The scent that makes cents

I I organization is expanding the market for aromatic red cedar products, enabling dealers to cross merchandise them with closet accessories and systems.

Popular because of the pleasant aroma provided by the wood and the theory that cedar can repel moths, the lining of a closet with aromatic red cedar can be a project for a do-ityourselfer. Free standing closets or cupboards for blanket and woolen storage can be built as well following diagrams available from several sources. The fragrant wood is a good material for lining old trunks and chests, eliminating the often unpleasant musty odor of age and providing moth protection.

A retailer can offer the do-it-yourselfer two different types of aromatic red cedar. One product is aromatic cedar boards, generally sold in bundles or packages. The other is a cedar panel made of chips and flakes of aromatic cedar formed under pressure into 4 ft. x 8 ft. sheets.

Both products have advantages. The solid cedar boards are often tongue and grooved to fit together. They can be put into any storage area, even as a lining for a dresser drawer. Solid cedar boards also can be used for shelves.

Cedar boards come in various lengths, usually 3/8 inch thick and 4 inches wide. Their handsome red and cream color gives a luxurious appearance to a closet or chest interior.

They can be applied horizontally, vertically or at an angle.

Formed cedar panels have the advantage of being easily applied and covering space more quickly. They also are less expensive than boards. They usually come in sheets measuring4ft.x8ft.

Both the solid aromatic red cedar boards and the formed cedar panels come packaged in easy to take home cartons. The boards also are available in 8 ft. bundles with the face size ranging from 3/8 inch x 2 inch to 3/8 inch x 4 inch. Cedar moulding is available for finishing.

Customers should be cautioned to leave the cedar lining in its natural state. The application of shellac, varnish, paint or other finish seals in the oil fumes and destroys the mothrepellent function. Older closets may be renewed with an application of cedar wood oil which is distilled from the cedar.

Tips to help sell aromatic red cedar as a closet organizing product...types ol material to stock for d-Fyers and buih ders... merchandising aids available.

Aromatic red cedar paneling product sales are not limited to the closets. Many of your customers will want to use them to panel bathrooms. kitchens, attics and basements as well as storage areas.

80lll tongue and groove aromatic red cedar boards and oanels made of aromatic red cedar chips and flakes provide pleasant aroma and repel moths. Packaged in takehome cartons, they are good d-i-y items.

Builders are finding cedar closets a selling point for new homes, apartments or condos. Remodeling contractors report homeowners are adding the luxury of cedar closets when enlarging or adding on to their present homes.

Dealers who want to include literature as part of their display of aromatic red cedar products can obtain a brochure describing how to line a closet with cedar from the Home Closet Planning Service, 221 N. LaSalle St., Chicago, 11. 60601. They ask that a self-addressed stamped envelope accompany requests for materials.