July 12, 2004

By: Dennis Orwell
Website: http://www.1st-in-home-decor.com

SCHULTE Distinctive Storage, manufacturer of the strongest home storage and organization products

With consumers spending more than $2 billion on upgraded closet solutions at retail stores, one of the emerging trends is the importance of adjustability.

SCHULTE Distinctive Storage, manufacturer of the strongest home storage and organization products, made adjustability an integral part of the freedomRail line.

Retailers who offer freedomRail have experienced a 50 percent to 120 percent increase in sales, according to Jack Weaver, SCHULTE’s National Sales Manager – Retail Market.

The permanent nature of a custom-built closet is great for some consumers, but freedomRail meets the needs of a much larger consumer base, Weaver said. Today, consumers want storage that adapts to their changing needs. They are willing to pay for quality and adjustability because they see tremendous added value in a system that adjusts to their lifestyle instead of the other way around.

Introduced in 2001, freedomRail is SCHULTE’s fastest-growing product line. The system of adjustable shelving, cabinetry, and accessories can be used throughout the home in master closets, pantries, linen closets, and the garage. The company attributes freedomRail’s popularity to its adjustability, strength, and quality-engineered design.

Consumer research conducted in 2003 confirmed that these three factors are important to today’s consumers. Fueling the adjustability trend is today’s lifestyle. People are busier than ever, more transient, and tend to accumulate more material goods.

What we discovered through research is that today’s active families want beautiful storage solutions, but more importantly, they want a system that can be adjusted on-the-fly to accommodate their changing needs, said Steve McCamley, Vice President of Marketing. With freedomRail, you don’t need a professional to design, install, or adjust your closet. freedomRail is becoming the new standard with consumers and with builders because it is truly adjustable and gives people a sense of control. It takes home organization to a whole new level.

For Ken Dorsey, owner of Hold Your Own in Raleigh, North Carolina, switching from elfa to freedomRail made sound retailing sense. There are a lot of busy people and families in my area who are looking for ways to simplify their lives, said Mr. Dorsey. freedomRail is a perfect fit for someone who’s on the go. When customers find out how easy it is to install and that they’re not stuck with the same design forever, they’re sold.

freedomRail has received numerous awards including: 2002 Organizer’s Choice Award, National Association of Professional Organizers; 2003 Design Excellence Award; Top 10 Most Popular Products among readers; Top 100 Products; and Member’s Choice Award, Do-It-Best Corporation. The product line has also been featured on HGTV’s series, Mission: Organization.

About The Author:

Dennis Orwell 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.