We should be happy with the phenomenon of outdoor living

Anyone who has been around in the world of outdoor shading for a while can probably remember how the year used to be divided up. From the time the first rays of sunlight arrived at the end of February until the weather turned inclement in September, we were busy. When in July and August the sun was at its highest, the pressure in the showroom, at the factory and in the assembly planning became enormous. It was "explosive business. 

In those days, many awning retailers had side businesses that they ran during the months when there was no sun. Of course, there were still some shutters to sell in September and October, but as a rule, from mid-September through mid-February, the entire industry was feasting on reserves built up in the summer. Ancillary activities were very diverse, from selling ski equipment to dealing in fireworks. How different the industry is now!

From necessary evil to contributing to living experience

When the first canopies came on the market, there was quite a bit of resistance: was this product going to cannibalize the beloved articulated screen? This was often assumed to be true when sales of articulated awnings were once a little down. However, statistics have since proven that the advent of fixed canopies has not really affected sales of articulated screens. The customer who wanted a canopy would not have chosen a patio screen anyway. In the early 2000s, the market for canopies was growing so fast that for the first time there was talk of "outdoor living. Manufacturers launched marketing campaigns pointing out to consumers the richness of being able to sit in the garden 365 days a year. The Netherlands grabbed this opportunity with both hands. Precisely the Netherlands, the little country where we get more rainwater poured on us than we care to.

From terrace to real garden room

The outdoor living market became more mature over the years. The canopy proved to be a wonderful product for tying. Think veranda awnings on or under the canopy, accessories such as heating and lighting and, in recent years, professional glazing, sliding doors et cetera. Consumers are happy to pay for it, because a fully equipped canopy with all the accessories is literally a garden room. To top it off, a home is worth more when sold because the livable area has increased. It's safe to say that when you sell your home, you'll recoup the costly canopy with all the trimmings.

Ask any outdoor awning dealer if he can spare the canopies, veranda screens and freestanding pergola awnings from his sales. The answer in almost all cases will be "no. Private customers and the hospitality industry know how to find their way to our sector, and we as an industry can in turn be pleased with the fact that this trade does not care about seasons. 

As a specialist retailer, do you not yet have a good canopy or porch awning in your package? Then seriously consider doing so. Nothing is better than seeing your calendar bulge in October and November!

The Pen - Jacoliem Dekker Forest – Winsol