March 31, 2004

By: Bruce Kozak
Website: http://www.1st-in-home-decor.com

KICHLER ANNOUNCES NEW CD IMAGING BREAKTHROUGH TO INCREASE SALES FOR LIGHTING DEALERS

A picture is worth a thousand words. That's the adage on which Kichler, the largest decorative lighting manufacturer in the world, has based its breakthrough CD Imaging Program. A first in the lighting industry, this innovative program enables consumers to see how Kichler brand fixtures or lamps will look in their homes while they're in the dealers' showrooms. Consumers no longer have to imagine what lighting will look like in their homes, they can actually see it for themselves.

The CD Imaging Program creates an easy, pleasant and potentially mistake-free shopping experience for consumers seeking new lighting products. Only authorized Kichler dealers and distributors will have access to the new technology, which was launched in late May 2001.

We are excited to be the first to bring this amazing technology to the lighting industry, says Barry Minoff, Kichler's chief executive officer. By offering this program to our dealers we are helping them to increase sales, while at the same time helping consumers make much better decorating choices.

Shopping for lighting can be a daunting experience for consumers, Minoff continues. Walking into a showroom they are faced with a vast 'sea of lights' with no frame of reference or way to envision them in their homes. Our CD Imaging Program changes all that.

The only tools needed by a distributor or dealer are a computer, scanner and printer. The process is simple and fast:

1. The consumer brings in a photograph or digital image of his or her room for the distributor to scan.

2. Existing fixtures are removed with the click of a mouse.

3. The consumer and sales person browse the program's library of a large number of selected Kichler fixtures, lamps and accessories.

4. Once they select a style, the sales person imports the image into the photograph.

5. The appropriate depth, dimension and size are added to get a true picture.

6. The final image can be printed or e-mailed to the consumer.

This technology gives our dealers an important tool, explains Tony Davidson, president of Kichler. Instead of sending consumers home to skim through catalogs and WONDER how a piece will look, now dealers can help them make purchases in minutes right in the store. This decreases the tendency of consumers to price shop, while providing dealers a mechanism to increase sales of multiple fixtures and lamps. It enables dealers to pass on an incredible benefit and convenience to customers.

This breakthrough is being hailed as a true win-win for dealers and consumers alike.

The program features products for all interior and exterior lighting needs and can be used by builders or buyers of new homes who face blank walls, as well as long-time homeowners looking for a change.

About The Author:

Bruce Kozak is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-home-decor.com.  Home decorating tips and ideas to showcase any room with style.