Downsizing consumers will appreciate organization upgrades
A New York Times article yesterday pointed out the obvious, housing starts are down, and the continued glut of inventory may mean more of the same for a bit longer. On the positive side, the article reported an increase in multi-family activity, including apartment buildings and condos. 'Mixed use' developments are also on the rise.
Simplifyre Modern Electric Fireplace
Design centers must be nimble and flexible as the market continues to adjust. When determining your product assortment, the condo, active adult or multi family consumer will still want options and personalization in their new home.
Simplifyre Cabinet Fireplace
Many manufacturers offer options that fit this market well. Categories that make sense include closet organization and cabinet upgrades. This is especially appropriate for those consumers who may be 'downsizing'.
Hearth and Home offers the Simplifyre Electric Fireplace. The fireplace can be built in, or is also offered in beautiful cabinet choices that can fit a variety of decor styles.
Simplifyre
The Simplifyre is a versatile choice for adding a fireplace to practically any
room in the home
Easy to install—anywhere in the house
Easy to use—no mess, no fuss
The Simplifyre features a clean-faced appearance that creates a simple,
elegant look.
Features:
Standard on/off remote
Realistic brick refractory throughout firebox
Built-in fan and heater
4,500 Btu/Hour Heat Output
Standard 120V
Standard mesh screen
Cabinet options—from traditional to contemporary
Optional fronts
Thinking ahead on options and upgrades for the multi family consumer can support design center sales in this time of change in the housing industry.
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Business
Housing Starts Decline 3.7%
By MICHAEL M. GRYNBAUM
Published: December 18, 2007
The housing market, in its deepest rut since the early 1990s, showed little sign of stabilization in November, and economists expect conditions to worsen in the near term.
The report reflected a shift toward multifamily homes, like apartment buildings and condominiums, as builders predict more families will be unable to obtain mortgages in the months ahead.
Groundbreakings of multifamily units ticked up last month, keeping pace with a 22 percent rise over the last 12 months.
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The Design Minds at Hearth and Home Blog is geared to support design center staff and the new construction industry in selling options and upgrades to the new home consumer. Subscribe for updates. Contact Krisann Parker-Brown for merchandising or marketing support of your design center. She will be happy to work with you on your assortment and presentation to ensure you are on track for the upcoming decor trends.
Krisann Parker-Brown is the merchandising manager for Hearth and Home Technologies, the leading manufacturer and retailer of fireplaces and hearth systems. Krisann supports design centers and new construction builders in presenting Heat & Glo, Heatilator and Quadra-Fire hearth systems, and consulting on design center merchandising, point of sale and the consumer experience. Contact her at brownkr@hearthnhome.com or 952-985-6537
