Additional Submissions

Plastibec

Plastibec Web Site

Merchandising Category: Marketing Technology

The Plastibec Web Site was created by creative professionals who understand the challenges that represent promoting products through the internet. Our Plastibec web site is communicating the intended message to a captive audience. The web site is easy to use, colorful, creative, and driven to be a source of information for our current and potential new customers.

Available downloads; product swatches, room’s settings, product specifications, catalogues, order forms, distributor locations, company news, Human Resources and job postings. Plastibec’s tri-lingual web site is really outstanding in the industry!

Plastibec

Plastibec 2007 Advertising Campaign: Plastibec – A New Beginning

Merchandising Category: Consumer Advertising and Promotional Program

Plastibec began last March with the management buy out of certain assets by it’s managing directors. At that time it was important for Plastibec to communicate a strong message to it’s customers, that they would be a dominant player in the North American decorative window coverings extrusion market. It became evident that marketing and an advertising campaign was needed. The results are impressive: in just 9 months Plastibec launched an entire new collection as well as customer point of sale brochures and published 8 different advertisements in 2 of our industries dominant magazines (DWC and WF). Plastibec is convinced that this marketing campaign was a “colossal” success as not only did it maintain its current customers it also took Plastibec into its next level of growth

The entire 2007 advertisings can be view on Plastibec Web site at: www.plastibec.com/currentads.aspx Designers/Producers: Marie-Claude Robert, Marketing Coordinator and Angelo Sudano, VP Marketing, Maelstrom Communications

Plastibec

Designer Deck

Product Category: Verticals and Panel Tracks

The Providence Collection theme deck orientation addresses current and upcoming home fashion trends. Providence it’s six distinct decorative categories and one commodity category. One collection, to satisfy all pallets for fashionable window dressing.
Designer deck embraces window fashion, it combines detail, patterns and textures with color and surface finish to create artistic works. Style names are: Americana – Bordeaux – Infinity – Leatherby – Luxor – Provincial – Rome – Rosalie.

The Designer deck can be view on Plastibec Web site at: http://www.plastibec.com/verticals_styles_designer.aspx Designers/Producers: Angelo Sudano, VP Marketing & Product Development

Plastibec

Habitat Deck

Product Category: Verticals and Panel Tracks

The Providence Collection theme deck orientation addresses current and upcoming home fashion trends. Providence it’s six distinct decorative categories and one commodity category. One collection, to satisfy all pallets for fashionable window dressing.

Habitat deck emphasizes on all which is natural environment or things which are found in nature representing the cycle of life and growth. Style names are: Bamboo – Island – Rattan – Terrace – Thatch – Trends – Vineyard – Wicker.

The Habitat deck can be view on Plastibec Web site at: http://www.plastibec.com/verticals_styles_habitat.aspx

Designers/Producers: Angelo Sudano, VP Marketing & Product Development

Plastibec

Green Initiatives PLASTIBEC ENVIRONMENTALLY AWARE

Product Category: Green Products

Plastibec has taken environment issues very seriously and this results in tangible actions.

Plastibec recuperates from its environmentally conscious customers PVC material scrap “end-cuts” for recycling into packaging and other products. Our Providence Collection is packaged entirely using 100% “recycled” PVC materials. At Plastibec it is everyone’s duty to recycle material, from the office paper to the manufacturing PVC scrap.

Plastibec manufacturing processes also support our Green Initiativesfrom a closed loop water cooling system to a currently experimental “free-air” cooling system, both of which reduce our dependence of energy sources. Green initiatives from Plastibec can be view on Web site at: www.plastibec.com/environmentally.aspx

Designers/Producers: Plastibec “Work-Force Team”

Plastibec

Leatherby Style

Product Category: Verticals and Panel Tracks

The "look" and "texture" of fine quality leather, bringing luxury into your home. Inspired by the Providence Collection – Designer theme deck, available in 12 stylish colors.

"You won’t believe it’s not leather."

Leatherby style can be viewed on Plastibec Web site at: http://www.plastibec.com/verticals_styles_designer.aspx

Designers/Producers: Angelo Sudano, VP Marketing & Product Development

Plastibec

Provincial Style

Product Category: Verticals and Panel Tracks

Floral sophistication give interiors texture and life. The look of traditional elegance with energy filled colors. Inspired by the Providence Collection – Designer theme deck, available in 8 energy filled colors.

<“Patent Pending” technology – CLRW™, ColorWash. Technology which allows for the online coloration using liquid colorants in multiple metallic coatings. >

Provincial style can be viewed on Plastibec Web site at : http://www.plastibec.com/verticals_styles_designer.aspx

Designers/Producers: Angelo Sudano, VP Marketing & Product Development

Plastibec

Island Style

Product Category: Verticals and Panel Tracks

Embrace nature with rustic design and earth tone colors. The simple pleasures of life, bringing the outdoors into your home. Inspired by the Providence Collection – Habitat theme deck, available in 6 natural colors.

<“Patent Pending” technology – CLRW™, ColorWash. Technology which allows for the online coloration using liquid colorants together with design printing technology. >

Island style can be viewed on Plastibec Web site at: http://www.plastibec.com/verticals_styles_habitat.aspx

Designers/Producers: Angelo Sudano, VP Marketing & Product Development

Plastibec

Providence Collection

Merchandising Category: Sampling Program

The Providence Collection vertical theme deck orientation addresses current and upcoming home fashion trends. Seven very distinct categories, each one inspired by today living interiors and the possibility for letting the outside in. One collection, to satisfy all pallets for fashionable window dressing.

The Providence collection is presented in an attractive logo embroided carry bag that features seven very distinct categories. Decks are categorized by collection to inspire consumers and simplify the buying process. All decks are waterfall. Providence Collection sample bags contain product guide and point of purchase flyers as well as color photos of valance options. The easy to carry and consumer friendly case may be used for shop at home or in showrooms..

A coordinating 2" Providence Collection deck (vertical and horizontal) is also available consisting of 14 of our best selling styles..

The contents of the Providence Collection bag can be viewed on Plastibec’s Web site at: http://www.plastibec.com/verticals.aspx.

Designers/Producers: Marie-Claude Robert, Marketing Coordinator; Angelo Sudano, VP Marketing & Product Development

Eclipse™ Shutters

Eclipse™ Shutters Sample Portfolio

Merchandising Category: Sampling Program

The Eclipse™ Sample Portfolio was introduced this January 2008 to our partnering fabricators as the most innovative sample book design of its kind.

• Full color product portfolio
• Compact and easy to carry
• Fits into current Eclipse Sample Kit
• Dimensions: 7 ½" W x 13' H x 2 ½" D
• Product samples included show color and louver size options with professionally pad printed description of each piece.
• Unique foam track system allows for easy removal of product to show the consumer the color and size options and/or for the dealer to update wear and tear samples and also to insert new product introductions without having to purchase a new book each time.
• Includes a full color 10-page brochure showcasing the many design and style options with beautiful photography illustrating different lifestyle applications.

Provinaire Window Fashions by Heritage

ProvinaireTM Sculpted Knit Fabrics

Product Category: Roman, Roller and Pleated Shades

New Sculpted Knit Fabrics are available exclusively in Provinaire Roman and Roller Shades.

This 2008 addition to the line features distinctive new textiles produced by a patented (pending) knitting process. They are made in America of 100% polyester, noted for detail, service and easy care.

Triple-ply Sculpted Knits provide light-filtering and privacy without additional fabrication. There are eight distinctive designs and seven colors, available in yardage and a cut-down program.

Designers: Machelle Bloodsworth, Kenny Clayborne

EarthSmart GSM, LLC

EarthSmart Shutters

Product Category: Green Products

EarthSmart Shutters are the worlds first 100% earth friendly shutter; available today at a very cost effective price.

EarthSmart wood comes from sustainable plantations; this means the trees grow to maturity in 10 years and are then cut at the bottom and grow all over again in 10 years! No other tree on the planet can do this. It’s the lightest hardwood on the planet, is perfect for stains and paint and lasts forever!

Paris Texas Hardware

Valcour by Paris Texas Hardware

Product Category: Drapery Hardware

The sophisticated shapes and details are what make Valcour less of a collection and more an assortment of elegant discoveries. Six finial designs and one end cap coordinate with 2” diameter fluted poles, rings, and single cradle brackets. A double bracket is also available; the back cradle accommodates a 1 3/8" diameter fluted pole. Three holdback designs complete this collection.
Valcour is available in Elmbrook, Wildwood, and Antique Gold.

Paris Texas Hardware

Dominion by Paris Texas Hardware

Product Category: Drapery Hardware

Inspired by mid-century modernism, Paris Texas Hardware introduces its latest drapery hardware collection: Dominion. This retro-modern collection combines materials, utility and organic forms to bring a pure and simple feel to today’s modern window. With a palette of playful shapes and furniture-inspired finishes, outfit a sleek, modern room or add an avant-garde edge to a traditional room.

Four finishes: Carob, Wenge, Corona and Brushed Nickel Finials and brackets coordinate with 1 ¼" diameter metal rods

Springs Window Fashions LLC

Graber® Slide-Vue™ Cellular Shade

Product Category: Cellular Shades

The new Graber Slide-Vue cellular shade captures all the benefits of a CrystalPleat® shade in a vertical orientation. Our patent-pending technologies include dual moveable side rails that easily adjust to fit any window and create flexibility for positioning on the right, left or center of the window, and safety release fabric stems that protect the material from ripping or tearing. The streamlined headrail does not require a valance and Slide-Vue is available in all CrystalPleat fabrics, colors and cell sizes.

Springs Window Fashions LLC

Graber® CrystalPleat® Cellular Shade Sampling Program

Merchandising Category: Sampling Program

The new Graber CrystalPleat Cellular Shade sample book and companion pieces were designed after input from dealers and consumers. The upscale book design includes large removable swatches that can be viewed using a suction cup window mount, removable collection decks, and an inspirational “book within a book”. Companion merchandising pieces include posters, dealer and consumer brochures, advertising CD, window decals, counter cards, and headrail signs. The sampling program has resulted in over 15% increase in sales.

Hunter Douglas

New Luminette® Privacy Sheers Sample Book Kit

Merchandising Category: Sampling Program

Themed “Get the Big Picture,” the compact new sample book clearly and concisely communicates the Luminette sheers message, “Limitless widths. Infinite light control. The sheerest sheers.” The book is consumer-friendly, self-guided and easy-to-shop.

The Sample Book Kit also includes a compact, easy-to-carry memo sample binder that contains 42 large fabric swatches for dealers to use in presentation boards or for them to leave with their customers.

Hunter Douglas

Vignette® Modern Roman Shades Top-Down/Bottom-Up design option

Product Category: Specialty Applications

Unlike any other Roman shade available today, the versatile Vignette® Top-Down/Bottom-Up design option not only allows the fabric to stack in neat folds at the bottom of the window when the shade is lowered, but remarkably, the entire shade disappears completely into the fabric-covered headrail when raised. There are no exposed rings or grommets, and the lift cords are concealed between the front and rear fabrics for a clean exterior appearance plus added child and pet safety. Since the September introduction of this design option, it is already 10 percent of the Vignette unit mix.

Hunter Douglas

Silhouette® window shadings Quartette™ with UltraGlide® Operating System

Product Category: Shadings and Sheers

The Quartette™ four-inch vane size from Silhouette® window shadings provides superior view-through to any other window shading option on the market today. To enhance this popular feature, the Silhouette Brand has developed the Quartette with UltraGlide® operating system. This new system adds another element of child safety and convenience to the four-inch offering with one cord, one continuous length and no need to drill into treasured window casements or painted drywall.

Hunter Douglas

Views: An Inside Look at Hunter Douglas

Merchandising Category: Trade Education Program

Views: An Inside Look at Hunter Douglas, a trimester magazine distributed to 31,000+ retailers, covers the latest products, programs and company initiatives with the overall objective of educating dealers about how they can build their businesses. The magazine has just been redesigned with a bold new graphic look that captures attention from page to page. It includes more features and success stories from individual Hunter Douglas dealers than ever before. Compelling photos highlight the dealers as well. The new format also marks on the top of the page the product featured in a particular section.

Response to the redesign has been extremely positive from dealers and fabricators.

Hunter Douglas

Silhouette® window shadings Matisse Collection™ of Colored Sheers and Vanes

Product Category: Shadings and Sheers

Bold is the new neutral! The 2008 expanded Silhouette® Matisse Collection™ of Colored Sheers and Vanes introduces bright, fashionforward hues that serve as a basis for a room’s décor and mood — for a total of 10 choices, up from the original six. Newly available in the light-dimming Silhouette Bon Soir™ vane as well as in the translucent Originale™ vane, the new Matisse Collection will be offered in both the three-inch and the exclusive Quartette™ four-inch vane sizes in all available lifting systems.

Hunter Douglas

Enhancements to Luminette® Privacy Sheers

Product Category: Shadings and Sheers

Luminette® Privacy Sheers now target an even broader customer base with more contemporary design elements, fabric textures and enriched color. The new Quintette™ 4 ¾-inch vane size opens the view dramatically compared with the Classic 3 ½-inch vane size, providing a contemporary look that can cover large expanses with beautiful soft contoured fabric with privacy and light control. This new vane size features an equally contemporary fabric called Portico with a screenlike open weave for a modern and airy effect in six colors. The new Angelica Luxe fabric collection offers luxurious colors in six rich, organic earth tones.

The entire Luminette color offering has been refreshed, focusing on the top-selling home décor colors. Each of the fabrics in the collection – Angelica, Angelica Luxe, Linéa, Portico, Sheer Linen, Stria and Summer Breeze – are offered in six colors in both translucent and room-darkening vanes for a total of 84 fabric/color combinations. A cordless Traveling Wand™ option makes operation fast and easy. Great for sliding glass doors, this system can be used to both rotate the vanes and push or pull the sheer open or closed. The PowerGlide® motorization system now includes Platinum™ Technology, offering both infrared line-of-sight and radio frequency out-of-sight group control technology

Hunter Douglas

Nantucket™ window shadings 2007 Sample Book

Merchandising Category: Sampling Program

The Nantucket™ window shadings sample book features a fabricwrapped cover with close-up product photography showcasing Nantucket window shading’s unique construction and lighttransformation abilities. Inside, a photo book filled with stunning product photography explains product features and benefits. Tab pages explain the benefits of Nantucket shadings; available lifting systems, options and applications; the Playful Possibilities™ collection; and the Counterparts® program.

Also included, a large working swatch, fabric decks showing all 45 SKUs offered and a hardware color guide.
Nantucket unit sales grew 18 percent in 2007 with the launch of the new book in May.

Hunter Douglas

PremieresSM 2007: Imagination Within

Merchandising Category: Trade Education Program

PremieresSM delivers knowledge about new Hunter Douglas products and how to sell them. Twenty fabricators hold training events across North America, and in 2007, approximately 12,000 dealers were trained. The training is broken into modules and teamed with a portable professional display system contained in rolling cases.

Participants were enticed to attend training after receiving a creative invitation introducing the imagination theme. The three dimensional invitation used inspiring words to provoke their thoughts about the new program this year. An opening video featured a representation of one’s imagination to inspire Dealers to creatively position themselves as the most innovative Hunter Douglas Dealer in the industry. 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

Hunter Douglas Platinum™ Technology

Product Category: Motorization

Hunter Douglas Platinum™ Technology combines the best features of infrared (IR) and radio frequency (RF) communication to control motorized window fashions. This proprietary system uses a new ergonomic remote and allows users to control a single window covering or multiple window fashions simultaneously. Individual window coverings can be operated up to 30-feet away in the infrared mode. By adding radio frequency, the remote no longer needs to be pointed directly at a receiver eye for operation. Users can control window coverings up to 100-feet away and don’t even have to be in the same room as the window covering(s).

Platinum Technology is available with Hunter Douglas PowerRise®, PowerGlide® and PowerTilt™ battery-powered motorized systems as well as with select hard-wired systems. Hunter Douglas hard-wired systems with Platinum Technology™ are switch control with the option of remote control. This single standalone switch unit replaces the multiple-component kits of old and can simultaneously operate up to two shade motors (in parallel).

Installation is simple and hard-wired motorized window coverings from Hunter Douglas can be easily integrated into any new or existing home automation system.

Sales have exceeded projections.

Hunter Douglas

hunterdouglas.com Product Videos

Merchandising Category: Marketing Technology

Available by clicking on the “View Product Videos and Brochures” icon on the left side of the home page, these innovative online videos show, in detail, a range of Hunter Douglas products in use on real windows. Varying in length from one to three minutes, these online videos are unique in the industry and feature many of the window fashions and ground-breaking lifting systems available.

Consumers’ preferences become clearer as they see and hear about the products and the range of fabrics, colors and lifting systems. It makes trips to the dealer an easier process.

Forty-four percent of videos are viewed in their entirety and a quarter million videos were viewed in 2007.

Hunter Douglas

Gallery™ Display Environment

Merchandising Category: Point of Sale Display

Hunter Douglas Gallery™ dealers offer the ultimate shopping experience by providing a display “environment” that allows consumer to see all their Hunter Douglas product choices quickly and easily. The Gallery dealer now has a second choice in display design. He/she can choose either the current, more traditional style Gallery or the new, contemporary style.

The new, contemporary Gallery Display Environment features a rich dark maple wood with aluminum accents. Each window opening is backlit and the new system has large color photography as well as several areas for promotional messages that can be easily changed. Optional pieces include the Highlight module which helps to “highlight” promotional or new products and an extra workstation.

In March, the traditional Gallery Display Environment will also offer a “Retrofit” option that allows existing Gallery dealers to substantially transform their existing display cost-effectively and easily. The “Retrofit” Program includes five display components with which dealers can refresh their environment. They can choose all five or any one of the five.

Hunter Douglas

The Silhouette®. Life in a Whole New Light Campaign

Merchandising Category: Trade Education Program

The Silhouette®. Life in a Whole New Light campaign trained nearly 12,000 dealers on how to sell premium products in 2007. Approximately 320 training sessions were conducted using videotaped testimonials from top Silhouette retailers across the country. A Silhouette® Special Savings Event was released to dealers who attended the training and provided end consumers with savings of $50 per Silhouette shadings with a maximum of five shadings per household. The savings event ran from March 1 through May 31, 2007 and resulted in an 18% unit increase in unit sales for the period in the midst of a national economic downturn. The training coupled with the promotion proved to be one of the most successful campaigns in Hunter Douglas history.

Comfortex Window Fashions

Envision™ Roller Shades

Product Category: Roman, Roller and Pleated Shades

No other product can provide design and cutting edge fashion on a budget like Comfortex Envision™ Roller shades can.

Embracing styles and fabrics from around the world, hundreds of fabrics ranging from solids to designer screens, the Envision Roller Shade collection offers an expansive style collection to match the looks and desires of any décor. The energy efficient SilverScreen™ and environmentally responsible EcoGreen™ lines will appeal to consumers who are looking for style with an emphasis on responsible stewardship. Color coordinated hardware, two different cassette head rail styles and the option of motorization offer the finishing touches in customization.

Designers and Development Team for Envision™ Roller Shades
Corina McRee
Richard Watkins

Comfortex Window Fashions

Woodwinds® Wood Alloy Blinds with Fine Finish

Product Category:Wood/Faux Woods Blinds

The Comfortex Woodwinds® Fine Finish wood tone collection recreates the natural characteristics of real wood in combination with durable Woodwinds thermal polymers. Perfect for windows exposed to sun, humidity and moisture, Woodwinds material doesn’t warp, crack or fade. The Woodwinds Fine Finish Collection is consistent in both color tone and pattern across all slat, valance and bottom rail profiles. The Woodwinds Fine Finish Collection is available in nine wood tone colors and four unique slat profiles.

Designers and Development Team for Woodwinds® Wood Alloy Blinds with Fine Finish
Shane Brunell
S.J. Kahng
John Fitzgerald
Thomas Marusak
Jay Vandervoort

Comfortex Window Fashions

Shangri-La® Paradise Collection of Sheer Horizontal Shadings

Product Category: Shadings and Sheers

Shangri-La® Paradise Sheer Window Shadings collection offers all the features of high end window shadings at an attractive price point for the value conscious consumer. Available in a neutral color palette with 2" and 3" vane widths, Paradise Window Shading fabric is available on a “Roller Only” system that can be installed under existing draperies or cornices. This “Roller Only” version can save consumers even more money and adapt to many more window applications.

Designers and Development Team for Shangri-La® Paradise Sheer Horizontal Shadings
Shane Brunell
John Fitzgerald
Scott Pauley

Comfortex Window Fashion

Shades Now, Pay Later Comfortex BlindCrafter Credit Card Program

Merchandising Category: Consumer Advertising and Promotional Program

In today’s soft economy, consumer financing is one tool window treatment dealers can use to dramatically grow their business. Shades Now, Pay Later program provided Comfortex BlindCrafters Comfortex funded access to 12 months of no payment, no interest financing for their customers. Comfortex and GE Finance research shows that the average order size using the BlindCrafter Credit Card Program is 4.5 times larger than the traditional credit card payment.

Shades Now, Pay Later created a formal, easy to implement promotional program utilizing the Comfortex BlindCrafter Credit Card program, backed by GE Finance. Each BlindCrafter Center received an advertising and store merchandising kit including banners, POP signage, hanging ceiling signs, shade wobblers and ad templates for door hangers, direct mail cards and FSIs. Corporate support and promotion was provided through the web site BlindCrafter.com and e-mail campaign.

Designers and Development Team for Shades Now, Pay Later Comfortex BlindCrafter Credit Card Program
John Fitzgerald
Corina McRee
Christopher Ahl

Comfortex Window Fashions

Woodwinds® Wood Alloy Blinds Recycling

Product Category: Green Products

The wood alloy slats, bottom rail, wands and valances which make up a Comfortex Woodwinds Wood Alloy Blinds all can be reused in the manufacturing process. Comfortex blends recycled wood slats which that is ground into a fine powder with high performance, recyclable plastics to form the patented Wood Alloy products. Once these products exceed their useful lifetime, they can be easily recycled for the same manufacturing process and used again in the creation of new Wood Alloy window fashion products.

Consumers will receive incentives when they choose to redecorate and recycle their Woodwinds Blinds by returning it to Comfortex for component reuse.

Designers and Development Team for Woodwinds® Wood Alloy Blinds
Recycling Program
Shane Brunell
John Fitzgerald
Thomas Marusak

Hunter Douglas

Greenscape fabric for Designer Screen Shades

Product Category: Green Products

This new residential screen fabric is PVC-free, earth-friendly and recyclable with no off-gassing. It comes in seven fashion-forward colors.

Hunter Douglas

Elan™ fabric for Duette® Architella™ honeycomb shades

Product Category: Green Products

The Duette® Architella™ Collection of honeycomb shades features a unique, patented construction consisting of a honeycomb nestled within a honeycomb. This provides two more air pockets than traditional honeycomb shades and dramatically increases R-values. The Duette Architella Collection offers R-values up to 7.73 on doublepane windows with Low-E glass, among the highest in the industry. It is available in two fabrics: Panache and the new Elan™, a luxurious and refined silk-like fabric with a woven-like appearance selected for its lustrous finish and durability. Priced the same as the relaxed, textural Panache, it is available in 10 shimmering colors in both semi-opaque and opaque fabric options in ¾" and 1 ¼" pleat sizes. Because of the unique double honeycomb construction, the Architella Collection boasts crisp pleat definition and deep color saturation.

Hunter Douglas

Country Woods® and The EverWood® Collection Sampling

Merchandising Category: Sampling Program

The coordinated sample program creates a comprehensive and consistent selling system for Hunter Douglas horizontal blinds, offering two sample books of similar height and styling for maximum visual impact. They include removable decks, valance and tape swatches as well as a photo book that includes an overview of the entire Hunter Douglas Horizontal Blind Program, plus the respective features and options available as the customer is taken step-by-step through the selection process. For in-home sales, a set of stylish, coordinated sample bags are available complete with all decks, valance swatches, a decorative tape deck with seven-inch swatches and a mini photo book.

Hunter Douglas

New Alustra® Collection Sampling

Merchandising Category: Sampling Program

The new Alustra® Collection gold and silver sample books were designed to present the stunning features and benefits of the new expanded collection, showcasing the exquisite new product introductions. With coordinating silver and gold handles for easy carrying, they readily accommodate future introductions and fit into the existing Alustra display and tote bag. New collateral includes 8½" by 11" 40 page photo books and 5 ½" x 8 ½" consumer brochures with inspirational photography that highlights the new product introductions and offer an overview of the collection.

Hunter Douglas

The Hunter Douglas Learning Center

Merchandising Category: Trade Education Program

This centralized Web-based portal provides Hunter Douglas dealers, designers, installers and fabricators with world-class training and education.

It contains and tracks 226 learning options in interactive online, audio, video, written and instructor-led formats to satisfy all learning styles.

All Hunter Douglas dealers may take 23 free online product training courses. The Professional Dealer Program offers over 100 courses in professional development, sales and customer service skills. Dealers may earn Certified Professional Dealer status to set them apart from competitors and give them recognition as experts in the industry.

The Professional Fabricator Program enrolls all Hunter Douglas sales and customer service representatives in a comprehensive training and development program covering six core competencies with over 115 courses.

Since the mid-2007 launch, 4915 learners have completed 18,887 courses!

Hunter Douglas

Pirouette® window shadings Sample Kit

Merchandising Category: Sampling Program

Centerpiece of the Pirouette® window shadings Sample Kit, the convenient sample book includes inspiring room-setting photography; large swatches of all 44 fabric/color combinations; a working sample in both vane sizes; a full-color brochure illustrating the product’s versatility and simplicity; technical information and care and maintenance instructions. In the inside back cover of the sample book, a marketing DVD provides ready-to-print materials, including consumers ads and postcards and a sell sheet and order forms that contain everything dealers need to know to specify and sell Pirouette shadings. Also included in the kit, a limited-time offer for a choice of a free hand sample or $50 custom display shading.

Hunter Douglas

Heritance® hardwood shutters Sampling Kit

Merchandising Category: Sampling Program

After conducting countless dealer and fabricator interviews and hundreds of hours of research, the new Heritance® Sampling Kit works hand-in-hand with the selling process. Innovations include: picture book starting with a Hunter Douglas Custom Shutter Division decision tree. Each consecutive spread offers an engaging room photo and all corresponding available options, so that customers are taken step-by-step through the process to select a color, louver size, operating system, frame, configuration and hinge color. Every color in the kit is a removable chip that can be held next to the window. A separate box includes all frame, valance, hinge and louver options.

This is the first of three sampling kits in the Hunter Douglas Custom Shutter Collection that will be standardized for consistency and ease.

Levolor Kirsch Window Fashions

Levolor Roman Shade Sample Book

Merchandising Category: Sampling Program

Levolor’s Custom Roman Shades Sample book features three easy steps to simplify the consumer retail shopping experience. Levolor provides a booklet highlighting inspirational photography and explanations of features with consumer benefits. The at-a-glance pricing card allows the consumer a simple overview of the category. Fabrics are organized with tabs by style and light control type. Callouts remind consumers that www.levolor.com provides product information and home swatches, so that consumers know they can buy with confidence.

Levolor Kirsch Window Fashions

Levolor Natural shade with Cordless Lift System

Product Category: Roman, Roller and Pleated Shades

Levolor’s exclusive patent-pending cordless lift system for Natural Shades answers the consumer need for easy raising and lowering of potentially heavy shades, improved aesthetics due to no dangling cords and even raising and lowering, and increased safety for children or pets. The system combines Levolor’s industry-leading cordless motors with new “struts” attached to the lower back of the shade to give the needed product response previously thought impossible for Natural Shades.

Levolor Kirsch Window Fashions

Levolor Custom Day/Night Natural shade

Product Category: Roman, Roller and Pleated Shades

Levolor’s exclusive patent-pending Day/Night Natural shade is a lined and unlined shade all in one product. The product operates similarly to a top-down/bottom-up shade — the right cords operate the entire shade while the left cords operate a middle bar that raises and lowers the lined portion of the shade. It answers the consumer need for total privacy and light control whenever they choose and broadens the use of Natural Shades to areas like bedrooms.

Levolor Kirsch Window Fashions

Levolor Custom Visions Wood: Coordinating finish between Vertical and Horizontal Blinds

Product Category: Wood / Faux Wood blinds

Levolor introduced new line of Vertical blinds with new laminated fabric vane colors/finishes and vinyl vane offering which match and completely coordinate with finishes in Levolor Visions Faux Wood blind program. Consumers can now decorate their large windows and sliding doors using Levolor Vertical blinds and match finishes to Levolor Faux Wood blind product category which they may want to use in other (smaller) window applications while achieving uniform and completely coordinated look throughout their home across several different product category options and window applications.

Levolor Kirsch Window Fashions

Levolor Roman Shade with Cordless Lift System

Product Category: Roman, Roller and Pleated Shades

Get the best looking shade — Levolor offers Roman Shades with its patented Cordless Lift System. Now the beautiful fabric on a roman shade can be the highlight because there are no dangling pull cords or cord cleats. These shades are safe and easy to use — raise from the bottom or pull the handle down to lower. The shade widths are available up to 120" and with two shades on one headrail for unique applications.

RollEase, Inc.

Tension Device

Product Category: Miscellaneous Products

RollEase introduces a new patent-pending tension device for continuous cord or continuous bead chain loops that meets the proposed new ANSI/WCMA standard 6.5 requiring a tension device to partially make the shade inoperative unless the tension device is properly installed. RollEase’s tension device is easy to install, easy to use and has a contemporary look.

Levolor Kirsch Window Fashions

Kirsch – Estate Valance option on Ambiance Custom Soft Vertical blinds

Product Category: Verticals and Panel Tracks

A new line of Kirsch Ambiance Soft Vertical blinds are now offered with the exclusive Estate Valance option — a highly decorative, integrated valance and alternative finial options in several different real wood finishes. With the exclusive Estate valance option, consumers can achieve the look of a drapery in Soft Vertical blinds by pairing popular drapery hardware finishes and finials — now a complete look of soft draperies combined with functionality and ease of use of soft verticals. Several different real wood finishes and finial designs offered in Estate Valances ensure complete coordination with other real wood finishes in consumer’s homes — such as furniture, flooring, cabinetry.

HT Window Fashions

Richview® by Huang Fabric Blinds

Product Category: Horizontal Blinds

All fabric shade with multi-product features: it’s a Venetian Blind, Pleated shade or Roman shade

• Unique patented product design provides for elegance with privacy & light control
• Highest quality durable fabrics — Woven fabric and more
• 100% polyester, easy to clean
• Broad fabric pallet
• Minimal stacking when drawn open (raised)
• Available in cord pull or clutch pull
• Available in cord tilt or wand tilt
• Contoured, durable 2" head-rail
• Optional valances available

Hunter Douglas

Country Woods® Exposé™ Wood Cornices

Product Category: Miscellaneous Products

The new Country Woods® Exposé™ Wood Cornices showcase an elegant selection of cornices, designed to match all Country Woods wood blind colors and complement other Hunter Douglas window fashions or drapery treatments. Six new styles are featured, ranging from traditional to contemporary in six-, nine- and 12-inch heights. The cornices are assembled and hand-finished by genuine craftsmen. Striking keystones, carved wood appliqués and decorative plate grooves are among the many features available. Options for matching decorative shelves and mantel shelves are also offered for coordination across the room.

Hunter Douglas

Master Level I & II Installer Training for Heritance® hardwood shutters

Merchandising Category: Trade Education

The highest level of installer training offered in the Heritance® Shutter Excellence Training Programs, Master Level I and II Installer Training creates an elite group of highly trained master installers who are qualified to handle any and all types of installations. Participants include professional installers who seek higher income levels and they must have completed the Journeyman Installer Training. The twoday class provides a true-to-life installation experience, including how to work with and repair the most challenging shutter installations. Participants also learn about the income opportunity and receive Master Level I and II certification. They also become part of a special referral list.

With 24 attendees at each session, since its inception in March 2007, the program has trained a total of 148 installers in six sessions. Four sessions are scheduled for 2008.

Hunter Douglas

Alustra® Woven Textures™

Product Category: Roman, Roller and Pleated Shades

Alustra Woven Textures™ is a remarkable collection of distinctive fabrics, each filtering light in a unique style, offering an innovative alternative to solar screens and available in both Roman shades and window shades. The collection includes five exquisite new fabrics plus the sleek metal Chelsea™ roller shade system and the optional Roman shade light-filtering liner with independent operation. These sophisticated constructions combine innovative textural weaves with unique fibers to create spectacular light effects and intriguing designs that provide a luxurious yet casual elegance.

Hunter Douglas

New Somner® Custom Vertical Blinds Collection

Product Category:Verticals and Panel Tracks

Somner® Custom Vertical Blinds from Hunter Douglas feature 363 SKUs with new styles, colors, textures and updated patterns — redefining the fashion of vertical blinds. This innovative and robust collection is divided into six distinct vinyl types, by their unique characteristics, along with an extensive range of fabric styles and the rich look of genuine hardwood. Features include options from headrail and control systems to a selection of top treatments. Motorization and specialty track systems give this versatile product even greater usage applications.

Hunter Douglas

New Somner® Custom Vertical Blinds Sample Book

Merchandising Category: Sampling Program

The new Somner® Custom Vertical Blinds Sample Book from Hunter Douglas contains new styles, colors and updated patterns designed to revitalize and make this classic product modern again. The book is organized by product type from vinyl, fabric to wood. The center spread Design Guide helps the customer through the decision process when it comes to color and light/privacy. This sample book goes beyond showcasing beautiful product by featuring the other vertical blind collections in the Hunter Douglas portfolio for a comprehensive sales tool that introduces customers to all Hunter Douglas branded vertical blind programs.

Hunter Douglas

Enhancements to The Alustra® Collection

Merchandising Category: Miscellaneous Products

The Alustra® Collection is designed for those who want the very finest in window fashions. This fall, Bronze Shimmer™ joined the exclusive Gold Radiance™ and Silver Reflection™ fabrics and hardware finishes, offering discerning consumers unique metallic accents that coordinate beautifully with furnishing throughout the home. Other enhancements:

Alustra Silhouette® Bronze Shimmer sheers and Bronze Shimmer hardware finish for both three-inch and four-inch vane sizes.

Alustra Duette® 1 ¼" honeycomb shades in Bronze Shimmer Whisper™ sheer fabric and hardware finish, and in Bronze Glow 1 ¼" Opalessence™ shades.

Alustra Duette 1 ¼" Architella™ Sheer Opalessence, Architella Opalessence and Architella Opalessence Eclipse™ shades in luminous fabrics with flecks of natural mica for extraordinary beauty.

Alustra Vignette® Modern Roman Shades with new transitional fabric and color offerings in both the exclusive 6" Traditional contoured fold and the 6" Tailored flat fold.

Exquisite new fabrics for Alustra Woven Textures™ plus the sleek metal Chelsea™ roller shade system and the optional Roman shade lightfiltering liner with independent operation.

New Voyant™ Sunlight fabric, Bronze Shimmer hardware and metallic valances for Alustra Luminette® Privacy Sheers.

Hunter Douglas

E-mail Marketing Campaign

Merchandising Category: Marketing Technology

Hunter Douglas launched three e-mail campaigns and an e-mail newsletter in 2007. All recipients had given Hunter Douglas permission to use their e-mail addresses and the communications were visually compelling with color photography and succinct copy. The percentage of e-mails opened was significantly higher than the national average; bounce-back rates came in at 10 percent below the national average; opt-out rates were very low at 1%.

The e-mail campaigns offered consumers rebates and the first e-mail in May was sent to prospective buyers gathered from an Inspiring Light Sweepstakes; the second e-mail, which had an 81.27% open rate — almost unheard of in the business, was sent out at the same time to existing customers that had purchased product during the Holiday Sales Event. The third was sent in August to all eligible customers.

In September the first e-mail newsletter was launched and informed Hunter Douglas customers of new products and promotions and directed them to the Web site.

Hunter Douglas

Alustra® “Experience” Web site

Merchandising Category: Marketing Technology

Upon entering the Web site, via www.hunterdouglas.com, consumers immediately experience the elegance and exclusivity of The Alustra® Collection.

The soundtrack establishes the mood and sets the collection apart, reinforcing that Alustra is more than merely a collection of products, it is a lifestyle and an experience designed for consumers who want the best products for their homes.

Consumers can browse through “Alustra Showhomes,” which showcase Alustra in sensational real home settings, beautifully illustrating the light-transforming qualities of the materials and myriad styles available.

Or they can explore the “Design Inspirations” that were considered in creating The Alustra Collection.

And they can also peruse through the “Product Portfolio” that presents this unique collection and provides consumers with detailed product information to choose Alustra window fashions for their homes.

A direct link on the menu bar guides them to exclusive Alustra dealers.

Hunter Douglas

Merchandising® Custom Color Match Kit

Product Category: Point of Sale Display

This free, compact, award-winning kit provides consumers/dealers with all they need to order and secure approvals for custom colors for Heritance® hardwood shutters. An instruction sheet details the steps to send in a color sample, which is required, and then returned by Hunter Douglas to the customer to ensure they are happy with the custom-color match. A wood sample is included for stains, and an attractive paper swatch is included for paints — these can be divided for the customer to retain. Identification labels, a vellum sleeve to ensure the sample arrives safely and pre-addressed padded envelope are provided to send in the samples. A handy wood characteristics brochure helps to set the expectation for the customer so they understand how light can change the look of wood and how different wood types can impact the final look of a perfectly matched stain color. This brochure features visual examples of these scenarios.