April 27, 2007: Three new consumer websites targeted at the booming home decorator,
renovator and gardener markets are preparing to launch, offering the sites’ users unique
promotional savings and special offers.
decocard.com.au, renocard.com.au and yardcard.com.au have already signed on suppliers and
retailers including Home Hardware, Thrifty Link, Lockwood, St George Appliances, Dulux, CSR
Bradford and Beefeater, who have each taken prominent space.
An Australian first, the websites will provide a new platform for building, renovation and
homemaker brands to promote their products to a concentrated audience via the Internet. Due
to launch on July 1 the websites are expected to attract high volumes of users that make up a
large proportion of the profitable home renovation market.
Managing Director Michelle Hopkins said the sites are easy to use and will provide consumers
with expert advice plus an abundance of great deals and special offers from Australia’s leading
home-based retail outlets.
“The Decocard, Renocard and Yardcard sites will act as a ‘bible’ for DIY home renovators
bringing a bundle of promotional product offers together on the one easy to navigate directory
offering easy click through to the suppliers and retailer websites,” Ms Hopkins said.
Customers are offered the choice of three types of membership cards: ‘Renocard’, ‘Decocard’
and ‘Yardcard’ each providing specific category listings and offers from Australia’s leading
home-based brands.
• Renocard, targeted at the home renovator, with value offers on costly building products
and materials.
• Decocard offers unique promotions on the latest trend products and finishes in
decorating and home wares and is appealing to the homemaker.
• Yardcard offers landscapers and gardeners discounts and value-add promotions on
landscaping products, materials and garden related decorating products and
accessories.
Companies can advertise their special offers and discounts with either one of the three cards
from as little as $500 (+GST) if they commit to joining for the July 1 launch.
After working in senior marketing positions with such companies as Wattyl, CSR and Caroma,
Ms Hopkins understands the importance of brand and product awareness in the competitive
home renovation industry.
“There are thousands of home renovation products on the market so companies who sell these
need a cost effective way to increase their Internet presence and maximise brand exposure,” Ms
Hopkins said.
“With Decocard, Renocard and Yardcard, companies are given a measurable marketing
strategy, with real time reporting to monitor the success of the promotion.
“Retailers, distributors and manufacturers are provided with a new platform to promote their
products on the Internet for a low entry point.”
Recent figures from the Housing Industry Association (HIA) reveals the average home
renovation spend is $96,000.
“More and more people are choosing to renovate rather than sell and re-buy,” Ms Hopkins said.
“It can be a financial decision to renovate the home you have, with the end result being a home
that is functional, beautiful, and more suited to its owner. For many, renovating provides a
pastime activity and even a lifelong passion.
“Renovating can be quite costly and time consuming so the Decocard, Renocard and Yardcard
sites will help home owners to save time and stretch their budgets even further.”
With an easy to navigate online directory, customers can first search for free for products by
category, product, supplier/retailer or location. When satisfied they’ve found the deal they want,
they then access the discount and many others by subscribing for between $65-$95 for 12
months. Each discount is valid for one use only and is redeemable when presented at the store
offering the deal.
“If you consider the average home renovation spend according to the HIA is $96,000, a $95
membership could potentially be the key to saving thousands,” Ms Hopkins said.
For a demonstration of how each site operates and for information
about advertising opportunities for all three sites visit www.homecard.com.au
ENDS
For further information and comment:
Michelle Hopkins Homecard 02 9969 9330/ 0432 739 429
Released by:
Holly Reynolds Left Field Public Relations 02 9331 6671/ 0409 462
