AMP UP 4th Quarter SALES

Novelty lamps take charge with lower prices and seasonal appeal...

Here are 4 reasons why novelty lamp sales continue to grow. Recharge your inventory and amp up your sales by taking advantage of the opportunity novelty lamps offer your business!

1. Price Point

   Novelty lamps are typically lower priced than traditional table and floor lamps and, as a result, consumers are likely to replace these lamps more often. Novelty lighting is often theme based and/or seasonal, and therefore, considered replaceable or short-lived.
   At AHS we are constantly evaluating our price points to be sure our lamps are affordable and cost effective to the consumer.
   
   
   
   

2. Endless Possibilities

   With the ongoing infusion of the latest trends and fads, there's always an onslaught of novel designs and creations in the home décor business. Through the use of different mediums such as metal, wood, ceramic, glass, paper and fabric, the possibilities are endless.
   At AHS, we are constantly scouring all available sources for new and clever lighting ideas. We look at all products through viewfinders imagining everything as a possible lamp. Our intent is to create a plethora of unique lamps that will freshen your inventory and dazzle the customer. We also encourage and welcome your suggestions and ideas for the next “latest and greatest”.

3. Seasonal

   Decorating for Christmas or any other holiday and special event has become more prevalent in the home décor industry. Novelty lighting is a great way to bring warmth and character to standard decorating concepts and ideas. Another creative way to spruce up your holiday decorating is with seasonal lampshades as they are easily interchangeable and affordable.
   In 2014, AHS excitedly introduced our HOLIDAY/Everyday Program which gives a customer four options of 1 base with 2 lampshades for that seasonal touch as well as for everyday.
   
   
   



4. Gotta Have It

   Lighting in a novelty sense offers customers a unique option for changing their décor or enhancing it. Sometimes buying a lamp is not about the need, but about its appeal. Coming home with a new and unique item is always rewarding! So make sure your inventory includes some fun novelty lamps to entice the customer into that “Gotta Have It” moment.
   Our designers are constantly on the lookout for unique finds at prices that give the customer no option but to say “Yes”. AHS Lighting has existed and excelled for over 30 years as a leader in novelty lamps. From our original bear to vintage oil lamps, lithographed lampshades, reproduction vintage lamps, Christmas, bird and rooster lamps and so forth, AHS has been there through the years with that must have new product.
   

These four reasons explain why novelty lighting has a place in all homes. We at AHS have served this niche well and continue to work tirelessly to stay ahead of the curve by providing leading edge novelty lamps and shades for you. We want your customers to keep coming back for more. We trust that you will continue to look to AHS for “lamps that sell at prices you'll love” – our motto!

Allow AHS to be your guiding light, helping you develop and grow your novelty lamp business.

Do you C.O.M.???

How many of you reading this blog know what the letters C.O.M. stand for? In case you don’t, it stands for Customer's Own Material. If you aren't already taking advantage of this unique and creative program that AHS Lighting offers, then it's time for you to let your creative juices flow and do “C.O.M.”!!!

   

Whether it's you or your customer with a plethora of ideas or the desire to be a lamp designer, your creative interests will be fulfilled with our customer's own material program. From fabric choice to an exotic trim or a cuter than cute applique, everything is possible! When that customer walks through the door looking for a specific color, shape or fabric to match their bedspread, couch or paint color, you can give them the exact look they want with our C.O.M. program. Voila...a happy customer!!!

We have an expert team of “shade-making’” ladies in our Indiana factory who are quality-conscience with over 51 combined years of experience! They can create your shade in 7 different sizes and 4 unique shapes along with your choice of fabric, trim and detail. The options are unlimited and their attention to detail is unmatched!  

Proudly made in the USA. 

If you have always dreamed of becoming an interior designer (or your customer has) here is your chance! Call one of our very knowledgeable customer service reps today to discuss your design ideas. 

We look forward to working with the next “Coco Chanel” of the lampshade world!
 
Go forth and be creative!!

Harvesting your Lamp Business

September 23rd, the first day of autumn ~

temperatures drop, leaves fall, days shorten, animals store food, farmers harvest their crops.
 

Take your lead from Mother Nature and apply her lessons 
to the lamp business. Capitalize on this time of transition and preparation to harvest your crops: CUSTOMERS and SALES.

~ TRANSITION ~

Give your store a new look. "Autumnize" your displays with a warm fall look and new products that complement the season. Select products that use materials like burlap and raffia; fall colors including oranges, browns, copper; feature themes such as homespun, rustic and traditional. 

Stock up on Holiday / Everyday Lamp Shade Packages to give your customers a simple seasonal change with a year round style option. 

~ PREPARATION CHECKLIST ~
Get Ready for 4th Quarter Lighting Sales

Review and freshen your inventory:
___ Reorder best sellers
___ Select new fall products and styles

Focus on brighter lighting as the days become shorter:
___ Check and order light bulb inventory

Leave your lights ON! so customers can window shop at night, but remember:
___ Check in-store overhead and task lights for burned out bulbs
___ Check lamp displays for any burned out or dusty bulbs
 
Prepare your store for holiday requests, but surprise customers with versatility: 
___  Create a feature display of Holiday/Everyday Lamp & Shade Packages

     

IDEAS on HOW TO HARVEST THE CROP,
YOUR CUSTOMERS

• Host an Autumn Fest Decorating Workshop with design tips.
• Send an email to your customer list, featuring new products. 
• Organize a Holiday Open House for local decorators and best customers.

 AND WATCH YOUR SALES GROW!

Are you "plugged in" to your customer's accessory needs?

Since lamps are an integral part of any well designed room, it's important to understand what your customer is looking for in a lamp both functionally and decoratively.  Different rooms require different types of light with each room having its own personality or decorating style. 

We at AHS Lighting & Home Decor want to help you show your customers how to choose the best lamp to fulfill their needs. Here are a few tips along with the latest lamps in the home fashions and accessories market to get you started.  

  Use Table & Floor Lamps in the Family or Living Room 

Industrial chic lamp with metal mesh shade.

Lamps in these rooms are usually both prominent and key to illuminating the room. Our new collection of "industrial chic" table lamps with metal mesh shades will certainly make a statement. 

While the new "industrial" look is not for everyone, it's easy to find a lamp that suits the diversity of your customers' tastes from the many Collections that AHS offers. (Shop Traditional, Vintage, Euro, Coastal, Homespun and more on our website.)

Floor lamps can be paired with matching
table lamps for increased sales.

Floor lamps are another option to consider for providing ambient lighting with a decorative touch to the living or family room. We've saved you time by coordinating floor lamps with matching table lamps in our Combo Packages. You also save 10% when buying Combo Packs.

Build multiple sales and add top line revenue to your store by passing these savings on to your customers. 

 

 

 

Use Accent Lamps to Anchor a Bathroom's Theme

The bathroom is a great spot for small accent lamps to provide ambiance and to anchor the room's theme. Are your customers looking to complete a French Country look? If so, our rooster lamps will add that finishing touch while providing accent lighting. 










Many customers like the botanical or natural look for their powder rooms. Bird lamps are a perfect accent for finishing a room with a touch of nature. Finding the perfect accent lamp will bring the decor of the room together and will make your customers happy!

Mix & Match Shades and Lamp Bases to Personalize Lighting in the Bedroom

Bedrooms are where many of your customers use lamps for ambient lighting as these rooms usually lack enough overhead lighting to provide ample light. Table lamps work great on nightstands and dressers, providing both task lighting and charm to one's decor. 

For a personal touch, suggest creating a unique lamp from our Mix & Match Collection (a more profitable option for you). Our fun fashion shades will liven up any room adding a little flavor to the 
decor without overwhelming the room. Make sure your customers choose a lamp that is the right size for their table, considering other objects such as glasses or clocks that also might be kept on it.   

Remember, you are not just selling lamps, but also decorative accessories that help customers complete a room... the finishing touch!

It's easy - get "plugged in" to which room your customer needs to decorate, offer a product line with looks that sell at prices they'll love, and add your knowledge of the home accessory biz!

It’s easy, fun and best of all more profitable when you buy from AHS Lighting.

"Looks that sell with prices that you & your customer will love!"

Three more reasons customers buy

3 Ways to Get NEW Customers to Buy Lamps

 1. To Tell a Story

Do your clients have a love for dogs, horses or the beach? Or perhaps they reminisce about their fabulous bird watching vacation? Let their stories be told through our extensive collection of animal and nature lamps.  If you haven't tried our bird lamps yet, you may want to add a bird pre-pack to your next order as they are our #1 seller!  Allow your customers' passion to SHINE with the right selection of lamps.

2. For Security 

We all feel safer with the lights on and know that light deters home break-ins. So whether your customer is interested in a floor lamp for maximum brightness, an accent lamp for subtle illumination or a classic night light for minimal radiance, you should carry a selection to draw new customers to your store.

3. To Be Festive

Show some holiday cheer without breaking the budget. Customers LOVE to decorate for the holidays, and now you're able to give them a Holiday/Everyday shade package - 1 shade for holiday and 1 for everyday - all for one low price!

Listen to your customers, find out what they need or want, then review your inventory. Ask yourself:  Does your selection reflect the many reasons new customers buy lamps from you?
 

If your inventory selection is in line with your customers wishes, then pat yourself on the back for truly knowing how to attract new customers.  Looking for more ideas? Simply re-merchandise and create vignettes that reflect your customers changing interests. 

Use our summer supplement to spot upcoming trends and to check out our New Products. See where you can provide lighting solutions and check off a few more reasons why a new customer should buy a lamp from you.

New nightlights - click to view all designs.

*********************************************************

Identifying your customers wants and coordinating your inventory to match their interests is an art. Choosing a reliable source with a broad and diverse product line is a smart decision that will make buying easier, creating results that are Simply Brilliant!

___________________________________________________________________

sim·ply

ˈsimplē/

adverb

1. in a straightforward or plain manner.

2. without any question

bril·liant

ˈbrilyənt/

adjective

 1.  (of light or color) very bright and radiant.
 2.  exceptionally clever or talented.