Welcome - Grace note

A year ago this month, we had no idea what we were getting into. Who could imagine that things would get as crazy as they did—but we survived and thrived!

It’s so interesting to see the aftermath of the first shock wave from COVID-19, and then how we all ended up a year later. Fortunately for our industry, we had the advantage that people were stuck at home with nothing to spend their money on— except to improve their home environment, where they are now eating, working, teaching, exercising and doing everything in between. The really great outcome is that their windows, their source to see the world GRACE outside, finally became really important. Rooms that were used for other things became NOTE home offices needing light and glare control. Privacy and climate management became serious issues. From the dealers and designers I have talked to in the last few months, almost all of them saw record growth in sales by the end of 2020 and a promising outlook for 2021. Hooray for window treatments!

We also saw big growth in virtual and digital

communication platforms. We discovered that we had to find new ways to communicate with our customers in many circumstances. Video, which is so important when you do it right, is one way to reach clients even when you can’t see them in person. Send thank yous to your customers in a video message in addition to a handwritten note. Create a short video talking about the latest trends to remind your customers about what’s new. They will remember and trust you! See Jude Charles’ article about using video to tell your story (page 28) for more ideas.

Professionals also had to find new ways to learn and communicate with

each other. As a result, many events moved online and continue to operate in a virtual environment. To that end, our team is very excited to announce the opening of the VISION Design & Workroom Competition Awards to recognize and honor the

See Jude Charles’ article about using video to tell your story (page 28) for more ideas.

talent and creativity of our industry. Please visit wf-vision.com for information on how to send in your projects. We will announce the winners in an online ceremony in June.

Our mission is to share solutions to your problems.

I hope you benefit from our columnists as much as I do. Although I’ve been running my business for more years than I want to admit, I always get great information that’s new or is a refreshing reminder. I hope you gain great insight from our feature articles as well. I’ve enjoyed seeing the gorgeous pictures of window treatments and shower curtains for bathrooms (page 46) as they’ve come across my computer. And it’s been interesting to get up to date on software tools and technology that can help your business grow. See our content on software solutions (page 44) to navigate what’s best for you as we remain in this online environment.

Be sure to share Window Fashion VISION with your employees and colleagues. Go to wf-vision.com to subscribe to the magazine, our business e-newsletter and our new product updates!

Have a great spring and be sure to take our post-issue survey to let us know what you would like to see in future issues.

Warm regards,

Grace McNamara Publisher grace@wf-vision.com