Rubbermaid Challenges Chicagoland Media to Closet Test

Rubbermaid Challenges Chicagoland Media to Closet Test

Company Research Cites Closet Cramming as Common Problem

FAIRLAWN, Ohio, March 22 /PRNewswire/ -- The home-organization experts at Rubbermaid uncovered a real mess when they looked into America's closets. The company's research on consumer closet habits found the most common, overriding problems are:

- Cramming closets with hundreds of pounds of clothes, usually affecting ancillary closets as well; - Seasonal changes typically requiring twice-a-year rotation; and - Wardrobe proliferation, including an unwieldy assortment of sizes, shoes and accessories.

According to Rubbermaid, it's a problem for more than two-thirds of Americans. Now the company is challenging the professional set known for messy desks and critical thinking to put their new Configurations "custom-closet-in- a-box" system to the ultimate test: their own closets. Rubbermaid today issued its Closet Configurations Media Challenge to Chicagoland editors and reporters (Sure, we want people to know about our new products. That's what advertising is for, and we're already doing that. But what better way to prove our product than trial by reporters?).

Media representatives who purchase a Configurations Closet System at Chicago-area Wal-Mart Stores during the month of April will qualify for their choice of full reimbursement from Rubbermaid with their Wal-Mart receipt, or a matching donation of closet systems to community service organizations. The reimbursement offer is good for up to two Configurations Closet Kits per credentialed newspaper, magazine, television station and radio station in the Greater Chicago media market. Rubbermaid notes it's not necessary to file a report on the experience to get the reimbursement (but we're confident you'll want to once you try it).

Chicago-area Wal-Mart Stores carrying the Rubbermaid Configurations Closet System include:

- 801 Meacham Road, Elk Grove Village, IL; - 620 Dundee Avenue, East Dundee, IL; - 900 South Route 83, Villa Park, IL; - 776 South Route 59, Naperville, IL; - 150 Smith Road, St. Charles, IL; - 1001 North Randall Road, Elgin, IL; - 1460 Golf Road, Darien, IL; - 314 West Army Trail Road, Bloomingdale, IL; - 850 South Barrington Road, Streamwood, IL; and - 7050 South Cicero Avenue, Bedford Park, IL.

America's Messiest Closet Gets Makeover

While only 29 percent of consumers surveyed said their closets were well organized, the majority said they were deterred from addressing the problem due to budget and time constraints. Rubbermaid launched its new Configurations Closet System with these issues in mind.

To kick off the new product launch, the company hired organization expert Peter Walsh, host of TLC's "Clean Sweep" reality show, to help find and reorder the "Messiest Closet in America." Rubbermaid received thousands of photos and entries documenting closet chaos.

Lisa Messier (yes, that's her real name) of Charlton, Mass. received the dubious "winner" distinction in the "Messiest Closet" contest, and this month got a closet makeover, complete with Rubbermaid's new Configurations System and personal assistance from Walsh and the Rubbermaid closet team.

True to Rubbermaid's research findings, the Messiers had thought tackling their closet would prove too costly and time consuming. Walsh says it's a common problem. "People are overwhelmed by the sheer volume of stuff they've accumulated. Most people just avoid tackling their closet because they don't know where to begin, how to sort through their things, or what products are out there that can help them," he said.

Chuckling about the coincidence of the couple's name, pronounced "messy-er," Walsh said, "They couldn't believe how easy it was to install the Rubbermaid Configurations system. It really is like a custom closet in a box. It works, it's changeable, and costs much less than the professionally installed systems do." The new closet line offers consumers a one-of-a-kind, customizable solution that combines an easy-to-install kit, complete with adjustable shelves and rods, with a full line of accessories to accommodate anyone's storage aspirations. Heavy-duty metal construction offers maximum weight capacity (upwards of 500 pounds), while thoughtful touches like epoxy coating, chrome finishes and rubber-ended hangers combine form with function.

Best of all, you don't need to be a hacksaw-wielding professional to install the Rubbermaid system; a screwdriver, drill and level are the only tools needed. Pre-cut rails and telescoping rods and shelves eliminate the cutting, trimming and exacting measuring typically necessary in closet systems. That telescoping design is the innovative feature that makes Rubbermaid's the only out-of-the-box closet system with shelves, rods and accessories that adjust both vertically and from side to side, without additional tooling. Because components slide in and out, width adjustments can be made on the fly, making seasonal changes and shopping-spree reconfigurations truly simple.

Configurations kits come in lengths ranging from four to eight feet and include shelving, hanging rails, brackets, hanging rods and all of the hardware necessary to install the system. Additional accessories include storage racks, extra shelving, wire baskets, pants organizers, shoe rods and shelves, and special organizers for ties and belts (each holds 30). All hook securely into the mounting rails and may be lifted out for repositioning. Shelves, hanging rails and brackets are epoxy-coated for durability and snag- free performance, while hanging rods and other accessories come in a sleek chrome-plated finish. Sliding baskets and organizers have ball-bearing glides to slide into place smoothly.

Rubbermaid's Configurations closet products are debuting this spring at a variety of general, home and hardware retailers, including all Chicago-area and selected other Wal-Mart Stores and Home Depot Stores. More information about the products is available at the company's web site: http://www.rubbermaid-configurations.com/ .

About Rubbermaid:

Rubbermaid Home Products is a leading designer and manufacturer of durable, innovative household organization and utility products, and is among the most trusted, consumer-loyal brands in America.

Part of the Newell Rubbermaid family, Rubbermaid markets a full line of exceptional-quality products for home, closet and garage organization; kitchen, bath and outdoor storage; as well as seasonal and hardware products in a variety of materials. For more information, please visit Rubbermaid's web site at www.rubbermaid.com .

Source: Rubbermaid Home Products

CONTACT: Lorrie Paul Crum of Rubbermaid Home Products, +1-330-869-7409 (office), or +1-330-819-0951 (mobile)

Web site: http://www.rubbermaid.com/ http://www.rubbermaid-configurations.com/

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