Window Fashions News

Decorating Den Interiors focused on continued growth for 2012

2012-01-17T12:42:00.000-08:00

NEWS from Decorating Den Interiors
Contact: Ross Feltz, public relations counsel,
Office: 814-336-3000 Cell: 814-414-8215
rfeltz@decoratingden.com
Jan 17, 2012

Decorating Den Interiors focused on continued growth for 2012

Easton, MD ---Decorating Den Interiors (www.decoratingden.com) , North America’s largest home furnishings and interior design franchise company, added significant experience to its leadership team and its franchise ownership roster during 2011, positioning the company for continued growth.

“During the year, we added home furnishings veteran David Haseley to our senior executive team, recruited several highly experienced new owners, awarded new Master Licenses, created a new business unit, and introduced a new lower-cost franchise offering,” says Jim Bugg, Jr., president and chief executive officer.

Experience added to leadership team.
Bugg said that having Haseley rejoin the company as vice president of merchandising late last year was an important step in the company’s growth plans. “David’s experience as a vice president with both Hunter Douglas and Fabricut along with his earlier experience as one of our leading franchise owners and regional directors will help our franchise owners offer their customers even more options in home furnishings,” Bugg said.

Haseley will oversee Decorating Den Interiors’ merchandising program of more than 100 suppliers and alliance partners, and provide leadership for recruiting new design professionals into careers and business ownership in Decorating Den Interiors. “While there has been much cutting back in the home furnishings industry, we have our sights set on expanding and providing new career and business ownership opportunities for people who love design, especially those who may have been displaced from other positions,” Haseley says. “Our concept of designing right in the customer’s home and bringing more ideas and product variety than they can find in any one store means greater convenience and choice for the customer.”

Home accessories career opportunity created, window specialist position offered.
LIVV! Home Accessories (www.livvhomeaccessories.com), a new direct sales home-party shopping business, was introduced in the second half of 2011 as a stand-alone business unit after successful market testing. “We know there are many women who would love to earn extra income from their love of decorating, and becoming a LIVV! Stylist is a way for them to do so,” Bugg explained.

¬¬¬¬"We provide training and support, access to a line of exciting, current and fashionable accessories, and the opportunity to be associated with an international interior design company, all for an investment as low as $79,” he added. “The business can be done on a person’s own schedule, committing as much time as they wish.”

Decorating Den has added a new windows specialist franchise offering (http://www.decoratingden.com/career-opportunities-1.html) to enable people to enter the design field with a lower investment. “The single largest category of our design and product sales is window treatments,” Bugg says. “With a cost that is nearly 70-percent less than our full-product franchise, the windows specialist is an attractive independent career entry point into the world of home furnishings.”

ABOUT DECORATING DEN INTERIORS:
Decorating Den Interiors was founded in 1969 and is the largest home furnishings and interior design franchise business in North America. The Bugg family has provided its leadership since 1984. Jim Bugg, Sr., chairman, is former chairman of the International Franchise Association and a member of its Franchise Hall of Fame. Jim Bugg, Jr. is president and chief executive officer. Carol Donayre Bugg, ASID, DDCD, author of five books on decorating, serves as vice president and director of design. Her latest book is“Decorating…the Professional Touch,” Each Decorating Den Interiors decorator has access to thousands of samples of designer window, wall, floor covering, furniture and accessory products, all brought directly to the each client’s home or office. Their work is regularly featured in interior decorating magazines, journals and books.

TRANSFORM THE HOME INTO A SOOTHING RETREAT

2012-01-13T13:16:00.000-08:00

Five additions to make the home a quiet, peaceful place to escape to

Surrounded by the soothing sounds of the country? Many aren’t. With ringing cell phones, traffic noises, loud neighbors, along with work and life stresses, people now more than ever need an escape to find some sense of peace and calm. While removing yourself from everyday hassles by heading to a spa or a vacation getaway is a solution, peaceful surroundings don’t necessarily have to be an occasional luxury. Rather than heading across or out of town to find a serene space, with a few simple steps, it is easier than ever to create a healing environment at home that can be cherished each day. Try these five tips from design expert Sally Morse, Director of Creative Services for Hunter Douglas, the country’s leading window fashions manufacturer, to start and end the day in a calming place that enables you to take on whatever life may bring.

1. Calming Colors
Re-energize and rejuvenate at home by incorporating cool and calming hues. To not only create a soothing space but also an on-trend one, refer to the “Nonchalance” palette, one of nine palettes for 2012 from color authority Pantone. Its delicate Blue Fog and Grapemist purples along with Silver and Egret grays are ideal for creating a serene space. For the largest impact, try using on walls in an entryway, living room or bedroom. Blogger Kimberly Latimer of Re-Do It Design blog says, “The simplicity and casual ambiance in this palette are easy to read and enjoy. The reassuring colors coax a feeling of tranquility and relaxation with no suggestion of anxiety in the surroundings.”

2. Comforting Textiles
Fill every room in the house with items you can’t wait to curl up on or cuddle into. Plush and soft textures are paramount when creating a relaxing space. Incorporate such materials in furniture, blankets and pillows. Try a simple cashmere blanket thrown over a chair, a soft faux-fur rug, silk decorative pillows, gentle suede or silk-covered chairs and couches. Essential for any relaxing retreat, opt for high-thread count linens, towels and robes and add soft textures at the window. The smooth, contoured fabric folds and finishes of Hunter Douglas Vignette® Modern Roman Shades or Pirouette® window shadings, that offer soft adjustable fabric vanes attached to a single sheer fabric backing, are both good choices. With these easy additions, each room will exude an inviting, soft-to-the-touch aesthetic.

3. Soothing Silence
When you think of a beach you conjure up sounds of waves rolling in and at a spa there is soft music, fountains or even silence. Relaxing destinations are devoid of traffic and other noise interferences, which is why that golden silence is so important to achieve at home. If outdoor noise is an issue inside your home, help dampen it by using insulating window fashions such as Vignette® Tiered™ Architella® shades from Hunter Douglas. Its innovative design features rear fabric air pockets that trap air for increased energy efficiency and substantial sound absorption for a peaceful space. Additionally, it’s not only the outdoors that bring on noisy disturbances. Try silencing phones and computers for an hour each night to unwind without distractions or create a room that is dedicated as a space to simply read, meditate and relax in.

4. Gentle Lighting, Comforting Scents
Look to the lighting to create a peaceful ambiance. To set the tone, soften the illumination. Try using a lower-wattage bulb to reduce glare, look into track lighting that can create ambient lighting, or use lamps and fixtures that come with a dimmer to easily reduce the level of illumination and improve the mood of a room. To temper incoming light, use Hunter Douglas Silhouette® window shadings with sheer fabric panels and rotating vanes that transform the quality of light from harsh and unyielding to soft and comfortable. Also, consider using crystal candle holders or chandeliers that reflect light and, of course, incorporate plenty of candles into each room to cast a soft, warm glow across the room. To add to the overall sensory experience, have scented candles in lavender, vanilla or other comforting scents.

5. Peaceful Nature Elements
No serene views of the mountains or ocean from the living room? No problem; simply add nature into the space. Try placing indoor plants throughout the home. They not only give off oxygen and purify the air by removing toxins, but a recent NASA study found that indoor plants have a positive effect on stress levels, fatigue and headaches. Additionally, when placed in the corners of rooms they can help to absorb noise.
With a few small changes at home, you along with friends and family, can easily retreat into an utterly relaxing space that may be so soothing, you and others may

MPEA and Labor Unions Reach Agreement to Solidify Work Rule Reforms at McCormick Place

2012-01-13T13:10:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 21, 2011

MPEA and Labor Unions Reach Agreement to Solidify Work Rule Reforms at McCormick Place

Agreement positions Chicago as the most customer-friendly convention and tradeshow destination in the country.

CHICAGO - Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) and the labor organizations that represent the McCormick Place workforce have reached settlement on the lawsuit challenging the MPEA’s authority to implement work rule reforms outlined in the May 2010 legislation package. These work rule changes align McCormick Place operations with its major competitors in the convention and trade show industries.

The settlement between MPEA, the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters and the International Association of Teamsters, Local 727 eliminates any questions about organized labor’s support to help Chicago be more competitive in the convention and tourism industry.

The two unions will join with MPEA in asking the federal court to dismiss their lawsuit filed earlier this year, challenging the MPEA’s authority to implement some of the reforms. Under the terms of the settlement, four key reforms important to exhibitors have been solidified:

• The Exhibitors’ Bill of Rights allows show Managers and exhibitors to perform their own work in any size booth, using their own ladders or hand tools, cordless tools, power tools and other tools designated by the Authority.

• Expanded Straight-time Provisions roll back double-time pay for the following holidays (Columbus Day, Veteran’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr., Day and President’s Day and time worked beyond eight hours per day on the weekend.

• Auto Small Utility Vehicles (ASUV) a.k.a. POV- Provisions allow exhibitors to operate, load and unload their own vehicles at McCormick Place docks and designated loading areas.

• Crew Size Reductions will immediately allow work at McCormick Place to be done by 2-person crews rather than the 3-person crews required prior to the reforms.
Other reforms already implemented at McCormick Place include measures to lower food and beverage pricing, and enhance menu options. Additionally, show organizers now have the flexibility to select an electrical provider of their choice (from an approved vendor list), thereby enabling cost-savings through competitive pricing. McCormick Place also continues to offer reduced parking rates at its’ surface parking lot as well as free Wi-Fi access throughout the facility.

Settlement with the unions was achieved through the intervention of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Illinois Governor Pat Quinn—both of whom recognize the importance of the convention and trade show industry to Chicago’s and Illinois’ economy.

“The convention and trade show industry brings millions of dollars to the Illinois economy each year, keeping thousands of people employed,’ said Governor Pat Quinn. By working together, we were able to resolve our differences for the sake of the many who depend on this industry for their livelihoods”.

“To keep Chicago a premier trade show and convention destination, we forged solutions that work for all parties,’ said Mayor Emanuel. What we all have at stake in this dispute is too important not to reach agreement.”

MPEA Trustee James Reilly says the agreement will help ensure that Chicago keeps pace with its key competitors. “We made changes last year in direct response to what our customers demanded. Now, working in partnership with labor, we have overcome some of the biggest obstacles to our efforts to lure new shows to the city. It is especially gratifying that all of the elements of the Chicago Trade Show industry – the City, the State, the Carpenters, the Teamsters and Freeman and GES - came together and generously contributed to reaching this historic settlement.”

“Chicago is now the most customer-friendly convention and tradeshow destination in the world,” said Don Welsh, President and CEO, Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau. “The restoration of exhibitor rights at McCormick Place, without any future threat, ensures that our customers will not only realize significant savings, but prosper as a result of exhibitors returning to their shows in full force. On behalf of Chicago’s entire visitor industry, I commend the core group of customers for their counsels and unwavering commitment throughout this process.”
“All parties now share the commitment to ensuring that Chicago’s McCormick Place is the number one destination for trade shows and conventions,” said David Causton, General Manager of McCormick Place. “It is a new day in Chicago and we look forward to sharing that good news with all our present and prospective customers.”

CONTACT:
Mary Kay Marquisos
(312) 791-6237
mmarquisos@mpea.com

The Best WFCP Webinars are NOW On Demand!

2012-01-13T13:07:00.000-08:00

WFCP presents webinars on a variety of topics that feature leading industry experts offering their insights, strategies, tips and tricks that you need to meet the challenges of the new design landscape.We have gathered these top WFCP webinars in our on demand library as a powerful resource for you. Watch these webinars at your convenience to spark new ideas, hone your skills or lay the groundwork to make this year your best year yet.

VIEW ON DEMAND LIBRARY NOW!

Our top WFCP Webinars include:
1. iPad for Design Pros Series
2. Talking to Clients in a Tricky Economy
3. The Power of the Color Wheel

Put our best WFCP Webinars to work for you!

Robb & Stucky to reopen under new ownership

2012-01-13T13:05:00.000-08:00

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Jan. 4, 2012) – It's been a part of South Florida furniture history for nearly 100 years. Henry Ford and Thomas Edison were among its first clients. It's survived furniture fads, the Great Depression, the Great Recession, hurricanes and even a very public bankruptcy. Today Robb & Stucky International announces that it's back with the grand opening of a new 60,000-square-foot design studio and retail showroom in Fort Myers, Fla., on Thursday, Jan. 12, under the leadership of Steven Lush, President of Robb & Stucky International.

"This is a new beginning for a great retail brand," says Lush. Since the acquisition of the Robb & Stucky name and intellectual properties in March 2011, Lush says the focus has been on restoring the brand equities inherent in the Robb & Stucky name.

"We are reinventing Robb & Stucky," says Lush, "with a great team and smart strategies that are relevant for today's consumers. We have hired many of the employees that made a significant contribution to the previous Robb & Stucky, and have also brought in several key executives from outside the former company to bring a fresh perspective. We look forward to creating many more jobs as our growth continues."

"As consumers ourselves and business people too, it's our view that the historic economic events of the last few years have changed the way people shop and buy furniture," says Lush. "Home is still the center of our personal universe; we are fortunate to be in a category that will always be important to consumers. The challenge is to ensure that Robb & Stucky meets consumer needs and expectations."

He adds that as the recovery continues, consumers will expect more value, more style, more selection and more authenticity in the shopping experience.

"We believe our Fort Myers showroom is unlike anything else in Florida," says Lush. "We've created a store that is friendly, welcoming and easy to shop. Our buyers have chosen the very best products from America, Canada, Europe and around the world. The merchandise is displayed in seven unique lifestyle shops – each one is an adventure into a design perspective. And our selection is not just about style – we offer a variety of prices as well. We believe great style doesn't have to be expensive."

The store will offer expert interior design assistance, a longtime staple of the Robb & Stucky experience, but with a new twist. "Our customers are passionate about their homes, but their furniture and service needs may vary," explains Lush. "In our new model, design services are right-sized for the customer, so whether the object of desire is a great lamp or a new home makeover, Robb & Stucky designers are ready, willing and able to assist."

About Robb & Stucky

One of the most prestigious names in home furnishings, Robb & Stucky was founded in 1915 by Virgil Robb and W.R. Lee. Harry Stucky joined the company in 1917 and the company formally became Robb & Stucky in 1925. Today the company is owned by the family of Samuel Kuo, founder and CEO of Samson Holding, and back on track for growth in the U.S. and internationally. The first, new flagship store is located at 13170 South Cleveland Avenue in Fort Myers, Fla. For hours of operations and more information, call 239-415-2800 or visit www.RobbStuckyIntl.com.

Media Contacts:
Teri Hansen, Priority Marketing, teri@prioritymarketing.com
239-267-2638 / 239-849-3300 (cell)
Holly Boldrin, Priority Marketing, holly@prioritymarketing.com
239-267-2638
Jennifer Thomas, Priority Marketing, jennifer@prioritymarketing.com
239-573-0088

The 2012 Interior Design Fee & Salary Survey eBook is Now Available!

2012-01-06T10:43:00.000-08:00

The Design Success University 2011 Interior Design Fee & Salary Survey results are available for immediate download.

Here are a few highlights:
* 53.3% said total revenue for 2011 was below $100,000
* 62% said total revenue for 2011 increased or remained the same
* 56.4% of firm owners earned less than $45,000
* 87.3% of survey participants are 36+
* 89.7% of survey participants are female

Download your copy of the 2012 Interior Design Fee & Salary Survey now!

Happy New Year,

Co-Presidents
Minutes Matter Solutions, Inc.

Facades have to be more than just attractive

2011-12-19T09:33:00.000-08:00

The building shell is the focus of the facade congress in the architects' forum "The Art of Planning" at R+T 2012

Intelligent facades - do they exist? Yes, but the word has not yet spread everywhere. In order to change this within the framework of R+T 2012, the international trade fair for roller shutters, doors/gates and sun protection, on 1 March 2012 the forum for architecture and integral planning "The Art of Planning" will take place. The opening event at this architects' forum is "Smart Interfaçades - the facade congress 2012". Well known keynote speakers will focus on the facade with all its aspects of modern
architecture.

Smart, green, dynamic - all this for a facade? These requirements of contemporary building design are explained from diverse perspectives in the facade congress at "The Art of Planning". New materials, technologies and production methods continue to expand the possibilities of facade design. The potential in the building shell and how the facade can achieve an aesthetically interesting, environmentally compatible, climateneutral, as well as a communicative, effect is often underestimated. "Facades are the interface between the interior and exterior, town and building, energy generation and energy consumption. A tremendously important function is associated with the building. We are particularly happy that we managed to get world-renowned keynote speakers for this topic", explains Ju?rgen Paul, Managing Director of BauNetz from Berlin, who is responsible for the organisation of "Smart Interfaçades - the facade congress 2012".

The Network and WFCP Memberships offer Super Benefits

2011-12-19T09:29:00.001-08:00

Dealers who want to supercharge their business in 2012 need to be aware of benefits offered with a Super Membership to WFCP and the Network. The Network offers dealers buying programs that allow them to purchase products at a lower cost that increases profits. There are no required annual purchasing requirements and you still remain an independent company - your sales and profits are yours. Click here for more information.

Candice Olson

2011-12-19T09:25:00.000-08:00

Candice Olson, a leading designer in the United States and Canada, began her career in commercial and residential design after graduating from the School of Interior Design at Ryerson University in Toronto. Candice received accolades and media attention for her distinctive and exceptional work before moving her design career to television. In fact, earlier in her career, the New York Times identified her as “one to watch.”

Candice’s foray into TV began when a Canadian station profiled one of her award-winning design projects. Her unique approach to residential design and engaging personality led to a weekly stint as a design contributor to the show. Today, Candice can be seen as the host and designer on HGTV’s Divine Design and as a judge on HGTV Design Star. She has been featured on the Today show, Live! With Regis and Kelly, The View and The Oprah Winfrey Show. In addition, Candice writes a syndicated biweekly newspaper column that runs in more than 400 U.S. newspapers.

In 2005, Candice launched "The Candice Olson Collection," a successful brand of home decor products, including upholstered furniture, fabrics, wallpaper, lighting, bedding and more. Candice's signature style is one she describes as "a fusion of traditional form, scale and proportions, with the clean, crisp, simplistic beauty of modern design.”

When she’s not in front of the camera, Candice enjoys spending time with her family, whether it’s skiing or relaxing at the beach. Candice resides in Toronto with her husband and two children.

Video Link –directly from HGTV, there is a commercial in beginning of the video http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv78/videos/index.html

Orion’s Crystal Sparkles in More Ways than One

2011-12-19T09:17:00.000-08:00

Sparkling crystal finials beckon to us, especially during this holiday time. But what can really make your eyes light up is when that beauty is matched by even more attractive low prices—like under $75 each, retail. Put the two together, and you have Orion’s Bohemia Crystal.

“We’re offering the look and elegance of crystal,” said Atul Patel, President of Orion, “but at a fraction of the price. Beauty and value together make for a very popular product.”

The Bohemia Crystal line includes 22 crystal finials, offered in shapes that have almost as much variety as a winter’s snowflake: round, oblong, oval, circular, square… All come on Orion’s well-known round or square iron rods in ¾”, 1” and 1-1/14” diameters. All are available in 35 Iron Art finishes, plus custom colors.

“Bohemia Crystal can also be used with a number of our traversing rods, which we offer with Somfy motorization or with manual draw,” added Patel. “No matter what the time of year, when you can get crystal finials like these that retail at these prices, we think it will make you feel like celebrating.”

Happy Holidays from all of us at Orion!

MagnaClips Curtain Tie-Backs Combine Style & Simplicity

2011-12-09T10:52:00.000-08:00

Todd Brabender/Spread The News PR
(785) 842-8909
todd@spreadthenewspr.com

(West Palm Beach, Florida) – It’s a popular home styling and décor product line overseas that is now making its way to many homes in North America. MagnaClips magnetic curtain tie-backs make it easy to cinch up drapes and curtains with a uniquely stylish flair. MagnaClips are creatively designed and styled magnetic discs that sport a tie-back strip in the middle. The tie-back wraps around the curtain or drape and the magnetic halves connect together holding the curtain in place without having to be connected to a wall. The innovative design of the MagnaClips prevents the need for tools or drilling into the wall to set-up.

Lightweight yet sturdy, MagnaClips provides a wide array of variations and options. The versatile MagnaClip allows for many different curtain designs. In fact, one of the many things that set MagnaClips apart is that they allow for simple adjustments of curtains to alter the level of light that comes into the room. With most traditional tiebacks the drapes have to be tied all the way back.

MagnaClips come in multiple colors and even different shapes. They sell for $14.95/pair and are available at: www.magnaclips.com

Decorating Den Interiors continues 2011 expansion, attracts experienced professionals

2011-12-09T10:37:00.001-08:00

NEWS from Decorating Den Interiors
Contact: Ross Feltz, public relations counsel
cell: 814-414-8215
feltz@decoratingden.com
Dec 6, 2011

Decorating Den Interiors continues 2011 expansion,
attracts experienced professionals

Easton, MD ---Decorating Den Interiors (www.decoratingden.com) , North America’s leading system of independent design and home furnishings owners, announced three new business openings making a total of 22 in 2011.

The newest units are being opened by Kathleen Bliss Goldfarb, ASID, in the Cleveland area, Karen Volpert in western suburbs of Philadelphia, and Jennifer Manley in the Fort Worth area.

“These new owners add exceptional design experience to our company,” said Carol Bugg, ASID, DDCD, vice president for design. “Kathleen as been a design consultant for Ethan Allen and has had her own design consultancy, Karen also has had her own firm, and Jennifer has travelled the world as a photographer and performed design work.”

“While other segments of the home furnishings business have contracted, we have been consistently recruiting qualified people for business ownership or sales/design positions within our units,” said Jim Bugg, Jr., president and chief executive officer “We are finding that our low-overhead business model that serves customers with value, convenience and a large array of products is attractive to those with previous home furnishings experience.”

“Our concept of designing right in the client’s home and not having the burden of bricks and mortar and inventory overhead is very appealing to those who have previously worked in those environments,” Bugg added. “Also, for the person who was an independent designer previously, we have the training and support for marketing, business management and growing a larger business.

”He further noted that Decorating Den Interiors’ Master License program, in its second year, has added to the company’s formula for growth.

Decorating Den Interiors was founded in 1969 and the Bugg family has provided its leadership since 1984. Jim Bugg, Sr., chairman, is former chairman of thE International Franchise Association and a member of its Franchise Hall of Fame. Carol Donayre Bugg, ASID, DDCD, author of five books on decorating, serves as vice president and director of design.

About Decorating Den Interiors:

Established in 1969, DDI is the largest home furnishing franchise business in North America. Each interior decorator has access to thousands of samples of designer window, wall, floor covering, furniture and accessory products, all brought directly to the each client’s home or office. Decorating Den’s experts are featured in interior decorating magazines, journals and books, such as “Decorating…the Professional Touch,” by Decorating Den’s Director of Design, Carol Donayre Bugg, ASID, DDCD.

Roller shutters, doors/gates and sun-protection system industry eagerly await R+T 2012

2011-11-29T13:08:00.000-08:00

For further inquiries please contact

Mrs.Silvia Stoll, Tel.+49 711 - 1 85 60 - 26 96, Fax - 24 60,silvia.stoll@messe-stuttgart.de

November 2011
No.7

Roller shutters, doors/gates and sun-protection system industry eagerly await R+T 2012

Capacity level and business climate index reach peak values / Potential in energy-efficient remedial work to give the industry further impetus

Another big important event for the R+T industry is lining up with the world leading trade fair R+T 2012, which takes place from 28 February to 3 March in Stuttgart and coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Federal Association for Manufacturers of Roller Shutters and Sun Protection (BVRS) and the anniversary conference already held. But this is not the only reason the atmosphere in the roller shutters and sun-protection system industry is extremely positive. The economic barometer is also reading"fine":"The economic survey conducted by the BVRS among its member companies clearly demonstrates that the situation is good. Capacities at specialist companies are practically exhausted with a utilisation rate of 98% and the order book is also moving towards a record-breaking five weeks since the start of the year."The business climate index reached a peak value at 97 points", states Wolfgang Cossmann, President of the BVRS and Spokesman for the Exhibitor Advisory Board of R+T."The good economic situation is heavily influenced by a demand which represents the era of the energy revolution. The renovation of buildings with regard to energy-efficiency is giving the industry further impetus."Dr. Peter Ramsauer, Federal Minister of Transport, Building and Urban Affairs, put it this way in his welcome speech on the occasion of the anniversary of the association:"Roller shutters and sun-protection systems can make a significant contribution to energy saving when used correctly!"The industry is, by all means, optimistic about the future: Unaffected by the EU debt crises and the imminent state bankruptcies, the majority of companies are planning on making investments and recruiting additional staff.

Modern systems for new buildings and renovation
"The overall development on the roller-shutter market in Germany is quite positive and we are also generating good levels of revenue in neighbouring countries", confirms Gregor Biermann, Marketing/Communication Manager at Alulux Beckhoff GmbH&Co. KG,"the German market is above-average."He added that the main themes occupying people's minds now and certainly into 2012 and beyond are sustainable building, energy efficiency and the improvement of energy ratings in buildings, also with the help of roller shutters and roller-shutter systems. Because in Biermann's experience the energy-rating of a building can be greatly enhanced using an appropriate roller-shutter system. The highest level of tightness for the internal area but also the possibility to comfortably implement renovation work, are some of the features of modern systems which are connected to the buildings externally or via a direct connection to the window. Here Alulux are introducing new developments on the market, he added.

"Vision, innovation and energy-efficiency were the focus in the current developments of Alulux", states Biermann. At R+T in Stuttgart Verler will present new products and services in the area of roller shutters and roller-shutter systems, which are energy-saving and also excel in the theme of applicability. In the area of front-mounted roller shutters the emphasis was on greater system flexibility for product modifications. Biermann primarily sees the target group of established roller-shutter manufacturers, but also the window manufacturers, as important sales channels. One thing is clear for specialists in the area of roller-shutter trademark systems: A roller-shutter system is part and parcel of every new window. It is thus necessary during product development to provide intelligent roller-shutter systems for modern windows - for new buildings and in the case of renovations, he continued.

Focus on simpler operation
Control systems and automation are more and more to the fore at the roller-shutter, doors/gates and sun-protection manufacturer ALUKON GmbH&Co. KG."The focus is on comfortable and easy-to-use systems. No matter whether it's roller shutters, Roman blinds, garage doors, textile sun-protection curtains or garage doors - everything must be easy to use and also operable using control systems that are easily programmable", explains Marketing Manager Michael Jaenisch. Another area the company is focussing on is energy saving. The roller-shutter elements from Konradsreuth help to retain valuable energy in the building together with the specially developed insulating elements"SuperTherm R²". Insulating elements made from high-quality Neopor with a heat conductivity class of 0.031 W/m²K are integ-rated. They can be used in both new buildings and also in the passive house area."But also our main product, the front-mounted roller-shutter element, is a real all-rounder. Equipped with an integrated insect-repellent, this system combines a screen, sun protection, protection against theft and an insect-repellent in one", according to Jaenisch.

Over the next three years trends and markets will be observed intensely at Alukon, he added. New doors and gates, energy-saving systems, as well as sun-protection and insect-repellent systems are being developed and launched on the market. In terms of quality, technology and ease of assembly, the top position of the company is to be expanded. For Michael Jaenisch R+T is THE industry event:"In addition to the ex-change of information and ideas with our long-term customers, at the trade fair we want to acquire many new customers in Germany and internationally. During R+T 2012 we also of course want to present new products and product improvements."R+T takes place every three years. In 2009 approximately 750 exhibitors showcased their products in the area of roller shutters, doors/gates and sun protection on 105,000 square metres. Roughly 57,000 visitors from all over the world were impressed with the optimal infrastructure of Messe Stuttgart. 800 exhibitors and even more visitors are expected at the event in 2012. R+T is therefore the leading world trade fair in the industry and a global marketing and business platform.

Individual solutions
Customers are increasingly demanding individual, tailor-made solutions for specific requirements, so the experience of Remigiusz Rudko, International Markets Deve-lopment Manager at ALUPROF S.A from Poland indicates. As one of the leading suppliers of aluminium systems for the construction industry and provider of roller shutters and door systems, the company offers an increasing variety of types, sizes, colours and options. System providers have secured competitive advantages with a complete service at comparatively inexpensive prices. Aluprof primarily concentrates on the combination of its product competence and customer service, he added. New products will be presented at R+T including a PVC system for really quick and simple assembly. The system combines new insect-repellent solutions and can be integrated as both an individual solution, as well as for regular window shutters. In addition, visitors are able to visualise the complete aluminium roller-shutter systems with front and top assembly."In this regard, we are showing various profiles and boxes, in roller form and extruded, as well as accessories and drives", states Rudko optimistically:"And of course we are also presenting a wide range of roller-door sys-tems for garages made from aluminium, together with commercial and industry doors."

Energy-efficiency as a core theme
At ROMA KG the development trend is heading towards energy-saving systems. For instance, during R+T the Burgau-based company will present the energy-saving roller shutter Termo.R which can be insulated with the wall-box frame. This closes up one of the largest energy problems in building shells. It is not absolutely necessary that the window be replaced at the same time which keeps investment costs down. The installation itself is quick and uncomplicated: A fitter removes the old roller shutter from the box and then inserts the new one, and only needs a small amount of time to complete this work. Roma is also showcasing innovative exhibitor roller shutters during the trade fair. These shield the sun while still allowing air into the room and ensuring sufficient daylight. Exhibitor roller shutters can be seen as an alternative to external roller shutters and Venetian blinds, he added. As opposed to the outdated models from the 1950s, the new electric version from sun-protection specialists offers added com-fort. The touch of a button on the remote control moves the roller shutters downwards. Another command allows the shutters to move upwards. Advantage: Sun beams are intercepted before striking the window pane which in turn prevents the room heating up.

During R+T 2012, the leading world trade fair for roller shutters, doors/gates and sun protection, approximately 800 exhibitors from home and abroad will present products, trends, innovations and services. For the first time ever the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWi) is including the trade fair, which is taking place from 28 February to 3 March 2012 in Stuttgart, in its sponsorship programme. New and innovative companies will thus be given the opportunity to present at a joint stand. There are ten places available at the joint stand and each company only has to contribute between 20 to 30 percent to the stand construction and rental.

The text file, current photos, as well as the trade fair photos from the last R+T, and trade fair logos can be downloaded online at http://www.messe-stuttgart.de/presse.