Printable File - Window Covering Manufacturers Association
Transcription
Printable File - Window Covering Manufacturers Association
Astra Products Ltd. Arden Gold Product Category: Verticals Arden, a Kirsch product designed & manufactured by Astra Products Ltd., introduces a new look that combines beauty with functionality. Arden’s fabric impression, accented by the “S” shape, portrays the look of a soft drapery. Excellent craftsmanship was essential in perfecting the materials and process needed to create such a superior look only to be enhanced by its metallic finish. The innovation and fashion of Arden conveys a whole new appeal to vertical blinds. win ner best new style concept FUA Window Coverings Ltd. ARTISAN Leather Woven Wood Shades Product Category: Wood Blinds/Shadings (Wood, Faux Wood) There’s something wonderfully sensual about the allure of genuine leather. Rich in appearance. Pleasurable to the touch. And that unmistakable scent! It was only natural that FUA Window Coverings would combine the distinctive patterns of our woven woods with the timeless appeal of leather. The result: ARTISAN Leather. Six extraordinary woven patterns that represent classic style and textural beauty, BTX Window Automation, Inc. 5060 Sofia™ MMC* Custom Plug & Play Drapery Automation System Product Category: Motorization For plug and play automation, BTX introduces the new and powerful 5060 Sofia MMC drapery system. The motor features a built-in radio receiver to eliminate the need for control wiring. Simply plug into a 120V grounded outlet. One remote can operate up to 10 systems separately or simultaneously. The motor also has a low-voltage port for single switch or home network operation. This patented motor system is also available for 220V operation. * Patent protected BTX Window Automation, Inc. Easy-Set™ Custom Plug & Play Roller Shade Automation System Product Category: Pleated and Roller Shades For plug and play automation, the Supertronic™ motor for the Easy-Set roller shade system features a radio receiver, eliminating the need for control wiring. Simply plug into a 120V grounded outlet. One remote can operate up to 24 roller shades. Optional standard, high-speed and super-quiet motors can be RF, IR, switch and network controlled. Spring-loaded idler and tube design speed fabric and system installation. Colored snap-on fascia help match décor. Optional side channels eliminate light gaps. win ner best new technical innovation most innovative design Lutron Electronics Sivoia Manual Shades Product Category: Pleated and Roller Shades Lutron Electronics designed the industry’s first truly convertible manual shade. The new Sivoia Manual Shades create a visually seamless solution for mixed-use spaces requiring manual and electronic shades or spaces that later upgrade to electronic shades, while maintaining the system’s smooth, quiet operation. Ideal for commercial and residential applications, converting the shades is as easy as pulling off the manual clutch and inserting a Sivoia QEDTM roller 64 drive at any point during the project. honor able mention best new technical innovation RollEase, Inc. Link Drive System Product Category: Pleated and Roller Shades The RollEase patent pending link-drive system is designed to drive multiple roller shades that are operated by one roller shade clutch. The unique design allows for easy snap-in installation with the added ability to precisely level shades to prevent telescoping. Leveling is accomplished by adjusting the leveling screw located in the middle of the link system. Each pair of shades can be leveled using the screw. Moreover, as an added measure of safety, the link mechanism can’t be removed without first removing the screw. RollEase, Inc. Pin-End Spring Assist Product Category: Pleated and Roller Shades The Pin-End Spring Assist is a device for roller shades which reduces the pull forces required to raise a shade. When a shade is lowered, gravity is used to coil a spring attached to the pin-end side of the shade. When the shade is raised the coiled spring assists the operator by reducing the pull force required by upwards of 40%. When used with a RollEase clutch the operator experiences the smoothest and lowest pull force available on any manually operated shade. honor able mention best new technical innovation RollEase, Inc. Single Ribbon System Product Category: Pleated and Roller Shades The patented single ribbon control mechanism for roller shades is a safer, alternative operating system with a neat, clean appearance. The single ribbon control eliminates the requirement for a tension device. Modular in design, it is adaptable to work with RollEase R-Series brackets or with RollEase Skyline™ brackets. Tube adapters allow one control mechanism to work in several of most popular tube sizes. Control ribbons come in a variety of fashionable colors. win ner best new technical innovation RollEase, Inc. Sliding Shuttle Operating System Product Category: Cellular Shades RollEase has developed a new, patent pending lift-cord take up for 1 and 1.5 inch head rail for pleated, cellular, fabric Roman and woven wood shades. The unique design of the sliding shuttle virtually eliminates permanent lift-line tangling. This is accomplished through the unique parabolic nose design. Each Sliding Shuttle cartridge wraps lift-line evenly onto individual traversing shafts. Each cartridge works in unison with the others to keep a shade level at all times. Norman Shutter Sample Carry Case Product Category: Merchandising The Norman Shutter Sample Carry Case features a full-size carry case that holds up to four Norman shutter sample briefcases and three panels, as well as other accessories such as a joinery sample, product brochures and booklets. The carry case may be used as a complete storage and display system for the showroom or automobile. It functions as an organized and portable display and storage system. win ner most innovative overall design Norman PerfectTilt™ Motorized Shutter Control System Product Category: Motorization Norman is pleased to present a remote-control shutter for its entire line of wood products — Sussex® and Normandy®. Norman’s new remote shutters feature three unique features. The remote control operates the shutter in three pre-set angles: 45°, 90° and 135°. The control range switch allows the user to control one, several or multiple shutters at a time. And, unlike other shutters, we allow for the shutters to be positioned manually. win ner best new style concept Norman Natural Expressions™ Product Category: Merchandising Natural Expressions™ is a woven insert and panel collection for shutter louvers. Available as an option on Sussex® Shutters, Natural Expressions inserts come in six designer styles. The woven inserts and panels are made from a selection of organic reeds and grasses. Norman has patented an innovative sandwiching technique that permanently inserts woven bamboo into the center sections of specialty louvers and panels. The result is an attractive, lightfiltering shutter accent. honor able mention best advertising and promotion program Norman Quality, Selection, Service, Value Promotional Program Product Category: Merchandising The Norman Quality, Selection, Service, Value promotional program was an integrated effort that ran in the following media: • Print magazines • Consumer and trade brochures • 28-page consumer product booklets • Shutter Design Idea Showcase Book The program was the first in the industry to make use of the innovative French Gatefold cover ad position, which showcased a two-page ad spread as part of the covers of Draperies and Window Coverings and Window Fashions magazines. Norman Sussex® Blinds Product Category: Wood Blinds/Shadings (Wood, Faux Wood) Sussex Blinds are custom built from premium basswood. Crafted to compliment the Norman Sussex Shutter line, the blinds feature 50 Sussex paints and stains plus the detailed treatments we apply to the wood. The hardware and components are all color coordinated to each slat color. Hidden valance brackets and innovative return brackets easily attach the valance onto the headrail. Our flush bottomrail cap allows the bottomrail to sit smoothly across the windowsill, in turn blocking more light and preventing dents to the casement. Norman From Inspiration to Installation National Sales and Installation Training Program Product Category: Merchandising The 2006 Norman Shutters Training program was held in 15 locations throughout the United States and included 4 classes held at our corporate facility in Santa Fe Springs, CA. We customized our training program to include selling tips, measuring techniques and hands-on installations from basic to advanced levels. Our program includes a lectured presentation and various hands-on installation applications to accommodate different learning styles. Due to the overwhelming need for Norman Shutters training, we are happy to announce the increased number of scheduled classes, for the upcoming year. Heritage Lace Inc. Privacy Sheers Product Category: Verticals Heritage Privacy Sheers combine the authentic look of soft sheer draperies with the privacy and light control of vertical blinds. A unique, patent pending design of alternation inward and outward sheer billows achieves its true drapery look. Hidden behind the soft billows are pvc vanes with full 180 degrees of rotation, offered in light-filtering or room-darkening versions; for a tighter pleat, 2 ײvanes are also available. With more than 45 fabrics and several top treatments, Heritage Privacy Sheers are a stylish decorating choice. win ner best new style concept Heritage Lace Inc. HeritageTM Roller Shades Product Category: Pleated and Roller Shades Heritage Roller Shades offer the ultimate in privacy and light control. Finely-knit fabrics with unique textures and patterns create stylish designs with depth and dimension. Every fabric is available in sheer, light-filtering or room-darkening versions to accommodate the designer’s specifications for privacy and light control. Heritage Roller Shades incorporate a very durable, industry-proven hardware system with optional cassette head rail and fabric-wrapped bottom rail. This unique and versatile system offers unparalleled design solutions. Kirsch Window Fashions Wrought Iron Collection Product Category: Drapery Hardware Old World Spanish influences embrace modern touches in the new Wrought Iron Collection. The designs in this collection range from classic profiles to unmistakably modern motifs. Single and double brackets, holdbacks, rings, finials and a stoutly-made 1ײ rod dazzle in five finishes: Black, Rust, Iron Oxide, Iron Gold, and Antique Pewter. A striking expression that is both organic and sophisticated, the new Wrought Iron Collection can complement any interior design vision. Levolor Cordless Cellular Lift System with Top Down / Bottom Up Product Category: Cellular Shades Levolor’s patented safety Cordless feature paired with Top Down / Bottom Up feature enables control over light and privacy levels in your room. Lower the shade from the top, pull up from the bottom, or open both for a different view. Levolor’s patented cordless system gives consumers a wider field of view, due to ribbon construction and cord spacing. No light gap is visible, with the snug fit of the middle rail into the headrail. Levolor Custom Cellular Sample Book Product Category: Merchandising Levolor makes shopping custom cellular shades as easy as 1,2,3! Our new sample book features three easy steps to simplify the consumer retail shopping experience. Levolor provides two easy pull-up decks to view the difference fabrics have in light control and also the difference in cell size. A booklet shows inspirational photography, explanations of features with benefits, and fabric insulation values. Callouts remind consumers that www.levolor.com provides more product information and free swatches at home. Levolor Cellular Top Down / Bottom Up Product Category: Cellular Shades Levolor’s patented pending Top Down / Bottom Up feature enables control over light and privacy levels in your room. Lower the shade from the top, pull up from the bottom, or open both for a different view. The middle rail is now hidden for a smaller stack when raised and a more aesthetically pleasing view when lowered. This patented feature allows for tighter closure and the color-coordinated gap flap prevents light from the headrail fabric gap. Levolor Cellular Day / Night Product Category: Cellular Shades Levolor’s patented pending Day / Night feature offers consumers two fabrics in one operating shade! Control light and privacy levels in your room by pairing our new sheer fabric with our blockout fabric in the Day / Night shade. The patent pending feature removes the middle rail and offers a seamless transition from one fabric to another when opening and closing the shade. Levolor’s new Day / Night design provides a smaller stack when raised. Levolor Roller Shade Book Product Category: Merchandising Levolor introduced their new Custom Roller Shade program in Spring 2006 in an innovative new sampling vehicle designed to inspire consumers and simplify the buying process. All product information is found in a booklet upon first opening the sampling vehicle. Fabrics are then displayed in four easy-to-view stacks based on function and fashion. The construction allows easy updates as fashion trends change. The compact nature of the book offers easy use in all channels as well. Kirsch Metal Accessories Fan Deck Product Category: Best Educational Program The Metal Accessories Window Solutions Matching System is an innovative new merchandising device that encourages the designer to easily coordinate styles, finishes, and accessories to create window solutions while coordinating with the room décor. The matching system can easily be held up to the window to determine the best decorating solution for challenging windows while the aspirational sketches on the back of the deck were designed to inspire unlimited possibilities for the window and beyond. Kirsch Custom Cellular Sample Book Product Category: Merchandising Kirsch Custom Cellular Shades now offer a designer friendly sampling portfolio with removable folders for easier consultation. This light-weight portfolio has a carrying strap to make in-home visits easier for the designer. The removable folders within the portfolio contain removable swatch decks, with both flat and cellularized fabric swatches for candlelighting and viewing light control. The first folder also contains a removable booklet with inspirational photography, explanations of features with benefits, and fabric insulation values. Kirsch Cellular Movable Arch Product Category: Cellular Shades Kirsch’s Movable Arch offers the consumer a popular specialty system in an operating format, unlike most specialty shades. These shades open & close in a sunrise or fanned position to provide light control in a specialty shaped window. The shade operates on a track system for a smoother operation and this allows for your shade to be open at any location within the window. A skylight pole is suggested for operating hard-toreach windows. DUPE don’t print Kirsch Cordless Cellular Lift System with Top Down / Bottom Up Product Category: Cellular Shades Kirsch’s patented safety Cordless feature paired with Top Down / Bottom Up feature enables control over light and privacy levels in your room. Lower the shade from the top, pull up from the bottom, or open both for a different view. Kirsch’s patented cordless system gives consumers a wider field of view, due to ribbon construction and cord spacing. No light gap is visible, with the snug fit of the middle rail into the headrail. win ner best new style concept Kirsch Cellular Day / Night Product Category: Cellular Shades Kirsch’s patented pending Day / Night feature offers consumers two fabrics in one operating shade! Control light and privacy levels in your room by pairing our new sheer fabric with our blockout fabric in the Day / Night shade. The patent pending feature removes the middle rail and offers a seamless transition from one fabric to another when opening and closing the shade. Kirsch’s new Day / Night design provides a smaller stack when raised. Kirsch Cellular Top down / Bottom Up Product Category: Cellular Shades Kirsch’s patented pending Top Down / Bottom Up feature enables control over light and privacy levels in your room. Lower the shade from the top, pull up from the bottom, or open both for a different view. The middle rail is now hidden for a smaller stack when raised and a more aesthetically pleasing view when lowered. This patented feature allows for tighter closure and the color-coordinated gap flap prevents light from the headrail fabric gap. . Kirsch Metal Accessories Product Category: Drapery Hardware Kirsch’s new Decorative Metal Accessories can transform the everyday into an expression that is unique and personal. Inspired by neo-classical and American influences, the collection’s various components - Medallions and Knobs, Holdback Extensions, End Caps and Swivel Sockets - can function alone or in pleasant harmony with other Kirsch collections like Estate Ultra™ and Studio Coordinates®. Six designs, five finishes, unlimited possibilities. win ner best new technical innovation Somfy Systems, Inc. Telis LCD Remote Control Range Product Category: Motorization Somfy’s Telis LCD Remote Control Range includes the Telis Composio, a 20 channel RTS handheld remote and the Impresario Chronis, a handheld programmable RTS timer that allows for the creation of 16 different scheduled scenarios. Each offers unsurpassed control of motorized window coverings and has an on-screen display that provides for easy navigation of channels and scenarios. Each is also available in either a black or a silver finish to match any décor. win ner most innovative overall design Finecraft Window Fashions TableauxTM Shutters Product Category: Shutters TableauxTM Shutters are a unique, innovative & versatile decorative solution that provides the look and feel of wrought iron along with the beauty and functionality of a custom shutter. The main features and benefits of the TableauxTM Shutters are the fact that you can have a custom shutter married with ornamental design and most importantly the constant ability to maximize both privacy and light. Hunter Douglas 2006 Vignette® Modern Roman Shades Master Kit Product Category: Merchandising The 2006 Vignette Modern Roman Shades sample book from Hunter Douglas, entitled Where Light Meets Life, boasts an eye-catching metallic green and fuchsia color scheme and is lightweight and easy-to-use. A hole on the spine ensures easy shelf removal. The 28-page photo book offers stunning new room and lifestyle photography with featured close-ups to clearly communicate product benefits. Collateral includes a “How To Guide” to emphasize how a dealer can use the book to support the sales process, new Vignette Explained brochure, sell sheet, ad slicks and CD, and a Vignette Tailored with UltraGlide® hand sample. Hunter Douglas Chalet Woods® Wood Blinds Sample Book Product Category: Merchandising For the first time, the Chalet Woods wood blinds product line from Hunter Douglas is displayed in a sample book, featuring bold color and striking photography to appeal to a younger demographic. The eye-catching, compact book has an inviting shelf presence, and the room setting photography featured is inspirational with an achievable look. Inside, the waterfalled decks are easy to remove, with trendy buckle hardware. Valance samples are also removable. All colors are sampled in both 2-inch and 2 ½-inch slats, and the decorative tapes are displayed as swatches. Hunter Douglas Modern Precious Metals® Sampling Product Category: Merchandising Dynamic new marketing materials showcase the updated Modern Precious Metals product line from Hunter Douglas. A new sample deck offers one consolidated and easy-to-use selling tool with removable inserts. Its unique format features a contemporary, upscale cover and closure. Inside, the customer walks through four easy steps to choose their perfect aluminum blind. The contemporary new merchandising display, with its brushed metal accents, holds the sample deck and makes a sharp in-store statement, while showcasing the latest innovation, Reveal™ with MagnaView™. Hunter Douglas Opportunities in Space3 Store Planning Guide and Program Product Category: Merchandising The Opportunities in Space3 Store Planning Guide and Program provides all Hunter Douglas dealers with vital information about projecting the right image, the importance of proper lighting and the concept of store planning in general. This updated program now includes all Hunter Douglas display systems as well as brand new signage such as lenticular signs and a new department banner to identify the Hunter Douglas selling area. The OIS3 program will help dealers transform their showrooms into striking and profitable shopping environments. Hunter Douglas Silhouette® Life in a Whole New Light Campaign Product Category: Merchandising The Silhouette Life in a Whole New Light campaign from Hunter Douglas educates dealers on how to sell premium products and increase unit sales. Premium selling training is based on input from some of the most successful Silhouette dealers nationwide. The other component, the Silhouette Special Savings Event, offers promotional materials to dealers who have completed the training. The savings event runs from March 1 to May 31, 2007 and allows consumers to save $50 per Silhouette shading for up to five shadings for a total savings of $250. The event will be supported by national consumer advertising and on www.hunterdouglas.com. The dealer kit includes a DVD and CD that allows them to see and hear how top dealers position and sell Silhouette shadings as well as how other premium brands approach the sales process. Also included: ad slicks; $100 ad certificate; counter card; window cling; consumer brochures; display offers; and a 13-month calendar with new photography and sales tips for each month. A dealer-taggable Silhouette TV commercial is available. Hunter Douglas 2006 Brilliance® Pleated Shades Sample Book Product Category: Merchandising To showcase the fresh, exciting fabrics and colors, the 2006 Brilliance Pleated Shades sample book from Hunter Douglas features a market-driven design with an easy three-step process to choosing the perfect shade – 1- fabric, 2- color and 3- options. The book’s bold photography and clean appearance reflect the current trend toward color, and the newly designed swatch cards with removable decks match the contemporary theme. Each of the nine gatefolds highlights different product options and benefits. The book also has a color-coordinated index to help find fabrics with ease. Hunter Douglas Park Lane™ Privacy Sheers Sample Book Merchandising Kit Product Category: Merchandising The Park Lane Privacy Sheers sample book provides beautiful imagery highlighting the product’s many applications with the theme, “As You Like It,” playing on the product’s ability to provide beautiful views, sunlight and solitude. A removable fabric card displays all six colors in a waterfall format for individual at-thewindow demonstrations. win ner best new style concept Hunter Douglas Vignette® Modern Roman Shades Product Category: Alternative Shading Products The Vignette line from Hunter Douglas has been repositioned as Vignette Modern Roman Shades. The entire product line has been refreshed and refined with 11 fabric styles and 95 fabric / color combinations, 44 of which are new. Also new, Vignette Tailored shades consist of crisp, contemporary six-inch flat folds that resonate with consumers who prefer a more casual or modern look. They come in a selection of seven top-selling fabrics and 63 colors. The UltraGlide® popular single retractable cord system is now available on all Vignette Modern Roman Shades. w i n ner product of the year most innovative overall design best new style concept best new technical innovation Hunter Douglas Modern Precious Metals® Reveal™ with MagnaView™ Product Category: Horizontal Blinds The new Reveal with MagnaView patent-pending, aluminum blind combines exclusive tilt operation with traditional Hunter Douglas quality. Tilted closed, it looks like a traditional blind; tilted open, it reveals twice the view of an ordinary horizontal blind. The 1 ײslat model opens to reveal the view of a 2 ײblind, and the 2 ײmodel, opens to reveal the view of a 4 ײblind. Features include cord stop and crystal-clear designer tassels for a cleaner, upscale look. Hunter Douglas EverWood® Collection Blinds with LiteRise® Product Category: Wood Blinds/Shading (Wood, Faux Wood) The EverWood Collection from Hunter Douglas is now offered with the LiteRise system for cordless lifting. Boasting the best operating cordless technology, LiteRise allows blinds to raise smoothly and easily simply by moving the bottom rail. The elimination of lift cords creates a safer environment for children, as well as a cleaner look at the window. EverWood with LiteRise also comes with an exclusive new bottom rail design that provides inherent strength and rigidity and an easy-to-grip shape that eliminates the need for a plastic handle. win ner most innovative point of sale display program Hunter Douglas Retail Modular Display System Product Category: Merchandising The newly redesigned Retail Modular Display system from Hunter Douglas is in a rich, dark maple finish and includes many features such as a large Hunter Douglas logo, wide product units to display larger product samples, background scenery to help achieve a sense of depth for the shopper, large product identification cards for easy legibility, and a new back to back product unit that is freestanding and includes backlighting to highlight specific fabrics, opacities and patterns. To promote this new and improved system, a very effective fourmonth promotion ran during the 2nd trimester which resulted in the sale of 7,500 displays. Hunter Douglas 2006 Brilliance® Pleated Shades Collection Product Category: Pleated and Roller Shades Color, texture and limitless options set Brilliance pleated shades from Hunter Douglas apart. The new line includes 160-SKUs and 18 styles, with seven textured fabrics ranging from sheer to opaque. These fabrics add depth and visual appeal, and three of the new offerings are softer fabrics with a “pleat-on-pleat” design. The softer fabrics are backed with a neutral white non-woven fabric and come with the innovative Precise Pleat lifting system for crisp, clean, uniform pleats. Among the new offerings: Woodlands, which adds a threedimensional look, and Potter’s Wheel, which uses slub and crossdyed yarns to add depth. The collection also includes 43 updated colors. A new SoftGlide® single continuous cord loop operating system makes it easy to raise and lower even the largest shades and is ideal for homes with children and pets. Hunter Douglas 2006 Designer Screen Shades Collection Product Category: Alternative Shading Products The 2006 Designer Screen Shades Collection from Hunter Douglas boasts 107 SKUs of residential screen fabrics, with two new fabric collections: Pampered and Spice Rack. As before, most fabrics are available as both Jubilance® Roman shades and Remembrance® window shades. A “Choices” program allows consumers to choose complementary fabrics for the cassette or valance and/or bottom rod. win ner best new technical innovation Hunter Douglas Silhouette® Window Shadings with Tilt-Only Low-Profile System Product Category: Specialty Applications Silhouette window shadings from Hunter Douglas now offer a Tilt-Only Low-Profile hardware system that when tilted closed is 60 percent smaller than the standard tilt-only system. Since the shading and its headrail can be tilted closed to almost flat, the new hardware makes it easy to place Silhouette shadings on glass doors that open against other doors and walls. It also refines the look of Silhouette shadings on narrow sidelights. It is offered in all two- and three-inch fabrics with a fabric-covered headrail. Customers can use a tab on the end cap or a colorcoordinated tilt wand to control the light. Hunter Douglas Silhouette® Quartette™ with PowerRise® Product Category: Motorization The striking new Quartette four-inch vane size for Silhouette window shadings from Hunter Douglas – the largest vane size offered for the look of shutters with the softness and elegance of sheers – is now available with easy, affordable PowerRise battery powered, remote control motorization. Silhouette Quartette with PowerRise is the perfect solution for hard-to-reach windows or anywhere added convenience is desired. The cordless design also helps eliminate potential child and pet safety hazards. PowerRise is available with a built-in battery wand or satellite battery pack. An optional AC transformer eliminates the need for batteries and can power up to three shadings from one transformer, unlike most other PowerRise systems. Hunter Douglas Park Lane™ Privacy Sheers Product Category: Alternative Shading Products Park Lane Privacy Sheers bring luminous light and adaptable style to more homes. They redefine the tradition of Privacy Sheers by offering a relaxed, casual alternative at a lower price. The sheer fabric softens and diffuses light when drawn closed, while fabric vanes rotate for light control and privacy. With dimensions up to almost 16 feet wide and 10 feet high, Park Lane sheers bring soft illumination, expansive views, and dynamic performance to large window expanses. win ner best educational program Hunter Douglas PremieresSM 2006: Out Prepare, Out Perform, Out Produce Product Category: Merchandising Premieres delivers knowledge about new Hunter Douglas products and how to sell them. It is put on by 20 fabricators across North America, and in 2006, over 13,000 dealers were trained. The training is broken into modules and teamed with a portable professional display system contained in rolling cases. With the 2006 “Survivor” theme,” participants (who received an invitation shaped like backpack) watched a video where four shipwrecked Hunter Douglas dealers learn the importance of Premieres. They were then divided into teams and given puzzles, games, trivia and even a relay race where they operated each new product. Other learning platforms included PowerPoint, videos, displays and workbooks. Customizable by fabricators, Premieres workshops ran four hours, with class sizes from 15 to 100 people. Those attending Premieres have increased sales up to 30 percent over dealers that don’t participate in any training. Hunter Douglas “Story” Consumer Advertising Campaign Product Category: Merchandising The captivating new Hunter Douglas “Story” consumer advertising campaign builds on the Hunter Douglas brand positioning: “Light Can Change Everything™.” The campaign artfully combines moments in life depicted through warm and engaging imagery and words that emotionally connect with today’s women, and product details that create brand preference and also heavily factor into purchasing decisions. Embedded in each ad is a compelling call-to-action designed to motivate consumers to call or visit the Web site to learn more and, in turn, ultimately increase demand for Hunter Douglas products and drive more qualified consumers to aligned retailers. A series of six ads together underscore the diversity of the Hunter Douglas product collection and appeal to a broad array of customer types, lifestyles and decorating tastes. The campaign is running in top shelter and lifestyle magazines. Hunter Douglas Cadence® Motif™ Soft Vertical Blinds Sample Book Update Kit Product Category: Merchandising The Sample Book Update Kit for Cadence Motif Soft Vertical Blinds from Hunter Douglas contains everything dealers need to introduce fabric vertical blinds to the Cadence 2 collection and update their sample books to make selling easier than ever before. With an inviting pillow-like shape featuring soft graphics, the attractive kit contains two new removable decks and photo pages, four deck pages, sell sheet, ad slick, update stickers for the outside of the book, an all-product brochure form and a special bonus offer for a counter display and $25 coupon. Hunter Douglas Designing Windows Product Category: Merchandising This comprehensive new 80-page idea book from Hunter Douglas was created in response to consumer and dealer requests for a single marketing piece that showcased the full array of Hunter Douglas products. Designing Windows guides consumers through the selection process, from defining their style preferences and practical needs to choosing specific window fashions. Up front, editorial sections inspire the imagination with beautiful room settings showcasing how the products complement a variety of decors. Behind, the product pages – with detail shots and key features and benefits copy – illustrate the wide array of styles and options. A summary chart allows for easy comparison of all products, while the removable worksheet helps consumers plan their window fashion needs prior to a retail visit. Ideal for in-store, as a leave-behind on sales calls, for distribution at events or for targeted mailings, Designing Windows can be customized with a dealer’s information by the inclusion of a letter bound into the spine at the inside cover. Hunter Douglas Internet Customer Management (iCM) Program Product Category: Merchandising This Web-based business tool helps Hunter Douglas Gallery™ and Showcase PrioritySM Dealers manage their customers’ entire experience. For customers, this results in a more satisfying shopping experience. For dealers, the result is better control and a stronger bottom line. iCM includes several facets: • Calendar Management • Customer Management • Marketing Management • Sales Management • Project Management • Sales Management All dealer staff can view in real-time the information they need to complete their jobs, including customer status and scheduling. Hunter Douglas Technically Speaking E-Newsletter Product Category: Merchandising The Technically Speaking E-Newsletter from Hunter Douglas was developed to provide a quick and effective way to communicate with our installers. The first edition was sent in November 2006 to more than 6,700 installers and dealers across the U.S. and Canada and was a resounding success. Additional issues will be created and e-mailed to installers throughout 2007, whenever communication with them is required. These E-Newletters: • Can be created within a couple of hours to relay messages, or product modifications and updates. • Incorporate videos, narrated E-Learning modules, animation and podcasts in addition to text and photos. • Include video training segments that show exactly how to handle adjustments in real-time and step-by-step. • Are personalized to the installer with his/her name and number of reward points. • Contain surveys and polls for installer feedback. win ner best advertising and promotion program Hunter Douglas 3-in-1 Promotion Product Category: Merchandising The 2006 Hunter Douglas 3-in-1 Promotion offered aligned Hunter Douglas dealers an opportunity to drive consumer traffic and increase sales and profits during the important fall and winter selling season. The fully integrated program featured three components: the annual Hunter Douglas Holiday Sales Event, a Child Safety Promotion timed to coordinate with Child Safety Month in October and an Energy Efficiency Program. The promotion featured limited-time consumer rebates and instant savings on select Hunter Douglas products. The kit included ads for TV, radio and print, as well as direct marketing and point-ofsale materials. The program was also supported by a series of national Internet banner ads. Hunter Douglas AdvantageSM Interactive Workshop Product Category: Merchandising Advantage is a one-day workshop for dealers and designers in approximately 28 markets a year with 100 maximum attendees per program. Participants learn to match premium products to customer lifestyles for profitable results. They also learn to close sales faster and keep customers for life, customers who bring repeat, referral business. Participants follow the lifestyle of Amy and Mitch from when they first dated to when they married, had children and eventually become empty nesters. Participants learn how to match Hunter Douglas window fashions to Amy and Mitch’s changing needs. A unique facet of the program is that the audience selects the products they believe will provide the best solutions to Amy and Mitch’s lifestyle through the use of a wireless voting system. Information is then presented on that product and attendees have the opportunity to interact with the products at workstations and displays. Hunter Douglas 2006 Window Fashions Shoppe® Product Category: Merchandising The 2006 Window Fashions Shoppe from Hunter Douglas is for dealers, customer service and sales representatives who are new to the window covering industry and trains them on products, industry standards, pricing, sales techniques and the industry as a whole. It is given by 20 fabricators and can vary from one hour at a time to two days. Designed with the idea that learners transfer information to memory after experiencing it six times in six different ways, this program includes PowerPoint, videos, pricing charts, window covering products, sales scenarios, interactive worksheets, group activities and role play. Hunter Douglas 2006 Duette® Honeycomb Shades Sample Kit: “Welcome Home” Product Category: Merchandising The 2006 Duette honeycomb shades Sample Kit from Hunter Douglas has a “Welcome Home” theme. Classic and sophisticated, the new solution-based book features real people welcoming the consumer into their homes to find a window fashion solution. A tab system makes it easy to navigate and a “Distinctively Duette” section highlights the exclusive Duette fabrics and lifting systems, including the new award-winning TruRise® lifting system. An energy efficiency page describes the insulating properties of honeycomb shades and there is an expanded hardware color guide with color chips. Collateral includes an expanded Duette consumer brochure, a Honeycomb Product Line Summary, a new Designer Color Swatch Collection and a free TruRise hand sample BRC with every book. Hunter Douglas Inspiring Light Sweepstakes Product Category: Merchandising Designed to attract more consumers to the Hunter Douglas brand and drive sales during the spring and summer of 2006, the Inspiring Light Sweepstakes offered consumers the chance to win one of over 1,000 prizes and was heavily promoted through national magazine and banner advertising, and consumer marketing and POS materials provided to participating dealers. Sweepstakes prizes included one Grand Prize of a trip for two to one of four destinations, each selected for its unique quality of light to tie in with the Hunter Douglas Light Can Change Everything® brand promise. Five First Prize winners received $2,500 toward the purchase of Hunter Douglas window fashions. An additional 1,000 winners received a copy of a Hunter Douglas design book. Response was overwhelming with over 40,000 entries received and more than half of the entrants stating that they were interested in new window fashions. Hunter Douglas SmartGlide™ lifting system for Duette® and Applause® honeycomb shades Product Category: Specialty Applications This vertically oriented lifting system for honeycomb fabrics is specifically designed for wide windows that open side-to-side, sliding patio doors or French doors. This system’s significantly reduced hardware profile provides a more reasonably priced vertically oriented honeycomb product, which makes it an attractive option for today’s price-conscious consumers. SmartGlide requires lower minimum mounting depth for flush mount and has a minimal fabric stack. It also offers a sleeker look with an optional valance and the handle incorporated into the moving rail as well as simplified installation, with only one person needed. honor able mention best new style concept Hunter Douglas Playful Possibilities™ from Nantucket™ Window Shadings Product Category: Alternative Shading Products Playful Possibilities from Nantucket window shadings by Hunter Douglas allows consumers to create a shading to reflect their style. Consumers can choose among: • Five fabric color options • Two opacities: Front Street™ translucent fabric and Misty Harbor™ light-dimming fabric • Eight total hardware color combinations grouped into four families: Blue Creek and Buttercup, Blue Creek and Oxford Blue, Juliette Rose and Fuchsia, Juliette Rose and Limeade —Includes two new colors only available on Playful Possibilities —Hardware color combination includes: Headrail Color (headrail and bottom rail) and Accent Color (color of end caps on headrail and bottom rail, cord and tassel or cord tensioner) •Two lifting systems —UltraGlide® retractable pull cord system —EasyRise™ cord loop and clutch system Hunter Douglas Bridgeway™ Specialty Shapes Product Category: Specialty Applications Bridgeway Specialty Shapes from Hunter Douglas is a line of shutters designed to cover a full range of perfect and imperfect specialty shapes. This product takes the complexity out of ordering specialty shapes. Extremely versatile, the product coordinates with a wide range of blinds, as well as other window fashions. It is offered in 20 whites and off-whites that coordinate with existing Hunter Douglas window fashions. No template is required, and placing an order is simple and delivery is fast because the product is custom-built in the U.S. It is backed by a lifetime limited warranty. Hunter Douglas Heritance® Framed Specialties and Arched Panels Product Category: Specialty Applications Heritance hardwood shutters from Hunter Douglas are now available with framed specialties and arched and angle panels – all without the need of templates. Previously only available as unframed perfect specialty shapes, Heritance has exploded its specialty shape options to cover all types of perfect and imperfect specialty shape openings. With incredible customer flexibility, dealers can order all of these specialties as inside or outside mounts, framed or unframed, for stand-alone or palladium window applications, and have them with all of our frame options for perfect harmony with other framed panels in the room. The range of specialty shapes include: perfect arches, quarter circles, circles, extended eyebrows, eyebrows, extended quarter eyebrows and angles with a choice of six frames. Frame options are the Standard Z-frame, Deluxe Zframe, Standard L-frame or Trim L-frame; two new frame choices have been added: the Colonial Z-frame and Tilt-In Z-frame. As the ultimate time saver for the dealer and installer, Heritance specialty shapes require no templates. A simple form with key dimensions is all that is required to order this custom-built product. win ner best new technical innovation Hunter Douglas Skyline™ Gliding Window Panels Product Category: Alternative Shading Products Skyline Gliding Window Panels from Hunter Douglas feature panels in 187 SKUs that overlap for a clean, crisp look with continuous coverage. A new patented headrail system allows for a long run of the product without increasing the depth of the headrail. Custom-colored hardware adds a more finished look that coordinates with the fabrics in the collection. Panels are available in two widths to provide uniformity on multiple windows within a room. Initially available exclusively to Hunter Douglas Gallery™ and Showcase PrioritySM Dealers. win ner most innovative overall design Hunter Douglas The Duette® Architella™ Collection of Honeycomb Shades Product Category: Cellular Shades The Duette Architella Collection from Hunter Douglas features a patented construction consisting of a honeycomb nestled within a honeycomb. This provides two more air pockets than any other cellular shade and dramatically increases R-values by up to 38%. Duette Architella fabrics deliver deep, luminous color saturation in both semi-opaque and opaque opacities. The outer fabric has a distinct softness with striking symmetrical pleats due to the internal honeycomb supporting the shade’s overall structure. Duette Architella is available in 12 rich colors and two pleat sizes: ¾ ײand 1 ¼ײ. Hunter Douglas Cadence® Motif™ Soft Vertical Blinds: Making Soft, Softer™ Product Category: Verticals First introduced in 2003, Cadence Soft Vertical Blinds from Hunter Douglas is a unique and proprietary product that offers a highly contemporary interpretation of a traditional vertical blind. It features a patented curved louver profile and innovative form that provides a soft, three-dimensional appearance and a true alternative to soft window coverings. Building on the success of the original design and a 2004 line extension, Cadence Motif Soft Vertical Blinds features a new Making Soft Softer louver the industry’s first and only curved soft fabric louver. Cadence Motif offers 33 SKUs in four room-darkening fabric styles, with three coordinating fabrics. The SoftChoice® Top Treatment Program has these styles: Swag & Cascades, Upholstered Cornice and Mock Roman. win ner best new sampling program Hunter Douglas Skyline™ Gliding Window Panels Sample Book Product Category: Merchandising Designed with the customer in mind, this fabric-covered book opens to become a free-standing display. To help complete the selection process more effectively, the product is organized into five style categories, each with its own fabric deck with large swatches of each SKU complete with key information. A sample of the patented hardware system with a color reference brochure is included in its own display case within the book. A removable Style Guide provides a quick reference to the five categories and features actual samples. A full-color brochure shows room setting and detail photography. The book comes with a removable shoulder strap for hands-free carrying. Hunter Douglas The Centurion Club Product Category: Merchandising Launched in September 2006, the Centurion Club is the newest and most elite Hunter Douglas retail alliance innovation yet. Offered to Hunter Douglas Gallery™ and Showcase PrioritySM storefront dealers, the Centurion Club requires dealers to commit 100 percent of their window fashions business to Hunter Douglas in return for significant financial incentives and exclusive businessbuilding programs that will fuel further sales volume and profit margins on Hunter Douglas products. Centurion Club members receive rebates on incremental sales, top listing on the dealer locator, Windows To The World trip enhancements, exclusive products and promotions and participation in Hunter Douglas management meetings. To qualify for the Centurion Club, existing Gallery and Showcase Priority dealers must be nominated by their fabricators and totally commit to Hunter Douglas with no competitive sample books, displays, samples, signage, advertising or information. The program is doing exceptionally well to date, with more than 300 dealers signed on. Hunter Douglas Lenticular Signs Product Category: Merchandising Hunter Douglas offers four lenticular product signs that depict each product’s unique functionality. The lenticular sign uses motion technology to flip from one image to another, demonstrating key product features that engage customers and pique their interest as they pass by. Each Hunter Douglas product sign helps communicate the different options available while at the same time enhances the interior of the dealer’s showroom. These indoor signs attach easily to the wall with decorative hardware. Hunter Douglas Alouette® Lightlouvers with Fabric-Covered Valance Product Category: Alternative Shading Products Alouette LightLouvers from Hunter Douglas consist of soft, elliptical fabric louvers that tilt 180 degrees. The product now offers an optional fabric-covered valance for a more traditional look. This new optional accent conceals the pivoting headrail to prevent sunlight from seeping through the top of the window opening and to provide a unified beauty from top to bottom. The fabric is a solid-print woven polyester that coordinates with the louver fabric. It is available on all operating systems for inside and outside mounts. win ner best new style innovation Paris Texas Hardware Regal Reflections Product Category: Drapery Hardware This new resin and wood collection is a compilation of the “best of the best” of our classic Paris Texas Hardware styles and finishes. Several new finials and accessories round out this rich drapery hardware palette. What makes the collection different? 10-day business production – custom-painted poles, rings and brackets in 12 exclusive finishes ship within 10 business days 12 finishes include three new wood patinas – Tudor, Branchwood and Java – and nine original timeless favorites Scaled to fit 1 3/8 ײand 2 ¼ ײdiameter fluted wood poles Paris Texas Hardware 2007 Catalog Binder Product Category: Merchandising This 52-page catalog features all the Paris Texas Hardware Collections: Somerset, Villiers and the new Regal Reflections, which are unrivalled in the industry. It comes with a convenient carrying strap and includes photos showing how the products look when installed with draperies. Photos also illustrate alternative and creative ways to use the hardware. Color images of the sample chips provide convenient color matching. The 12 new finish chips are shown for Regal Reflections as well as updated finish chips for Somerset and Villiers. Also included: tri-fold brochure, two styles of postcards and envelope stuffer for promotional needs. Castec, Inc. Patented Cassette System Product Category: Pleated and Roller Shades Our new patented cassette system. Shades can be shipped preinstalled into the cassette, then snapped into place with simple “L” brackets, ensuring even, level installation every time. In addition to ease of use, the face of the cassette can be wrapped in the shade fabric for a clean refined look, or can be finished in three custom colors (glacier, fossil and coal). The cassette also hides snap-in, snap-out battery wands for motorization upgrades. honor able mention best new sampling program Castec, Inc. Fabric Studio – Custom Roll Shades™ Product Category: Merchandising A revolutionary new concept in decorative roll shades. Fabric Studio – Custom Roll Shades features 212 exciting fabrics, chromatically organized into 21 groups, including textures, burnouts, prints, sheers and solar fabrics. Four-color idea guide, classic hem styles, removable trim styles and trim colors cards, multiple lifting systems including remote controlled motor drive and patented cassette system. Comfortex Window Fashions Comfortex BlindCrafter Rewards Program Product Category: Merchandising In 2006, 85% of all Comfortex BlindCrafters enrolled in BlindCrafter Rewards, a new, loyalty based growth program designed to give incentives for reaching sales goals. Each term, participants receive a unique set of sales goals to work toward, earning points along the way. At the end of each term, participants redeem their points for electronics, apparel, jewelry, vacations, vehicle wraps and more. They can log onto the web site www.blindcrafterrewards.com to check their current sales levels and evaluate merchandise they’d like to acquire. In addition to the Rewards points, BlindCrafters can achieve higher status for bonus sales. Those achieving the highest level receive an all expenses paid trip for two to an exclusive destination. The 2007 destination is Sonoma, CA. Comfortex Window Fashions Comfortex Consumer Credit Card Program Product Category: Merchandising Comfortex has made private label credit available to all of its retailers with the Comfortex Consumer Credit Card. Now dealers large and small have access to a financing option proven to close sales and generate repeat business. The program, administered through GE Consumer Finance, was launched with a comprehensive marketing package outlining its many benefits: instant credit approvals, increased customer loyalty, a range of promotional opportunities and higher than average sales. The result: the average sale processed on the Comfortex card was $1,898 while the average sale processed on a regular Visa or MasterCards during the same time period was only $415. Comfortex Window Fashions Escape the Cold – Comfortex BlindCrafter National Promotion Product Category: Merchandising Escape the Cold was the third annual national promotion designed to drive both brand awareness and store traffic for Comfortex BlindCrafters. More than 80% of BlindCrafters participated in the promotion with 72% reporting positive results. Those BlindCrafters registered for the promotion were given a complete turnkey marketing package to implement in their stores and local markets. Corporate web based promotion supported the program. Escape the Cold awarded one national winner a four day/three night trip to Cancun, Mexico. All participating BlindCrafters were entered into a drawing to receive an identical prize. Comfortex Window Fashions Serenade® Fabricator Roman Shade Product Category: Alternative Shadings Products Fabricators can begin generating additional profit today with the Serenade Fabricator Roman Shade! Requiring minimal set-up space, almost no tooling and no additional sampling, this product incorporates manufactured 10½ ײtall fabric panels, a channel extrusion and a pitch cord. Panels are slid onto the extrusion to build either hobbled or flat panel shades. With the Comfortex cut panel program, fabricators need to purchase a saw to cut the head rail and extrusion. Those wishing to purchase full rolls of the manufactured panels (10 ½ ײx 30 yards) must also buy a simple fabric cutting hot knife. It takes only minimal effort to get this exciting Comfortex Window Fashions Fashion Forward Collection of Cellular and Pleated Shades Product Category: Cellular Shades The convenient Comfortex Fashion Forward system helps designers and homeowners find contemporary fabrics quickly within the Comfortex double honeycomb, single honeycomb and pleated fabric lines. The Fashion Forward label denotes the cellular and pleated fabric colors at the forefront of today’s decorating trends. A small insignia indicates these stylish hues throughout the Signature Collection sample book, drawing attention to these exciting, contemporary selections. It’s now easy to see which colors are the latest and greatest! honor able mention best new technical innovation Comfortex Window Fashions Fusion™ Blends Insulating Roman Panel Shades Product Category: Alternative Shading Products Leading the way in innovation, the Fusion Blends Insulating Roman Panel Shade allows customers to create a look that is uniquely their own! With Fusion, homeowners no longer have to compromise style for energy efficiency. Fusion combines designer fabric drapery panels with an integrated double cell liner for fashionable beauty and substantial, draft blocking capabilities. The Fusion Blends option encourages homeowners to mix and match alternating fabrics within a single window covering. The result is an inspired, completely customized look. Comfortex Window Fashions Sueded Impressions Fabric Collection for Serenade™ Roman and Roller Shades and Fusion™ Insulating Roman Panel Shades Product Category: Alternative Shading Products Loved for their luxurious quality and depth of design, suede and velvet are staging huge comebacks as popular elements in home decor. The Sueded Impressions fabric line brings this plush look to custom window treatments, available as Serenade Roman, Serenade Roller and Fusion Insulating Roman Panel Shades by Comfortex. The texture of the fabric is complex, soft and supple, while at the same time, rich with shaded depth. The color line ranges from muted earth tones to warm chocolates to brilliant red. Comfortex Window Fashions Virtuoso® Blackout Cellular Shades Product Category: Cellular Shades As affordable as it is elegant, Virtuoso Blackout is a single honeycomb blackout fabric designed to meet the needs of fashions conscious consumers. The 12 sku Fashion Forward palette and ½ ײblackout pleats make it an ideal choice for those looking to incorporate the latest designer hues with significant light control capabilities. The Universal™ Hardware System accommodates Virtuoso Blackout fabric, and the ComforTrack Sidetracks block out all incoming light along the edges of the shade to maximize the blackout effects. The ComforTrack hardware system goes a step farther by helping to insulate the window from drafts, boosting its overall energy efficiency. Norman Natural Expressions™ Product Category: Shutters Natural Expressions™ is a woven insert and panel collection for shutter louvers. Available as an option on Sussex® Shutters, Natural Expressions inserts come in six designer styles. The woven inserts and panels are made from a selection of organic reeds and grasses. Norman has patented an innovative sandwiching technique that permanently inserts woven bamboo into the center sections of specialty louvers and panels. The result is an attractive, lightfiltering shutter accent. win ner best new style concept Comfortex Window Fashions Woodwinds® SuperNatural™ Woodtone Shutters Product Category: Shutters Thanks to advanced thermal polymer technology, Comfortex Window Fashions has reinvented composite shutters by making them stronger and more resilient than ever before. The durable shutter finish of Woodwinds SuperNatural Woodtone Shutters withstands scratching, scuffing, cracking and warping for maintenance-free, moisture resistant luxury that is better than 100% wood. Not only does the astonishing durability set an industry standard; the revolutionary SuperNatural process is so amazing, so lifelike, that you won’t be able to tell a SuperNatural Shutter apart from its wood complement. Four exceptional wood tone stains blend with today’s furniture and woodwork. Comfortex Window Fashions Woodwinds® Beveled Profile Wood Alloy Blinds Product Category: Wood Blinds/Shadings (Wood, Faux Wood) What a difference the shape makes! The 2½ ײhexagonal Woodwinds Beveled Profile Wood Alloy Blind offers an extra wide view-through and a revolutionary look which enhances the clean, geometric lines of contemporary interiors. The Beveled Profile Blind, like all Woodwinds products, resist warping, cracking and fading and is easy to maintain. The newly enhanced woodtone finish provides superior grain variation for true to life, dimensional appeal. The Beveled Profile Blind provides dealers with an additional wood alloy style to compete with PVC, faux wood and basswood products and is an affordable alternative to composite or 100% wood shutters.