Innovative Chandelier Design & Packaging System Dramatically Reduces Shipping, Storage, And Installation Costs

Furniture World Magazine

National lighting cooperative, Lighting One, announced a revolutionary new technology called the Fast Connect Lighting System‰. This UL Approved patented technology for the design and packaging of chandeliers reduces installation time, while drastically reducing freight and storage costs. The new technology, offered exclusively to Lighting One members, will enable them to market chandeliers with a significant competitive advantage at their stores. This product has been in development over the past two years, and there are currently multiple patents covering this technology. “This system will reduce the freight cost of a chandelier an average of 70 percent,” says Jeff Carmichael, president and co-founder of Lighting One. “Because chandeliers can be shipped knocked down, the system drastically reduces freight and warehouse storage costs,” he added. Installation of the product is simplified, in some instances reducing the installation time from hours down to minutes. “The electrician simply installs the chandelier column to the electrical box, then snaps the chandelier arms into place,” stated Carmichael. Once the arms have been snapped into place, the arms will remain straight with no further adjustments required. “This will virtually eliminate the possibility of call-backs due to misaligned arms or product malfunction due to pinched wires,” he added. Lighting One currently owns the rights to the product in the lighting showroom, builder, and electrical supply markets, providing an invaluable benefit to Lighting One members. “We’re very excited about the Fast Connect System,” stated Lighting One member Marilyn Shulman from Bay Shore Lighting in Bay Shore, New York. “This new technology will improve our efficiency on installation, especially for larger fixtures, and will give us a major competitive edge in our marketplace. The extensive product offering and revolutionary technology offered to Lighting One members truly reflects the power of Lighting One,” she added. “The overriding interest for us was what was best for our members,” stated Carmichael. “We are happy to bring this technology to Lighting One members, and want to make sure that they not only stay competitive, but dominate their local markets,” he added. Carrying fixtures with The Fast Connect technology will reduce operational costs for Lighting One members, while allowing them to sell the products at a lower cost to their trade customers. “A showroom no longer has to pay a warehouse person to put a chandelier together. It can be put on the floor faster, the dealers will be able to stock more units since the boxes will be smaller, and callbacks will be greatly reduced,” Carmichael added. Lighting One will be directing the product to the builder and electrician markets, where the technology will reportedly have significant impact. “This technology will have a major impact on the profitability of the builder and electrician,” Carmichael commented. “The showroom will have a product that will make the electrician’s life easier and more profitable. With this product we are sending the builder and electrician business to the lighting showroom, but not just any showroom…a Lighting One showroom. “Electricians have a lot of influence over what types of products are purchased. If there is a chandelier that will make the electrician’s life easier, they will recommend it. This system gets the Lighting One members into a whole new market,” Carmichael added. “The lighting showroom has the selection, depth of product, high service and a knowledgeable staff to service the builder and electricians’ consumer clients,” stated Carmichael. “This type of product will enable showrooms to attract the builders and electricians they didn’t have before based on the savings of installation time alone,” he added. “The wide product assortment in designer styles is just an added bonus.” Lighting One will be providing its members with a comprehensive launch kit designed to help them effectively promote the product in their local market. “We will be providing our members with a multitude of marketing and promotional materials to introduce this revolutionary technology in their local markets,” stated Ken Freedman, Lighting One vice president. “Additionally, we have taken aim at the builder market by recently introducing the technology at the International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas in January,” he added. According to Freedman, the response received at the show was phenomenal, and everyone who visited the booth was extremely interested in learning more about the product through their local Lighting One showroom. Founded in 1999, Lighting One currently includes over 100 independently owned showrooms in over 35 states. Lighting One was acquired in May of 2001 by CCA Global Partners, a $6 billion international home furnishings and flooring organization with ten divisions. CCA Global Partners’ largest division is Carpet One, with over 1,000 stores in six countries. For more information, contact Bob Camire, director of advertising and marketing, at 603-626-0333. For general questions, photo requests and interview coordination, contact Brian DeLong at 215-947-4100. For membership information, contact Ken Freedman, vice president sales and marketing, at (770) 424-1044.