For those readers who haven’t noticed, the trade press has improved greatly over the years. I recently came back to Floor Trends after a brief time and for months didn’t receive copies of the magazine. When they were finally delivered, I read 10 copies cover to cover.
The information contained within was startling. Everything from floor prep to best practices, how retailers advertise and stories on famous retailers like Nebraska Furniture Mart and others. This along with features on how to use social media, merchandising groups, improving websites, hiring and training practices and other knowledge every retailer should have but can’t get just from running their business—including listening to reps and especially using the knowledge of prior generations. It’s a whole new world out there. The difference in quality of Floor Trends magazine (and, to be fair, other industry publications) from even a few years ago is remarkable.