HAPPY SUMMER!!!!!!!

It’s hard to believe that days are starting to get shorter.  After the long Michigan winters, I looked forward to taking advantage of the longer days.

Comparing sales figures from this year to last, there was a 15% increase in sales due to the increase in outdoor products, mainly Sunbrella fabrics and the heat-stopping products of Coolaroo.

Coolaroo is a state-of-the-art material that blocks out harmful UV rays, yet still allows cool breezes to pass through.  No matter how hot it gets outside, Coolaroo helps keep temperatures lower to keep you cooler and more comfortable.

With the housing market of today, many folks would  rather invest in making their homes more comfortable and at the same time reduce home cooling costs.    Air Conditioning is an ever-increasing expense. 

The key factor in keeping homes cooler is blocking the sun’s UV rays BEFORE they come in contact with the window glass.  Coolaroo exterior shades create that effect by blocking the UV from 70% - 90% depending on choice of fabric.  After installing two 86” x 52” shades on windows facing due south in my own home, I experienced a 10 degree room temperature drop which meant turning the AC on much less frequently.

Coolaroo offers a variety of products, from attractive Sun Sails that create instant shaded seating areas to keeping pool water cooler or setting up a peaceful space to relax by using the Sun Sail squares.  Check out pictures: http://www.uniquexpressions.net/productlinehtmls/coolaroo-shade-sails.html

Coolaroo is available in custom sized exterior shades as well as stock sizes which are 50% cheaper than the custom sized ones.  The stock sizes are 6’x6’, 8’x6’ or 10’x6’.  

Bulk rolls of Coolaroo fabrics are also available which allows you many more options.    Sew your own roller shades or offer them to your customers to create their own use.  They are in rolls of  90% or 70% blockage fabric in sizes 6’x15’; 6’x100’ or 12’x50’.  Size 6’x15’, 70% blockage, costs only $28.80.

Please check out additional data on: http://www.uniquexpressions.net/Images/New%20Look%20Images/pdfs/CoolarooShadeFabric2010.pdf

For wholesale prices for any of the Coolaroo products, please send your request to uniqshasta@charter.net.

Other outdoor products shown on Unique Expressions website: California Umbrella http://www.uniquexpressions.net/productlinehtmls/calif_umbrella.html and Off-the-Wall-Brellas:  (http://www.uniquexpressions.net/productlinehtmls/off-the-wall-brella.html)

Finished outdoor/indoor cushions, outdoor/indoor draperies and tablecloths custom made with Sunbrella fabrics, silk or faux silk can be ordered at:  www.outdoorfabricunique.com.

Angel’s Distributing has introduced the A&E Perma Core thread line to its product line.  The thread is 100% polyester with poly Core-Poly Wrap, available in 40 colors, and comes in Tex 30, medium weight and Tex 40, heavy weight in rolls of 6,000 yards per spool.

The cost is as follows:             Tex 30                                     Tex 40

1-5 rolls                                   $5.99 each                               $7.99 each
6-10 rolls                                 $5.49 each                               $7.49 each
11+                                          $4.99 each                               $6.99 each

Ralph, from Angel’s Distributing has been sending color swatch cards with each bolt of lining.  Swatch cards of available thread colors are $5.00 each.  To place orders, please call Unique Expressions at 877-516-4677, or send e-mails to uniqshasta@charter.net.

To view Angel’s current monthly specials, please see:  http://www.uniquexpressions.net/productlinehtmls/angelsspecials.html Angel’s had a price increase as of May 12, so please request a new price list if you do not have a current one.

Faux Silk from Plumridge Silk has become quite popular.  It is available in 107 colors with a cut yardage price of $11.95/yd or $9.95/yd by the bolt of 80 yds.  Faux Silk Taffeta comes in 48 colors at the same price.  A catalog showing all the colors of the silk and taffeta is available for $35.00 which is rebated at $1.00/yard ordered.  Both are 54” wide and are 100% polyester.  The Taffeta has 701 FR rating for commercial use and can be used for hotels.

I encourage you to try the Konnect flexible drapery track which is an ideal solution for some challenging installations.  It comes in straight track or bendable track and several start-up kits for smaller jobs.   Check out the new parts and some of the testimonials on: http://www.uniquexpressions.net/productlinehtmls/konnect.html

Wishing each of you a joyful summer and a healthy increase in your sales.  The following quote was on my doctor’s office wall: “ Humor prevents hardening of the attitudes.”

Best wishes,
Shasta Breitkopf
7/19/2010

Coolaroo Exterior Shades Premier Brown Custom Shades, 87"x82" purchased by Gerry Schwartz, Sanford Lake, Michigan Photos courtesy of Sandra Schwartz
Shade Half Down	Exterior View	Right Shade Down, Left Shade Up