Page 93 - Lighting Magazine March 2018

Chown has evolved from a hardware showroom to one that includes plumbing and lighting.
and displayed in a way that makes both the lighting and plumbing products stand out. We still keep our electrician on speed dial! It seems like there is always something we need him to do — from adding breaker panels and clouds to additional power outlets and even extra switches,” she states.
The biggest di erence is in managing inventory. “Every lighting xture in the showroom has a price tag on it and is sold o the oor,” Alan explains. “We change out the displays every time we sell some- thing, and we don’t keep much inventory on-hand because more than half of the products are discon- tinued every year.”
Southland’s long-standing community involve- ment has been extremely helpful as it expanded. “Our plumbing contractors helped us establish re- lationships with appliance and lighting specialists,” Alan states. “And because plumbing selections are typically the rst to be made, we get early access to consumers. When they’re ready to make other selections, they feel very comfortable coming back here. Our retail business has gone from 25 to 50 percent of our total volume.”
everyday Luxury
During the recent Luxury Products Group (LPG) Showplace, Chris Bailey of Hinkley Lighting noted
The Southland Plumbing showroom in New Orleans.
“We change out the
displays every time we sell
something, and we don’t
keep much inventory on-
hand because more than
half of the products are
discontinued every year.”
—Mona Vinturellas, Southland Plumbing Supply
The Vinturella family behind Southland Plumbing Supply.
March 2018 | enLIGHTenment Magazine 91