Ronald Skeean of Casual Image patio store (Marietta, Georgia) received a trip for two to the Westin St. John Resort & Villas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, thanks to Solair®Shade Solutions. Skeean was randomly selected to win the luxury vacation after entering Solair’s Virgin Islands contest, held during the 2012 Chicago International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market™. The contest sought to encourage patio retailers to learn more about the demand for awnings and the benefits that these stylish shade products offer homeowners and business owners alike.

Skeean and Casual Image have been active in the Solair retractable-awning program since September 2010. The store sold nearly 25 retractable-awning models in its first season of selling Solair, and it has continued to grow its awning customer base and deepen loyalty. “This gesture truly signifies Solair’s ongoing commitment to supporting patio stores and the growth of awning sales in this market, and I look forward to enjoying some relaxing time outdoors,” Skeean says. “Casual Image offers umbrellas and shade pavilions, but many aspects of Solair awning products present a better solution, in terms of flexibility and value, to our customers. Participating in the Solair awning program has served as a mutually beneficial partnership, allowing Casual Image to sell a unique shade solution that our customers enjoy, while benefiting from Solair’s outstanding support and service.”

Retailers participating in the Solair awning program experience a seamless, no-inventory, high-margin opportunity to offer three distinct awning models to customers—PS1000, PS2000, and PS5000—with reasonable up-front costs. For more information on the Solair awning program and to learn how to become an authorized Solair distributor, contact David Heiman, sales manager, at (336) 264-7650 or dheiman@trivantage. com—or visit www.solair.com/become-a-dealer.