Paneling sales countdown

t\ CTOBER is a big month for the paneling industry as V ttre Plywood Paneling Council celebrates Paneling Makes Perfect by launching a display contest for dealers and manufacturers to introduce new designs.

The second annual Plywood Makes Perfect promotion will be celebrated in retail stores throughout the country with the council offering radio advertising scripts, ad slicks and colorful posters to dealers. New this year is a display contest with lavish prizes for the winning retailer.

Those participating have an opportunity to win a grand prize of a four day cruise for two in the Bahamas including airfare from any of 150 cities and $300 expense money. First prize is his and her golf clubs and second prize is a $350 allocation for a do-it-yourself store event. This may be a seminar, a paneling promotion, recognition for top employees or a similar event of the winner's choice, contest rules explain.

Paneling Makes Perfect Month will be reinforced with special advertising and promotions by the members of the council, Chesapeake Hardwood Products, Inc., Georgia-Pacific Corp., Ply*Gem Manufacturing Inc., Plywood Panels, Inc., and States Industries.

Each company is gearing up special fall promotions to coincide with the national observance including introductions of special patterns with national media coverage. Georgia-Pacific will introduce 20 new upscale designs and back the new products with dealer support to appeal to design conscious customers.

"lt takes something truly extraordinary these days to catch a buyer's eye and that's exactly what we have done," says Gene Nelson, operations manager of G-P's paneling division. "Twenty sophisticated looks that appeal to homeowners, backed by merchandising support that helps retailers turn inventory quickly."

The new patterns tend to tie in with the latest decorating trends featuring soft pastel floral patterns and a sponge painted look. The designs come in a wide range of price points to fit many budgets.

Product displays, price posters, do-it-yourself videotapes and brochures and cooperative advertising are included in their support program for retailers.

Four new natural wood veneer patterns in light tones are being offered by States Industries. These include a white washed light oak panel, a white washed pine panel, a light oak in the Orangeburg pattern and a price leader cabin plank panel combining alder and oak.

As part of a Paneling Makes Perfect promotion, the company is offering stocking dealers a 1000/o paid coop ad program, according to Bill Powell, market development manager.

Banners, posters and price cards for store display during Paneling Makes Perfect Month are being prepared by Ply*Gem. In addition, the manufacturer will promote its new high textured wallpaper-look panels in national advertising, according to Mark Deutsch, marketing coordinator.

Chesapeake Hardwood Products willgive its distribution network an extensive selection of fall promotions, according to John Redding, sales and marketing v.p., including a variety of prizes. Plywood Paneling Council contest posters and entry blanks will be distributed.

Chesapeake is introducing 15 new products including some "fresh woodgrain patterns at new price points," Redding said. Several of the introductions are formal in feeling to provide the library panel look. Three combinations of double beading create new patterns in pickled, whitewashed and medium tones.

Taupe backgrounds are used on several ofthe decorative panels, Redding pointed out, with accents of blue, rose or coral. Cherry, mahogany and walnut panels are offered to satisfy the trend towards darker, more traditional decorating.

Story at a Glance

Display contest for dealers. new paftenas, coop advertising, promotional support offered by manufacturers in annual October paneling push.