Luxaflex tells Blinds & Shutters how it has been helping its dealers prosper when everyone is continually reminded that the UK retail sector is struggling

The media continually reminds us that the UK retail sector is bearing the brunt of the credit crunch, with slowing sales in the high street and the downturn in the housing market having an impact on sales of home interior goods and services.

Whilst the current economic climate is clearly tough for all retailers, 2009 vs 2008 sales performance for Luxaflex Inspiration Dealers is consistently higher than that of non-Inspiration Dealers.

This success story has been attributed to a number of factors:

• Display stands which are supplied to Inspiration dealers show a range of pre-selected, innovative and desirable products that form a breathtaking display and take the worry away from the dealer of having to select suitable, co-ordinating products that capture the minds eye of the consumer
• Higher value products are highlighted on the displays and in Luxaflex’s marketing campaign, including Silhouette, Facette, Japanese Design Blinds and Roman Shades which appeal to customers who buy higher value products whose spending habits have not changed so significantly.
• Luxaflex have continued to invest strongly in advertising and public relations, with the goal of increasing awareness and interest in Luxaflex products throughout the UK. Press coverage in publications such as Ideal Home, Good Homes, House Beautiful, Homes & Gardens, Period House, Real Homes and Your Homes has resulted in a readership of over 50 million in the UK consumer press.
• Luxaflex also have a superb consumer website, www.luxaflex.com, with an inspiring image photo gallery and a useful ‘Mood Board’ creator feature.  They also list all their Inspiration dealers who receive leads from the website as well as their advertising programme.
• Luxaflex has also developed an important trade website, www.luxaflex-dealers.co.uk, along with fantastic new E-learning modules to address dealer training needs. There is also a significant in-house training programme offered to all Luxaflex dealers which is completely free of charge.

Luxaflex said “It is worth remembering that despite the negative stories about the economy through the national media, it is important to remain positive. There is still a lot of business out there to be won and becoming a Luxaflex Inspiration dealer is certainly a positive step in the right direction.”

• Luxaflex