November 14, 2007 | Vol 2, Num 45
W&D Weekly, Delivering the Fenestration Industry to Your Desktop

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Click here to read content from the latest issue of Window & Door magazine...

Recent Introductions logo

Photo of One-Cut system from Highmark Digital

One-Cut door
installation system
from Highmark Digital

Tip of the Week logo

Keep Your Good Name

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AMD to Oppose Door Certification in ICC Hearings
Photo of round table discussion at AMDThe Association of Millwork Distributors discussed efforts to block proposed requirements for swing door testing and certification in the 2009 International Codes at its annual convention and exhibition... read more

DOE Offers Update on Changes to Energy Star
The Department of Energy is on track to put revised Energy Star criteria for windows into effect by early 2009, according to Richard Karney, DOE Energy Star program manager. Karney spoke at the National Fenestration Rating Council fall meeting... read more

NFRC to Look at Window Attachments
The National Fenestration Rating Council has started the process to potentially develop ratings for three new sets of fenestration products—dynamic attachments and exterior and interior window coverings. NFRC’s board of directors approved the establishment of a new attachment subcommittee and several task groups to explore the technical aspects of developing rating methods... read more

The Outside View...

... read more


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The Talk...

e-Poll
Are things getting better for "independents" in the window and door business?
Yes—there's a real shift in customer attitudes.
No—the big guys continue to make it tougher every day.
Yes, but it's a temporary reprieve due to weak market conditions.
No, but we've never felt threatened by them in our business.

If poll form doesn't work in your email, Click Here.
Photo of John Swanson

John Swanson,
editor/
associate publisher of Window & Door

Greg Brooks, a consultant to the lumber and building materials field, suggested at the recent AMD convention and exhibition that things are looking up for “independents.” Economies of scale have not added up for big companies to an advantage, he says, pointing to, among other things, the fact that in most markets, locals are effectively competing with Home Depot on price.

Brooks also suggests independents can do well with younger buyers. Gen X’ers and Gen Y’ers in particular don’t share older buyers’ faith in big companies. “They’re more confident with somebody they can look in the eye.”

We’ve certainly seen and heard enough about consolidation and the “big” getting bigger in recent years, but is it over? Or are we just seeing a respite? That’s our poll question of the week, and of course, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the topic. Are you an independent—be it dealer, distributor or manufacturer—successfully taking on the big guys? Email me and tell me about it.

RESULTS AND COMMENTS FROM LAST WEEK'S POLL—"Have your plans for the International Builders' Show changed for 2008?": When it comes to a show like IBS, have window and door companies altered their plans to attend or exhibit due to the struggling housing market? Click here to find out...
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