Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC)

Increasing Impact


Challenge

In an effort to help reduce the number of potentially fatal incidents in which children become entangled in window covering cords, the Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC) engaged Kellen to raise awareness of the potential child safety hazards posed by certain corded window covering products and to promote the use of only cordless products in homes with young children.

Solution

Kellen launched a comprehensive public education campaign incorporating manufacturer and retailer partnerships, editorial coverage, national spokespersons, social media promotion, a national television public service announcement, the establishment of Window Covering Safety Month®, and public safety awareness of the potential hazards of corded window coverings. Kellen also utilized influencers to disseminate safety messages to new parents to adapt to shifting online behaviors. Further, Kellen helped market a major new initiative to drive purchases of appropriate window covering products for homes with small children, including retail integration to help consumers identify products marked with the Best for Kids® certification. In addition, Kellen coordinated and launched an awareness campaign to educate consumers and manufacturers about historic new U.S. safety standards which require all stock products to be cordless or have inaccessible cords, reducing the number of corded window coverings in the U.S. market.


Results

  • The WCSC program has averaged more than 1.5 billion media impressions annually
  • Regular inclusion in baby-proofing checklists from key parenting outlets and online influencers
  • Collaboration with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and industry stakeholders to support Window Covering Safety Month
  • According to Caravan Opinion Research, 88% of the target audience is now aware of the potential hazards to children posed by corded window covering products
  • Best for Kids® certified products are now available from a variety of manufacturers in major U.S. retailers

 

Media Coverage