. “We are providing customers with an easy way to integrate powerful Skype functionality into their everyday lives.”
Category: Permanent Displays
Display Producer: New Dimensions Research Corp.
260 Spagnoli Road, Melville, NY ll747
This Scott's Miracle Gro display was designed to give consumers the opportunity to "touch and feel" the LiquaFeed product at shelf level and encourage trial of the product. The unit had to educate consumers about the product benefits and ease of use as well as be able to endure the sometimes "harsh" environment of Home Depot retail garden centers which often include outdoor locations. The display is designed and constructed to be extremely durable and its sleek design makes it stand out on the shelf.
Category: Corrugated Displays
Display Producer: Kell Specialty Products/Great Northern
Corporation
421 Palmer Street, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
This display was designed as a self-shipping quarter pallet to be used in mass and grocery channels to promote various new launch products. A stackable, self supporting tray holds a variety of product configurations. The unit is shoppable from two sides and has great impact from all views. Complete assembly, packing and distribution of displays was provided.
Category: Display Graphics
Display Producer: Proprint Services Inc.
5621 Finch Avenue East, Unit #5, Toronto, Ontario
Canada M1B 2T9
This P.O.P program for Frigidaire featured full sized litho printed sheets mounted to corrugate, then die cut to shape. Each unit was packed individually with other P.O.P materials including counter cards, wobblers and cling vinyl.
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