Let’s talk Green

There are a lot of claims for green products, but we are learning that even calling something green or all natural does not give a product a clean bill of health.  Recycled products use energy and quite often the process for recycling can cause more problems and pollution than the non recycled.  What is a person to do?

For the longest time, I have worked on the premise of making small differences.  These will accumulate overtime to hopefully make a measurable change.  I still remember not being able to swim in the lake down the road from my house – today you can swim in it.  So…maybe there is some progress made by everyone making these small steps!?

One thing Rock Wood is doing to try and make a difference is manufacturing a good portion of our cushions using soy foam.  This foam is actually made from soy beans!  We cover the cushion with a waterproof cover – and in all our testing this foam is as good as foam made from hydro carbon (oil).  So, try it out if you want.  We make cushions for our furniture, but also for other manufacturers as well. 

Maybe this can be your small difference today.

Image of soy cushions at a Ritz Carlton

Las Vegas Baby

Well just got back from LV – and it was cold!!!!!  The airport was almost shut down because of all the snow on the east coast (spoiler alert – there’s no snow in Toronto where I live!).  I was in LV in the spring last year – and what a difference a year can make.  There is a feeling of optimism – albeit very cautious – and no one is talking about the economy – it’s like “if we talk about it – maybe it won’t get better”

Well I for one am sick and tired of the economic talk as well and just want to get back to the old normal!

I don’t know about you…but…..

I am soooo happy to ring in a new year!  For our industry, 2009 was one of huge trials and tribulations.  Most people want to forget the horrible weather!  Most people want to forget the horrendous economic climate!! And I want to forget all the dumb mistakes I personally made!!

However, I want to remember and be thankful for those who stuck by us in 2009.  We have a great story going forward and our furniture, service and designs are only going to get better.

I personally want to wish everyone a fabulous 2010 – and look for some really great news and views from my travels throughout the year.  It’s going to be fun, adventureous and never dull!!

Lest We Forget

In Canada, the symbol to remember all those who serve and sacrificed for the name of freedom is the poppy.  That is why on the days up to Rmembrance Day, most Canadians wear a poppy – it is a donation to the Veterans and also shows solidarity to the troops.  Whether you are for or against the war(s), everyone is grateful to the troops.

So in honor of the troops fighting for freedom, let’s take a moment to say thank you very much.  We are better for your sacrifices.

 

Back From Chicago

Keep it Fresh

There is nothing worse than going into a store and seeing the same old same old! 

One of my favorite stores in my hometown knows this and cultivates their customers by adding great new products on a regular basis.  So, as a retailer – keep it fresh.  Add color.  Add the different – and shake your customer up a bit.  Those of us who like to shop will drop in to see the new – and maybe even purchase something!

And just a small antecdote about this:

When we first started Rock Wood, I went around to some stores in New England with a small van with some of our furniture.  I off loaded our Nantucket Bench at the front of a store – which was along a major highway.  Within 2 minutes, I had two women drive up and ask about the bench.  Both said that they had seen nothing like it – and that is why they stopped.  I do not know if they would have bought it from the retailer – but they would have come into the store to check it out!

New website

Just wanted to let everyone know this is a beta testing site. If you have any comments, concerns or requests please let us know this week (July 27th week) and we will try and implenent them.  Thans for reading – Jennifer