For a good night's sleep...TURN ON THE LIGHT!

HOW DOES LIGHT AFFECT YOUR SLEEP?

Liberty Floor Lamp

Did you know that better lighting in your customer's home and office will help them sleep better at night? A good night’s sleep makes for a more productive and active day, not to mention happier customers. Sleeping well keeps our memories sharp and our bodies in balance.

 Mariana Figueiro, associate professor at the Lighting Research Center of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY says, “as we lead more sedentary lives (at our desks, computers and in front of the TV) surrounded by dim indoor lighting, rather than outdoors in natural light, the quality of our sleep can be negatively impacted. Light quantity and quality impacts our circadian rhythms.” Circadian rhythm is our internal, 24.2 hour cycle of biochemical, physiological and behavioral processes... and every living thing has one!)



Remind your customers that keeping their circadian rhythm in balance with proper lighting is key

to peaceful slumber. Research has proven that a higher level of lighting during the day with reduced lighting at night is important for a good night's rest. A study was conducted with elderly patients with sleep disturbances and ADRD (Alzheimer's disease and related dementias), who typically are exposed to less natural and artificial light throughout the day. The results showed that when exposed to brighter light during daytime hours and less during the evening, these individuals slept better and were less agitated.

Antique White Liberty

If one can't spend more time outdoors, then more lighting should be placed throughout the house and office. Careful consideration should be given to the type of lighting you recommend and its placement to keep one's circadian rhythm in sync. Effective lighting should surround you... Ceiling lights are good for general lighting. Table and floor lamps are important for both task and overall light, while accent lamps create a desired ambiance and contribute to the character of the room.

Waterstone Glass Accent Lamp

 Help your customers choose lamps wisely, not only based on design but also function and level of illumination; because light, or the lack thereof, plays an enormous role in the regulation of our cycles, especially our sleep cycle. Customers will be thanking you for an improved quality of life as well as returning to purchase brighter bulbs!!

Here's to a healthy and beautifully lit home or office... a better night’s sleep and more cheerful customers this holiday season!

A Reminder for Your Customers: On The SAFETY of LIGHTING

LIGHTING FOR SAFER LIVING

Proper lighting helps create a safe and beautiful surrounding both inside and outside of the home. Although some lamps and fixtures are selected as design elements, lighting actually has two more important functions - safety and illumination. Ample lighting not only creates a safer environment by deterring crime, but also improves quality of life. 

 

THE QUALITY OF LIFE FACTOR

Poor or inadequate lighting are often the cause of falls and accidents in your home and work place. Let's minimize the bruises, doctors visits and other damages by adding proper lighting to the area.

• Table lamps add an attractive design element to the room and will light up the area to avoid bumps, bruises and breakage. (Less doctors' visits and no explanation needed for how something broke!)
• Minimize strain and damage to your eyes with smartly placed table and floor lamps. Adequate lighting will help you better perform a variety of tasks such as reading, writing and other hobbies. (Save on eye examinations, headaches and improve the quality of your work!)

• Accent lamps and nightlights in bathrooms add just the right decorative touch while helping you find your way at night. (No need to wake up your partner by turning on an overhead light.)

• Well-lit foyers and entrances welcome guests and keep them from tripping. (You don't want to blame it on the wine when they actually couldn't see the second step...!)

A SAFER ENVIRONMENT

It is a well-known fact that well-lit homes are a good deterrent against break-ins. By the nature of burglary, light is counterintuitive. Burglars do not work in well-lit areas because the chance of being caught is much higher than working in the dark. 

Make sure that outdoor lighting is always functioning well - it's the key aspect of maintaining a safe property. Having a well-lit front porch means nothing if the back side of the house is dark or if all the lights are turned off inside your home.

According to the Allstate Insurance Company, fire and theft claims are higher during the holiday season than any other time of year, so take these necessary steps to improve your safety during the 2014 holidays.

• Keep an adequate supply of light bulbs on hand for all inside and outside light fixtures. 
• Add and turn on a table or accent lamp near the windows to make it look like you are home. 
• Take a step back to see how your house is lit up at night. Assess all of your lights for proper placement and coverage.
  

You can do it...Make your home safe and enjoyable. 

Good lighting is an important element in keeping our living and work environments safe as well as maintaining good eye strength and health.

Here's to a brighter and safer tomorrow...

Happy Holidays from your lighting experts!
~AHS Lighting & Home Decor

THREE POWERFUL STEPS TOWARD A SUCCESSFUL SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

Can Small Business Saturday work for you or is it just another "marketing holiday"?

In 2010, American Express created Small Business Saturday and in just 4 years, it has encouraged consumers to support small businesses to the tune of 5.7 billion dollars. 

Small Business Saturday (SBS) is expected to be even greater this year as awareness has grown by over 70% with local spending at an all-time high. Make sure to get your piece of the pie... a little bit of preparation can go a long way!

3 Steps to Enjoy More Success on Small Business Saturday
 

1.  CONNECT WITH A CAUSE
Select a local charity or cause and emphasize the importance of local community support. Customers support small businesses who make an investment in the community. Consider local art/cultural, sports groups or humane foundations.Invite the local symphony or theater group to perform at your business in exchange for a donation to their organization. They'll promote the event, broadening your reach!

2.  COMBINE YOUR EFFORTS

Work with nearby businesses or your shopping center. Create a neighborhood feel with combined marketing promotions such as a drawing with prizes or awards for shopping in your network of local businesses throughout the season. Collective efforts increase visibility and foot traffic; and pooling your marketing dollars gives you exposure beyond your individual efforts.

3.  CREATE A SPECIAL OFFER
Give your customers extra incentive to shop with you on SBS. Launch a special one day offer on a featured item or total purchase to increase foot traffic. Take it one step further...encourage your customers to come back by giving them a coupon for a future purchase when they shop on SBS. 

HERE'S HOW...

COMMUNICATE

Get the word out to stay top of mind with your customers this holiday season.  Your loyal customers are your biggest advocate and will help spread the word throughout the community. But don't forget to ASK!  

• Create signage and fliers to use in your store. 
• Create a SBS banner for your Facebook page and website.
• Schedule FB posts and tweets throughout the holiday season.
• "Like", "Follow" and "Tag" your fellow local businesses to broaden your reach.
• Set up cross promotional emails with your local business network to get more exposure.
  

DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT
Offer refreshments, have extended shopping hours, music, giveaways, etc. Make Small Business Saturday a big event at your business! Show them that you value earning their hard earned dollars!

COMPLEMENTARY MARKETING

Take advantage of FREE marketing offers. Visit Small Business Saturday on Facebook for free access to marketing and promotional tools like in-store signage, e-marketing materials and other special incentives. If you accept American Express cards, easily create your own offer using the GO Social Tool.

CAPTURE NEW CONTACTS

Build your customer base. SBS is a great opportunity to build your own customer database for long-term marketing throughout the year. Be sure to capture email addresses of new customers during the holiday season.

Of course, you'll need to plan your inventory and merchandise your store relevant to your promotions and special offers, not to mention adding a little seasonal touch. Remember, small businesses are the backbone of our economy with 80 cents of every $1 spent staying within your community.
 

We hope to have ENLIGHTENED you with a few good tips for a successful Small Business Saturday this November 29. Please ILLUMINATE us with your stories, pictures and success by posting to this blog or our Facebook page. We would love to hear from you!

AMP UP 4th Quarter SALES

Novelty lamps take charge with lower prices and seasonal appeal...

Here are 4 reasons why novelty lamp sales continue to grow. Recharge your inventory and amp up your sales by taking advantage of the opportunity novelty lamps offer your business!

1. Price Point

   Novelty lamps are typically lower priced than traditional table and floor lamps and, as a result, consumers are likely to replace these lamps more often. Novelty lighting is often theme based and/or seasonal, and therefore, considered replaceable or short-lived.
   At AHS we are constantly evaluating our price points to be sure our lamps are affordable and cost effective to the consumer.
   
   
   
   

2. Endless Possibilities

   With the ongoing infusion of the latest trends and fads, there's always an onslaught of novel designs and creations in the home décor business. Through the use of different mediums such as metal, wood, ceramic, glass, paper and fabric, the possibilities are endless.
   At AHS, we are constantly scouring all available sources for new and clever lighting ideas. We look at all products through viewfinders imagining everything as a possible lamp. Our intent is to create a plethora of unique lamps that will freshen your inventory and dazzle the customer. We also encourage and welcome your suggestions and ideas for the next “latest and greatest”.

3. Seasonal

   Decorating for Christmas or any other holiday and special event has become more prevalent in the home décor industry. Novelty lighting is a great way to bring warmth and character to standard decorating concepts and ideas. Another creative way to spruce up your holiday decorating is with seasonal lampshades as they are easily interchangeable and affordable.
   In 2014, AHS excitedly introduced our HOLIDAY/Everyday Program which gives a customer four options of 1 base with 2 lampshades for that seasonal touch as well as for everyday.
   
   
   



4. Gotta Have It

   Lighting in a novelty sense offers customers a unique option for changing their décor or enhancing it. Sometimes buying a lamp is not about the need, but about its appeal. Coming home with a new and unique item is always rewarding! So make sure your inventory includes some fun novelty lamps to entice the customer into that “Gotta Have It” moment.
   Our designers are constantly on the lookout for unique finds at prices that give the customer no option but to say “Yes”. AHS Lighting has existed and excelled for over 30 years as a leader in novelty lamps. From our original bear to vintage oil lamps, lithographed lampshades, reproduction vintage lamps, Christmas, bird and rooster lamps and so forth, AHS has been there through the years with that must have new product.
   

These four reasons explain why novelty lighting has a place in all homes. We at AHS have served this niche well and continue to work tirelessly to stay ahead of the curve by providing leading edge novelty lamps and shades for you. We want your customers to keep coming back for more. We trust that you will continue to look to AHS for “lamps that sell at prices you'll love” - our motto!

Allow AHS to be your guiding light, helping you develop and grow your novelty lamp business.

Do you C.O.M.???

How many of you reading this blog know what the letters C.O.M. stand for? In case you don’t, it stands for Customer's Own Material. If you aren't already taking advantage of this unique and creative program that AHS Lighting offers, then it's time for you to let your creative juices flow and do “C.O.M.”!!!

   

Whether it's you or your customer with a plethora of ideas or the desire to be a lamp designer, your creative interests will be fulfilled with our customer's own material program. From fabric choice to an exotic trim or a cuter than cute applique, everything is possible! When that customer walks through the door looking for a specific color, shape or fabric to match their bedspread, couch or paint color, you can give them the exact look they want with our C.O.M. program. Voila...a happy customer!!!

We have an expert team of “shade-making’” ladies in our Indiana factory who are quality-conscience with over 51 combined years of experience! They can create your shade in 7 different sizes and 4 unique shapes along with your choice of fabric, trim and detail. The options are unlimited and their attention to detail is unmatched!  

Proudly made in the USA. 

If you have always dreamed of becoming an interior designer (or your customer has) here is your chance! Call one of our very knowledgeable customer service reps today to discuss your design ideas. 

We look forward to working with the next “Coco Chanel” of the lampshade world!
 
Go forth and be creative!!