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July 2008    
 
CONCERNED ABOUT THIS WINTER'S HIGH HEATING COSTS? Make Your Plan Now to stay warm AND save money this year

 
 
 
Crude oil pricing not only affects what you pay for gasoline at the pump, high petroleum prices ALSO raise the price of heating fuels and the cost to deliver fuel to your home. Think of the truck hauling the firewood or the propane truck that delivers gas, as well as the service and repair trucks run by the natural gas and electric companies. Petroleum is used to manufacture and deliver virtually every item you use, every day. Gasoline costs affect mining costs of raw materials, transporting them to manufacturers & getting manufactured goods to distribution channels and end consumers - stores like us and home owners like you.
 
Compared to December 2007, as of early July we're seeing
  • Gasoline cost increases of over 40%
  • Heating oil increases up to 70% in some regions
  • Natural gas & electricity increases of 15-55%
  • Cardboard price increases of 8%
  • Rising steel costs due to foreign manufacturers' increased demands for raw materials
  • The US dollar has lost value. Banks are less anxious to provide money to manufacturers to buy raw materials to increase production capabilities
"We live in a moment
of history where
change is so speeded up
that we begin to see
the present
only when it is
already  disappearing."

       R. D. Laing
At the very time that the energy crisis will increase demand for alternative heating products and fuels in the US, higher manufacturing and delivery costs have already resulted in shortages of fireplaces and inserts available for US retailers and consumers. 

(One major manufacturer has already asked us to "limit purchase orders to historic buying patterns". Others have announced large price increases and backorders extending into 2009. In other words, if we retailers haven't already brought items into inventory, we will pay more for them... if we can get them at all. )
PLEASE CONSIDER THIS A GENTLE NUDGE to assess your family's budget and heating needs NOW and take action SOON.









Here's a deal: we bought these on closeout and we're passing on the savings: $500 off TUSCANY electric fireplace, while supplies last
With nearly 30 years in this industry, we already predicted some of these problems months ago and have taken action ourselves. We've greatly increased our existing inventory, most especially on electric fireplace products - but all we can do is to sell what we have now at the best possible pricing. We've got the best selection in stock, right now, that we're likely to have in all of 2008 due to increased demands already being reflected in our summer sales numbers. Prices are rising daily, so we encourage you take advantage of last year's pricing while it lasts!
 
There are those who know what's coming and will do something about it now, and there are those who now know but will do nothing and will be sorry later. We hope that you're the former.
 

 
   
BEST IN RICHMOND AWARD    

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Victorian Fireplace Shop Receives 2008 Best of Richmond Award

U.S. Local Business Association’s Award Plaque Honors the Achievement
 
WASHINGTON D.C., August 4, 2008 -- Victorian Fireplace Shop has been selected for the 2008 Best of Richmond Award in the Fireplace Equipment category by the U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA).
 
The USLBA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USLBA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.
 
   
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