Summer Classics Home - Customer Case Study

Summer Classics a manufacturer/retailer of high-end outdoor furnishings, indoor furnishings, and accessories had enjoyed a decade of steady growth, selling to 300+ wholesale dealers, along with 11 company-owned and licensed retail stores and the contract furnishings industry. Recognizing the beauty of the product, Forté convinced the client to establish a brand appealing to customers at its retail stores, rather than simply market wholesale to dealer. While newspaper was traditionally Summer Classics’ media centerpiece Forté convinced Summer Classics to use broadcast as well. A modest television and cable campaign launched in the spring, 2006, in the Birmingham test market. After local success, the program expanded to include a dozen markets from Texas to Kentucky, the Carolinas to Florida. With television acting as catalyst, 2007 saw record growth for the company. In fact, from 2004-2007 Forté’s effort helped fuel a near tripling of sales growth. In 2009, knowing an online presence could impact sales even further, Forté launched a social media presence and a cost-per click media campaign in support of the traditional methods. Forté also developed the company’s licensed retail store sales and marketing program and supported its contract and wholesale divisions with various projects. Summer Classics enjoyed nearly 300% growth in the process.