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Platform on sun and daylight control, shutters, patio covers and closures
It is always nice to let the hard-working trade have their say in Z&R magazine as well. Describe it as a survey or an exploration of what is really going on where it all happens: in the showroom and with the consumer. In cooperation with screen manufacturer Unilux, we approached five dealers spread throughout the Netherlands. The main question: 'How is it going?'
"It's going great!" So is the answer of Hugo van der Schee of HUCO Zonwering of Hellevoetsluis immediately when asked that question. "It is a great year for solar shading. Last year (2024, ed.) we had to deal with bad weather, and that ultimately affects the traffic. Also, in 2024 we had to deal with a broad discussion in the Netherlands about the energy crisis. That put a brake on consumers' willingness to invest. After all, you can only spend your money once. But now - 2025 - I see that people want to spend again. As a dealer, we have nothing to complain about. Yes, to be fair: we currently have a large project of 100 homes in Hellevoetsluis. That is, of course, a nice sales boost."
Hugo is satisfied with the sales of Unilux shutters. "Now (July 2025, ed.) I already have more sales in that area than last year. It really is a big market. For consumers, a screen is primarily a functional product: just keeping mosquitoes and other insects at bay. I expect another boost in the fall. You're already seeing an increase in wasps. That will do the sales of screens well."
At Eddy Hillebrand, director/owner of Ambiance in Goes, we hear similar noises. "The appetite for buying has certainly not diminished this year. The prices - including those of Unilux - are all still pretty okay. I do see that not many people are moving house in the Netherlands - that is hardly possible given the misery in the construction industry - but on the other hand, people are investing a lot in their own homes. Old stuff is being replaced by new stuff."
Eddy also sells Unilux's screens very well. "Besides blocking insects and creating fine ventilation, I also notice that a screen is seen as a piece of security. If you want to leave your window or door open, an installed screen is still a 'screen' for malicious people who might want to get in." Eddy also remains positive for the fall. "We are in Zeeland. We have a lot of vacationers here who have a chalet. They too need screens."
According to Joey Engelen of Sonty in Rijswijk, anno 2025, it is very important to "strike the right chord" with consumers. "Anyone can sell and install screens. It's not that complicated. But you have to capitalize on the emotion or feeling of the customers. You have to approach it in a low-threshold and understandable way. I no longer believe in placing ads in local newspapers. We ourselves are particularly active online. We hired someone for that last year and it's paying off. In 12 months we grew from 6 to 14 employees. We also communicate a lot via whatsapp. The customers like that."
Naturally, Joey enjoys working with Unilux. "The communication is great, never is the inside sales department anything too much, you know where you stand. For us there is no reason to include other brands."
"I have nothing to complain about either," says Jacob Brinkman of De Montagespecialist from Roden. "But in fairness, I must say that I focus on the high end. Our customers often already have a swimming pool in the garden. I come more often in a house of more than 1 million euros than in a terraced house. We see that these people continue to invest in home comfort. I also see everything positive for the fall. You have consumers who only take action when they get stung by a mosquito. But you also have people who have foresight and order screens out of season. I expect a lot of that in the coming months."
Sabrina van Roemburg of Techosol in Alkmaar wants to return to the new silent screen door, the Plissé Fit, as she did last year. "We are very satisfied with that. Consumers are enthusiastic and immediately sold when we show them in the showroom. A success last year. And, now again!"
