Pacific Coast Lighting Blog

Green is definitely the hip color these days and most companies are eagerly searching for green solutions.  Nobody can argue that this is a very positive trend.  However, even the most earnest companies may come to find some validity in the words of good 'ole Kermit the Frog: "It's not easy being green." 

The trouble many companies are running into is eco-friendly solutions can be very cost prohibitive, which is particularly frustrating in a down economy.  For instance, offering FSC certified wood requires a lot of set-up work, risk and much money.  Same thing with going green in packing materials.  This of course greatly impacts the cost to the consumer. 

So the pivotal part of the equation becomes the value the consumer will place on the knowledge that their purchase supports the green initiative.  Once a customer takes a lamp out of the packaging, they are looking at the same lamp regardless of how much they have paid for it.  At what point does the price become greater than good will? 

Just how much extra money are people willing to spend to be eco-friendly?  Please let us know what you think. 

On December 19th, 2007 President Bush signed into law a new energy bill that contains legislation impacting the lighting industry.  Beginning in 2012, all new bulbs will have to use 25 percent to 30 percent less energy. 

Right now the only solution available for the current lamps in your home is retrofit flourescent bulbs that may or may not fit into your lamps correctly without altering the look.  Many lamps have 3-way sockets and the flourescents will only work on the highest setting and they will certainly not be dimmable. 

What other solutions will lamp manufactueres come up with?  What happens with current inventory if lamp designs and sockets must change?  Will consumers be forced to buy all new lighting to comply with the new law? 

What do you think?  How will the new law impact lighting design and consumer buying?

Although attendance appeared to be down at this past April High Point market, PCL was delighted to have a successful show.

Particularly noteworthy was the launch of our new brand, National Geographic Home. The feedback on the product was amazing and the showroom was buzzing.

Thank you to those of you who attended our launch party on Tuesday.  A good time was had by all.  Pictures will be posted shortly. 

If you weren't at market, or weren't able to make it to our showroom, take a look at our new High Point product releases.   

How was your High Point experience?  We'd love to hear what you thought. 

Can you believe the July Las Vegas Furniture market is only 12 weeks away? At PCL we are busy preparing our new showroom in the new Building C of the World Market Center, which I'm sure you know has its grand opening this July.

We have a great location - C#1001.  It's right off the escalator on the 10th floor so you can't miss us.  I'll be updating you with launch party news shortly. 

We hear that this market will be well attended due to the opening of the new building.  What do you think?  Will it be a good market?  Are you planning to attend?  Please let us know.

This Saturday, April 26th, enjoy a beautiful walk in scenic Santa Barbara, California and help in the fight against cancer at the same time by participating in the 8th Annual Barbara Ireland Walk for the Cure of Cancer. 

Barbara Ireland is Kathy Ireland's mom and this will be her eighth year putting together this amazing event.  

This 10 mile route begins at Chase Palm Park in Santa Barbara and runs along the beautiful Pacific Ocean.  Registration begins in the park at 7:00am. At 7:45 there is a Warm-up and Welcome and at 8:00 the 10 mile walkers begin. There is a shorter course walk available that begins at 8:30. 

The walk celebration, featuring entertainment and raffle prizes, will begin at about 11:00am. 

The registration fee is $50, 100% of which will benefit cancer research at the Cancer Center in Santa Barbara.  Your tax deductible entry fee will benefit women, men and families everywhere! 

Hope to see you there!   

Please visit us this High Point market in IHFC-M430 to see over 120 new introductions, including the launch of our new brand, National Geographic. 

Join us Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for the National Geographic Launch Party with wine tasting, special gifts, live music, and more.

Join us each day of market for:

1.  A homecooked lunch served from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.:  Monday - Baked Ziti, Tuesday - Fried Chicken, Wednesday - Turkey, Thursday - Fried Catfish, Friday - Enchiladas

2.  Live Music Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday from 12:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

3.  Coffee Bar each afternoon from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

4.  Cocktails and hor d'eurves 4:00 p.m. to close each night. 

Our blog section is a new feature of our improved Pacific Coast Lighting website.  We plan to engage visitors in conversations about showroom design tips and trends, company announcements, industry and market news, licensing news and more.  We will start connecting to relevant video clips and posting pictures and support materials. 

We'd love your input on topics that you would find interesting.  Anybody have any good ideas? 

At the High Point Furniture Market, April 7th -13th, Pacific Coast Lighting will introduce their first three collections of National Geographic lamps: Italia, West Indies, and South America. 

Each piece was inspired by the vast archives of research from the National Geographic explorers who have traveled the world.   

Join us for the National Geographic Launch Party on Tuesday, April 8th from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Pacific Coast Lighting's showroom located in the IHFC - Space M430.  Enjoy wine tasting from different regions, live music, special gifts and a nice buffet lunch.