After two years of planning, Eikenhout Inc. transformed an old warehouse next to its original Grand Rapids, Mich., headquarters into a showroom designed with multifunction in mind. Eikenhout aimed to create an exterior product showroom that streamlined buying. The company consulted architects, contractors, and homeowners to develop the design for its new 7,550-square-foot flagship, which would become the model for the company’s seven other locations.
The company displays roofing and siding on its own racking system to display larger-than-normal samples. Hooks added to the racks’ ends let customers stack the products for better visualization.
Then came one more innovation. “At the end of it, we had a light bulb moment: ‘Let’s put wheels on these racks so that our showroom has endless possibilities,’” recalls Justin Hendges, vice president of sales. “It allows the showroom to be versatile in so many ways.”
Some windows, doors, and decking products are so big they need to remain stationary. Eikenhout placed its non-mobile displays out to the sides to promote an open floor plan. A full-size deck, with various boards and different railing systems, was installed. The window and door samples provide semi-transparent walls that double as a display and a miniature sales office.
Small conference rooms allow the team to schedule appointments with customers. Contractors, architects, and designers can request that certain products be placed in the room beforehand, and smart TVs give users the option to connect laptops to a larger screen. The showroom also features an in-house learning center with space for up to 75 people.
The showroom has one entrance for the general public and a back entrance for contractors, which includes a new loading dock.
Sales and traffic have increased since the showroom opened in late 2016. “It’s been so successful, we are on our third remodel … based on the model we’ve done in Grand Rapids,” says Hendges.
