Lumber? Higgins has wholesale!

Merchandising ond News leoder Since 1922

First, You Hqve to Get Their Atlention

A recent news release from the American Ply- fA wood Association brinp home sharply the seemingly limitless enthusiasm of the public for do-it-yourself projects.

Nearly 26,000 requests were received in the first two weeks after plans for an APA sewing center appeared in the February issue of Family Circle magazine. Good proof, if any werc needed, that the public still stands ready, willing and (fairly) able to tackle most any task around.

Tlie process of contacting this enthusiastic horde has been made easier with a new sales promotion and advertising kit developed as part of the 1972 annual industry Home Improvement Time program. The HIT program, which ties in with the upcoming May-National Home Improvement Month promotions. is backed by the National Lumber,& Building Material Dealers Assn., National Home Improvement Council, National Assn. of Home Builders and the National Remodelers Assn.

The kit, which has proven effective in the first few months of field use, is a desk top file and is designed as a permanent working tool. Each subsequent year, the backers promise to provide new additions and materials to keep it current.

The section on newspapers, for example, includes: complete clip ads ready for dealer signature, individual clip units to build ads, illustrated instructions to build ads. classified advertising with copy suggestions, selecting space size, position, how to organize a special section, use of inserts, securing coop advertising allowances, using manufacturer ad clip services, source of newspaper clip services and production, explanation of government regulations relating to price advertising and how to plan scheduling and rates.

Other sections deal with radio and tv advertising, direct mail and outdoor advertising.

While primarily designed as a dealer aid, there are many. topics that could be of great benefit to wholesalerq distributors, manufacturers, jobbers and other readers ol The Merchant. No firm at any level of business should approach the essential task of advertising without a serious examination of all Jactors involved and methods available. The kit provides much of the background needed to do a good job of producing productive advertising. Those interested should contact Home Improvement Time Program, P.O. Box I02, Carnegie, Pa. 15106.

With May-Naiional Home Improvement Month less than seven weeks distance, the nroment is on us to prepare for the big sales push.

grove. Modular plan, with poles protected against attack of fungus, decay or ternites through the Cellon piocess, developed by Koppers, readily adjusts to fit existing features of virtually any given site.