Online awning advantages increase consumer awareness

Many consumers aren’t aware of the role awnings can play in conserving energy and providing protection from solar fading and exposure. Glen Raven Custom Fabrics LLC and Somfy Systems Inc. hope to elevate consumer awareness about the benefits of awnings through a marketing program that will continue throughout the peak selling season. The central element is a dedicated Web site, www.outdoorspaces.com, which includes information on awning advantages, tips on how to select the right awnings for a home, and a dealer locator. Glen Raven, which produces Sunbrella® fabrics for awnings, will run ads in leading consumer publications, including Coastal Living, Home and This Old House to encourage consumer visits. Search engine placements and Internet ads, as well as contacts with other national, regional and local publications, will enhance the marketing effort.