Kensington looks to window coverings for sales

Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 5/7/2001 12:00:00 AM

SUWANEE, GA — A new manufacturer of hard window coverings has entered the window covering business with product exclusively for independent retailers and design professionals.

Kensington Window Expressions, based here, unveiled its line during the International Window Coverings Expo held in New Orleans in March. Using the tag line "Art for Windows," Kensington offers shades, blinds, wood treatments, window shadings and vertical sheers in an array of colors, textures, fabrics and hardware systems. Products will only be offered through licensed independent wholesale fabricators.

A good-better-best pricing strategy has been outlined and is designed to cater to any consumer budget as well as maintain higher sales and profits for retailers.

"The independent retailer or design professional who understands the value of an exclusive branded product will be better served by this new collection," said Doug Barr, business unit manager, Kensington.

Those retailers and designers obtaining the license to carry Kensington products will receive nine sample books for honeycomb shades, pleated shades, roman shades, roller shades, woven woods, wood blinds, window shadings, vertical sheers, vertical blinds and aluminum blinds, as well as seven slat decks. In addition, Kensington will provide 12 consumer brochures and in-store point-of-purchase materials as well as a reference and price guide, consumer postcards, co-op newspaper ads, installation instructions for do-it-yourselfers and a roll-up sample blind for in-home sales. A profit system manual, product and technical assistance, interactive training aids and materials, incentive programs and an ad campaign are also available.

The company is planning on a nationwide target base of 10 to 15 licensed independent wholesale fabricators.