C3308 - Draperies as a business (including installation)

Operational Details
Drapery shops, like venetian blind shops, are committed to selling window coverings. The focus of employers in the drapery business is selling ready and custom made draperies to the general public.

Drapes are made out of cloth products and are initially cut out of bolts of fabric, stitched by a sewing machine, folded and creased by a drapery folding machine, weights added to the bottom, pressed with a commercial ironer, and hooks attached to the folds of the drapes.

Drapery shops call on the perspective customer and measurements are taken after consulting with the homeowner, commercial property owner, hotel owner, institution etc. to determine the patterns and colours desired. The order is taken back to the shop and assembled. In custom installations it is not unusual to have to order special materials from a textile manufacturer.

Delivery of the drapes are made by an installer, using a van or another vehicle that can hold the drapes, accessories and equipment needed for the installation. A ladder is normally used to attach a curtain or drapery rod across the top and width of the window openings. Hand and power tools such as drills and screw drivers are used. Once the drapery rod or bar is in place, the drapes are hung. Often sheers, that fit under the drapes form part of the drapery installation..

Drapery accessories include drapery rods, ornamental balls and attachments for the end of the rods, hooks, clips, screws, cords, drapery wands for opening and closing the drapes, metal and wooden rods and drapery bars. Incidental sales of venetian blinds, which are sometimes used as a substitute for curtains, are also included. This is most common in commercial applications. Often, a drapery and venetian blind store may compete for the same business.

SIC Codes
000000249 - Draperies