ClosetCon 2022 Recap – Part II

I’m truly humbled by the amount of people that read last week’s blog post featuring our new closet accessory program with all matching finishes. If you missed it – you can check it out here.

As you would imagine rolling out a new program when the world is “normal” can be a challenge – well doing it during a pandemic, while dealing with raw material challenges and logistic issues – it’s nearly impossible.

All that said I’m thrilled to introduce you to our new closet lighting program.  We have lighting solutions for all budgets and applications.

Battery Powered Lighting

Our new low profile rechargeable LED closet light is the perfect solution for those on a budget or someone that wants an easy surface mounted solution.  Designed for inside closets, cabinets and drawers.

The built in motion sensor will automatically turn on the light when a door or drawer is opened.  Conveniently recharges with a micro USB cable and easily mounts with a magnetized installation bracket.

Available in black and white, in warm or neutral lighting.  You can find more info on Richelieu.com

Wireless Horizontal Lighting

Our new Vario lighting system allows you to have fully adjustable shelving without having to worry about wires.  This is a major breakthrough for our industry.  Imagine being able to adjust the shelving in a shoe section for boots, heels or handbags.

All you have to do is route a metal channel (available in black or white) in one vertical panel and recess your light fixture in the shelf.

You no longer need to double up your vertical panels.

You no longer need to use 16′ of LED tape that is run up and down the vertical panels to light up a 24″ wide section.  Think about the money that you will save on LED lights, power supplies, aluminum channels and labor.

We also stock light fixtures 3″ less your standard closet width which allows room for the wires and takes the frustration out of cutting aluminum channels, and tape.  Fixtures are available in aluminum and matte black in either warm or neutral lighting.

You can learn more about the Vario lighting system here.  Here is the link to the lighting fixtures.

Silicone Lighting for Vertical Panels

This is the best option on the market for lighting up vertical panels.  Our new silicone LED tape comes pre-wired with a built in starter wire, doesn’t require an aluminum channel, and can be installed back to back so no double vertical panels!  Are you recognizing a theme… Stop using double panels its expensive and wastes space.

Our new silicone tape the AT6 is a 1/4″ wide X 1/4″ deep, can be cut every inch, can turn corners and can be surface mounted as well as recessed.

Learn more about the AT6 LED tape here.

Want a few more reasons to consider Richelieu for your lighting needs?

  • Wireless door sensors, remotes, and wall switches.
  • Compatible with Google Home and Alexa.
  • Tune-able white lighting – go from warm to cool lighting with a push of a button.

Don’t want to change the way that you currently light closets?

No problem – we also stock everything that you are using today.

  • Puck lights
  • LED Tape
  • Aluminum channels

If you would like more info about Richelieu lighting please don’t hesitate to reach out to your local rep or you can email me at RDeMarco@Richelieu.com

Thank you so much for reading.

What’s New 2020 – Part II

Our trends start in Europe, and typically take 5 – 7 years to become popular in US.

Coming up on my 4-year anniversary with Richelieu, I have seen this first hand.

Since I became part of the Richelieu team, our product managers have been telling me how popular matte black is in Europe.

At the time I never thought it would catch on in the US.

Well this isn’t the first, and I’m sure won’t be the last time that I am wrong.

Last year I had a couple of large commercial projects that used our round black closet rods.  I thought it was a rogue designer – but the calls keep coming.

I received over a dozen calls for black closet rods this past month.  A handful of clients already added matte black to their standard offering.

The demand isn’t only for black closet rods, accessories, and decorative hardware.  Some of our most popular panel products are black wood grains.

At Richelieu we always push the trends, here are our latest matte black products –

Decorative hardware –

Click here to see our complete collection of matte black handles and knobs.

Panel Products –

We already stock a handful of black premium panels.

Here is a pic of Roble Azablache.

From our Nature Plus collection we stock a black woodgrain – Nero U129

Black leather – Ardesia UB09 and a black stone – Dark Concrete UA49.

The leather and stone must be seen in person to really appreciate how authentic they look.

Closet Rods

If you need rods (be careful because they will scratch) we stock both round and oval.

Wall mount belt, ties, and handbag holders are on the way in.

Have you been asked for matte black hardware?

What trends are you seeing?

I love hearing from you – comment below –

If you need any additional info please don’t hesitate to reach out to your local Richelieu rep or – email me anytime – at RDeMarco@Richelieu.com.

Thx for reading!

ClosetCon 2017 Recap

If you couldn’t attend ClosetCon this year – you missed a great show. Attendee and exhibitor numbers were the biggest since the recession.

Keynote speaker Chris Stevens – one of the founders of the Keurig energized the crowd and discussed how we could become great entrepreneurs.  No matter how big or small your company is – his message resonated with everyone.

The ribbon was cut and the show floor was packed for two days.

Here are a few pics from my booth –

The items that got the most attention was the drying rack, step stool, our new Vertiko wall system, our multifunctional bed that opens over the couch without removing any of the pillows and our new bi-folding door hardware that also slides giving full access to the cabinet.

Richelieu sponsored the red carpet Top Shelf Awards Party – attendees had a great time posing for the paparazzi.

One of the best parts of attending ClosetCon is laughing and partying with great friends.  Pics taken by the best selfie taker I know – Patrick Layne – follow him on Instagram @PatrickLayne

If you would like more info about any of the new products Richelieu had on display please send me an email or leave a comment below.

ClosetCon 2017 is this week!

Do you have your ticket?

I’m flying to Chicago right now and can’t wait to see all my friends and the latest market trends.

This is the only conference and expo that is focused on the closet industry.

“Not Showing Up To ClosetCon You Are Asking Not To Be Taken Seriously”

 

There is still time to register.

Can’t make it Tuesday? There is plenty going on Wednesday and Thursday to make it worth your trip.

Start the day with SEO and Goggle specialist Lauren Mobyed and Todd Barstow. They will give us the latest in online trends for cabinet and closet companies.

Attend the software design round table – learn shortcuts, tips and design tricks.

An hour of peer to peer round tables – You pick the topic – What’s your problem?

End the night with the Top Shelf Awards Reception – Richelieu is sponsoring this year so you know it will be a good time. Network, eat and maybe have a drink or two.

All of this plus nearly 100 exhibitors that are focused on your industry.

Like Al Bundy said you don’t want to miss ClosetCon!!

Hope to see you there.

The ACSP Is Hard At Work For YOU!

logo

Most of you know that I have am the current President of The Association of Closet & Storage Professionals and been on the board for the last 10 years.

If I’m being honest with you it’s not always rainbows and unicorns – there was a stretch when it was actually a little painful –

BUT – The ACSP is BACK!!

We are having fun again, people are getting involved, and new members are joining.

Our monthly webinar series is catching on –  The April webinar “Mistakes Your Designers Are Making That Are Costing You Money” had 63 people register.

The Closet Conference was busier than it’s been in years with almost two full days of educational content.  Expo attendance was up, there were over 25 first time exhibitors and more machines on display than ever before.

If that wasn’t enough good news – The ACSP is getting ready to roll out a brand new website – I know it’s been a long time coming…

I can’t wait for you to see it!

It will have a responsive design and be SEO friendly – (computer speak for work on your iPad and rank at the top on Google) 🙂

With this redesign we aren’t just targeting our members we are planning to speak to homeowners. There will be a blog and a member profile page so that you can upload photos and target potential customers. We want to drive traffic to YOUR site and promote YOU!

Other features include:

  • Lead sharing
  • Find a pro
  • Message board
  • Access to past webinars and the list goes on…

The new site is scheduled for the beginning of June and is going to make a HUGE impact for the ACSP, our members and our industry.

We also started discussions with Woodworking Network for next year’s Closet Conference on April 11th – 13th in Schaumburg, IL.

For the FIRST time ever we are planning to test and certify your designers at the conference. Your designers will be able to attend the Closet Conference, walk the show floor and take the ACSP Certification Test all in the same day!!

Can you think of a better way to standout in your market than having all of your designers being ACSP Certified??

I am very excited for the coming year and the future of the ACSP. I hope you will join us because it’s going to be some ride!!!

To become a member or get involved email me at RichDeMarco@optonline.net

Stay tuned for more to come…