Schlappi Marquees: 'We are the quality standard in marquees and ready to step up to premium brand experience'

With the acquisition of Schlappi Marquees, four years ago now, the adventure began for Dennis and Charlotte Schoormans. "The first phase is now behind us," says Dennis Schoormans. "We have expanded and perpetuated our market share. It is now time to intensify our ties with our dealers. We are ready to enter into partnerships, guaranteeing exclusivity in the dealer's area of operation. In return, we require from the dealer loyalty and the positive attitude to work the market together."

"What we want to move toward is a 'premium brand experience,'" Schoormans continued. "Online we inform and inspire the end user, ultimately guiding him or her to the dealer in the region. We do this by using Facebook, Instagram and, of course, our - soon to be revamped - website. The customer can make an appointment to visit our inspiration showroom in Tilburg. We then link the customer to a dealer in his region. So we will really do it together with the dealer, a market approach that is totally new for Schlappi Marquees."

Inspiring through innovation

Schlappi Marquees is the authority for custom awnings in the Benelux, according to Schoormans. "For nearly forty years, Schlappi Marquees has stood for passionate craftsmanship and we offer the highest level of finishing and the highest quality marquees available on the market. To keep that position, we continue to innovate. For example, we have recently developed a new lighting concept for the business market. Normally, advertising, such as the name of the company or a product name, was communicated on the fascia of the awning. We have now developed a concept where an inscription is cut out of the fabric and illuminated!"

Dennis and Charlotte Schoormans note that since the coronavirus outbreak, outdoor space for the hospitality industry and retailers in the food sector, among others, has become even more important than before. "At one point you saw that only a limited number of people were allowed into a store. The rest of the people had to wait outside. We want to inspire - and relieve - these entrepreneurs with a maximum experience to protect those waiting. Think of an awning that is weather-resistant, possibly with mood lighting and/or company or product name. We are all set to further expand the ambition of Schlappi Marquees!"