Blinds & Shutters talks to Coulisse’s Michel Ijzerman about the company’s new showroom offering, new collections and the European market in general. As Michel explains: ‘When we talk about fabrics there is still a need for customers to feel textures, see colours, mix and match collections’

Coulisse has designed, produced and sold window decorations for a growing circle of international clients since 1992

What was the reasoning behind the launch of the Coulisse Lounge?
For some time we have been looking for possibilities to present our customers our entire product range in an inspiring environment. Our entire collection of fabrics, natural materials, such as wood, paper, cotton and jute, as well as the wide range of components and motors for window decoration are presented in this neatly arranged and inspiring lounge and shown to full advantage. Furthermore, the presented systems are in fully working order and can therefore be demonstrated and tried.

The Coulisse stand was very successful at R+T, is the Lounge an extension of the stand which can be developed/changed throughout the year?
You could say so, yes. We used the design of the interior of the stand for the Coulisse Lounge. New collections and products can be added when desired. It is a very flexible, yet permanent exhibition. 

How can your customers make best use of the facility?
The Coulisse Lounge can be visited on appointment so we can take all the time to present and demonstrate our entire product range.

What has been the reaction of your visitors?
So far we have had positive reactions from every single visitor. They are particularly impressed by the completeness of our product range; automation, fabrics, a wide nature collection and many systems. Another advantage we hear a lot from our customers is the possibility for them to bring their customers to the Coulisse Lounge.

The Internet is a fantastic marketing tool, with the launch of its Lounge facility Coulisse clearly feels there is still a place for customers seeing products/fabrics up close. Is it about finding the balance between both?
When we talk about fabrics there is still a need for customers to feel textures, see colours, mix and match collections and fabrics, to see the light through the fabrics and to select different qualities. With regard to systems customers can operate the presented systems and see the different designs and finishes. On our website www.coulisse.nl we also present our product range. However we do not offer possibilities to order through the internet.  

It is clear style and design are very important to Coulisse, where does the inspiration come from for the company’s innovations?
When you look at the current design roller blind collection for instance, it will be clear that the fashion industry is part of our inspiration. In designs, colours and trends fashion is always a step ahead. Furthermore we visit international trade shows of other industries such as interior design and look at internationally leading magazines of all sorts of industries. When it comes to the translation of all of this inspiration into window decoration products we work together with several international designers. For the innovation of new systems and techniques we have our own highly developed engineering department which employs a total of seven engineers. With our own climate chamber and testing facilities we have all the resources necessary for the development of innovations. 

What trends are Coulisse noticing in the European market?
We see the nature trend as an ongoing development. There is a growing demand for all kind of blinds in combination with natural materials, whether they are real natural materials or materials with a nature look. Our Nature Concept collection is very successful and new items were added this year. A world wide growing blind product is panel blinds. This relatively new window decoration solution is becoming more and more popular. As a response to this trend we launched two new panel blind systems and automation for panel blinds. Furthermore we offer a wide collection of panel blind fabrics.

With Absolute Control Coulisse has completed its offering in terms of motorisation, components, systems and fabrics. What can we expect from the company in the future?
A new market Coulisse will step into is the contract market. With our complete product range of motorisation, systems and fabrics collection we can offer architects a complete solution for indoor sun protection. Apart from our innovative and decorative screen collection we will be presenting new functional fabrics in the future to complement our offering for this market. Furthermore we will continue our efforts in becoming a world wide known brand.

R+T was a great success for Coulisse, how have the months since the show been in terms of converting leads and affirming relationships?
A lot of interest was shown for our new introductions. Especially for our new motorisation system and our innovative screen collections. We returned from the R+T with a lot of new prospects and customers from all over the world.