More Special Report

Special Report

by Jim Matthews

Eight new products are supported with merchandising and training opportunities.

Hunter Douglas Window Fashions, Upper Saddle River, NJ, known as the innovator in the window coverings industry with products that provide unparalleled design and quality, is never one to disappoint. This month, the window fashions leader launched its largest ever multi-product introduction. Silhouette® window shadings now is offered in the streamlined Nantucket[TM] Collection as well as with award-winning PowerRise motorization. The Millenia[TM] Collection redefines the vertical blind with the first fully integrated headrail system. Decorating possibilities are expanded with new fabrics for Vignette® window shadings and Luminette® fabric by yard. Leading America out of the woods, quite literally, are WoodMates[TM] and EverWood[TM] alternative wood blinds. Finally, Hunter Douglas has conquered the arch with the new moveable arch for Duette® honeycomb shades. These eight new products increase the breadth of the company's product offering, and are supported by a comprehensive program of sampling, advertising, dealer incentives and training. The Silhouette Tradition Nantucket window shadings are introduced as the ideal solution for the time- and price-sensitive consumer. They are offered in one vane fabric with 12 color choices. Featuring a 2 1/2-inch vane size, slightly larger than the standard Silhouette, Nantucket shadings allow for the same gently filtered light control and soft-focus view of the exterior. Powerful Combination Silhouette window shadings now come with the ease and affordability of the award-winning, battery-powered PowerRise motorization, introduced on Duette® shades last year. With a simple touch of the remote control, Silhouette® with PowerRise® allows the vanes to be tilted for privacy and light control and to be completely raised and lowered. Sampling includes a Silhouette with PowerRise Glorifier available for in-store custom display shadings. A Silhouette with PowerRise Demonstrator packaged in an easy-to-carry case has a working shading and a remote control. It is ideal for shop-at-home. Millenia Debuts Paramount Headrail With the redesigned, streamlined Millenia Collection of custom vertical blinds, Hunter Douglas debuts a complete vertical blind system. For the first time a proprietary headrail-Paramount[TM], The Contoured Headrail System-is an integral part of the overall design of the blind. This provides a unique, complete selling opportunity in vertical blinds. Consumers now can start at the top, selecting product based not only on the vanes, but on this new fully integrated headrail system. The Paramount headrail system features a curved, contoured channel design that flawlessly combines form with function. Available in the exclusive SoftSuede[TM] finish in eight colors as well as a standard Ivory Whisper gloss finish, Paramount has an elegant, integrated look. Durability and performance are exceptional. There is more vane overlap for tighter closure, and light control is 36 percent greater than on other blinds. The Paramount headrail also can be used with valances. Vignette Gets Dressed for Fall Vignette window shadings now come in three sophisticated new fabrics: a lush, tone-on-tone Satin Stripe, a delicate floral Jacquard and a chenille-inspired Ribbon Weave. On the sampling front, the entire Vignette window shadings offering-including the seven fabric types and 100 hues-is showcased in a soft, compact carrying case that makes it easier than ever to sell in store or in the home. Wood: Affordable Warmth and Beauty Hunter Douglas debuted an alternative woods program with two collections: WoodMates, at an opening price point, and EverWood, with premium features including thicker slats, a deluxe valance and angled bottomrail, more color options and decorative tapes. A cost-effective alternative to natural hardwood blinds, WoodMates and EverWood have the advantage of being suitable for hot, humid climates where natural wood blinds normally wouldn't be used. With their advanced composite construction, the slats resist fading, warping, cracking and peeling; they also are washable. Both WoodMates and EverWood boast wider tape spacing than competitive products-16 inches and 18 inches, respectively-for a more attractive look. The exclusive HeadMaster[TM] two-inch hardware system ensures smooth, reliable operation. Expanding Decorating Horizons The sheer face fabric of Luminette Privacy Sheers® without the opaque fabric vanes attached, Luminette fabric by the yard has a soft, fluid drape. It can cover specialty windows and complement draperies and a variety of other window treatments. Luminette fabric by the yard also can be used for pillows and other accessories. Conquering the Arch The Duette® moveable arch allows for perfect and imperfect arches to be covered in most Duette honeycomb fabrics. The arch operates smoothly by hand or with an extension pole. No cords or side tracks are required. It is showcased in a compact, portable display unit. Advertising, Dealer Training Hunter Douglas continues to make consumers aware of the many ways in which its products can enhance their homes with an ambitious national consumer advertising campaign. Print ads will appear this fall in leading home and lifestyle publications. There also will be more than 2,000 spots on the highest-rated cable television networks. Hunter Douglas also offers a variety of unique merchandising and support programs to help dealers build their businesses and identify themselves as the local professional source for Hunter Douglas Window Fashions products. The Building Business with Style customized collateral program will help attract new customers and make it easier to upgrade and close the sale. The specially designed Premieres training program, in which 12,000 to 15,000 dealers are expected to participate this fall, will provide hands-on, intensive seminars that explain every facet of the new products and their application in today's homes. The award-winning CD-ROM, "Window Fashion Designer," lets retailers provide the ultimate in high-tech product information and visualization. It is complemented by the Hunter Douglas Web site (www.hunterdouglas.com), which enables consumers to learn more about the comprehensive Hunter Douglas offerings from the convenience of their personal computers-in-depth information when they want it. Soon Hunter Douglas will introduce a software program that will allow retailers to quote and place orders electronically. This comprehensive support program shows the high priority Hunter Douglas places on helping its customers realize their goals of business success. Jim Mathews is vice president of marketing for Hunter Douglas Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ, (201) 327-8200; (800) 444-8844.

New Millenia custom vertical blinds showcase Paramount, the first fully integrated headrail system.