Wouter Hoek (Sunshades Online): "From nice to have to must have"

From product range expansion to a serious industry. Zonwering Online has experienced remarkable growth over the past six years. As a dealer of Verano outdoor sun protection, the company automatically sells the integrated BREL SOLAR solutions to its customers. But it doesn't stop there. “We have now also equipped several sunshades with other BREL HOME motors and have included accessories in our range." Wouter Hoek reflects on the collaborations with BREL HOME and looks ahead to 2025.

“It started in 2012,” says Wouter Hoek. “We began selling high-end garden furniture in Groningen under the name Fraai Buiten. Our customers increasingly asked about sun protection solutions. We saw a great opportunity to grow our business and started selling Verano outdoor sun protection solutions in 2018. "Zonwering Online was born." That 'baby' has now grown up and become independent.

The growth of Zonwering Online
“In the past six years, the sun protection branch has grown significantly,” Wouter explains. The growth is partly due to good business positioning in Groningen and online, but also due to the increasing demand for sun protection solutions. When asked why he thinks more sun protection is desired, he answers: “Because of climate change. Summers are getting warmer, and houses are so well insulated that it's hard to get the heat out. Passive cooling of the home is good because it prevents the house from getting warm. This is not only better for the environment but also cheaper in the long run because it makes air conditioning unnecessary. Sunshades, screens, and shutters offer a solution.” A significant portion of the outdoor sun protection that Zonwering Online provides to its customers now includes BREL SOLAR.

Proudly, Wouter shows photos of a beautiful project in Groningen. With Verano sun protection and built-in BREL SOLAR motors that charge themselves via solar panels.

How did you get in touch with BREL HOME?
“The first contact was made through Verano,” says Wouter. “They integrate the automatic solar-powered control solutions from BREL HOME into their sun protection products. Since we are a premium dealer of Verano, all our sunshades have integrated BREL HOME products. Until recently, these were mainly BREL SOLAR products, but now other BREL HOME motors have been added. Very good reliable motors with wired control that can be operated with a remote control. And with a good price/quality ratio. We have also included BREL HOME accessories, such as the HUB, in our range.”

How is the contact and cooperation with BREL HOME?
“Very good,” Wouter immediately says. “We mainly have contact with Daan Paulissen. BREL HOME is reasonably large but maintains short lines of communication. They are easily accessible, and we can always call with technical questions. And if there is an unexpected issue, action is taken quickly.”

What is your outlook on the future of sun protection?
“During the Corona period, our sales took a huge leap. Everyone was at home, there was extra money, and it was spent on sun protection, among other things. Now, a few years later, this growth has normalized. We have time to 'land' and take stock. Last year, there was a lot of orientation, both offline and online. In recent months, we have been receiving many requests again and making good sales. Due to the turbulent situation in the world, we know that consumers have spent less and saved their money. This makes our expectation for 2025 positive. Because given the climatic developments, sun protection is no longer a 'nice to have' but a 'must-have'.”

For more information: www.zonwering-online.com