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 http://www.rubbermaid.com/ . 

DATASOURCE: Rubbermaid Home Products



CONTACT:  Lorrie Paul Crum of Rubbermaid Home Products, [phone]

(office), or [phone] (mobile)



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

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

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