Niki Nu Lites is a brilliant new take on an age-old product: the lamp. This self-assembly lighting system allows users to create lamps in dozens of beautiful shapes from polypropylene plastic, a translucent recycled material. “It is a bit like putting together a puzzle, and people enjoy the challenge. Once you build one, you can take it apart and reassemble it in another shape,” says Nicole Hillman who, along with her husband Tracy, owns the company.
Perfect night light for kids
Niki Nu Lites can be used both indoors and outdoors. “They are easy to clean, and adults and kids love them,” Hillman reports. “People use them to decorate weddings, receptions, bistros, bars, and for holidays. The basic round lamp is the most popular, and it requires 30 pieces.” A You Tube video demonstrates step-by-step instructions. “Another very popular use has been in the nursery or kids’ rooms as a comforting night light.” Niki Nu Lites supplies 22 patterns, and some shapes require more than 30 pieces. One design, for example, requires 120 pieces, or four kits. “People have also figured out how to make animals, hearts and other shapes. It is like creating a work of art, and they are great conversation starters,” Hillman shares. The company continues to develop new designs, shapes, colors, and patterns. Each shape is powered by a certified lamp cord, or can be easily converted and installed around any existing lighting fixture or lamp.
12 colors and 4 sizes
Niki Nu Lites are available in 12 colors, and kits are available in four sizes, from small to extra large. The product is packaged flat and is easy to ship. Vendors can choose to sell Niki Nu Lites as kits or to make and sell them as finished products. “Either way, they make enormous profits,” Hillman comments. Pricing is tiered, and wholesale starts at $5.50 for small, $6.50 for medium, $7.50 for large and $11 for extra large. Retail is from $25 to $55 apiece. “Typically vendors sell the medium size lamp for $30 to $35, but we have one retailer who sells it for $85,” she notes. The minimum order is 30 kits, and vendors can mix sizes and colors.
In addition to the lamp kits, Niki Nu Lites also sells accessories such as a 12 foot lamp cord with an on/off switch, and an LED color changing bulb with a remote. “We like to place the LED bulb inside the white plastic pieces. It changes the color of the lamp from the inside out, and has 16 colors to choose from. It is our favorite combination for party lights or can be very soothing in a room as a mood relaxer. Any energy efficient or LED bulb, white or colored, is suggested for lighting up a Niki Nu Lite,” Hillman states.
Originally sold for $300
The light was originally created by the Danish designer Holger Strom in 1972. “Initially, it was only created in white and sold for over $300. Since then, colored plastics and patterns for new shapes have been developed to enhance its excitement and versatility,” Hillman continues. The Hillmans were the first to introduce the lamp to the wholesale and retail market. “Because of the open manufacturing market, there are a lot of variances in the quality and durability of plastics. We pride ourselves on keeping the quality of our plastic high and still making Niki Nu Lites affordable for every business interested in adding them to their product line.”
Niki Nu Lites
Tel.: 208-221-7887
Website: www.nikinulites.com