The 42 retailers representing the National Floorcovering Alliance (NFA) gathered in Newport, R.I., in October to plan for winter market and to strategize for 2018. While this group accounts for more than $1 billion in annual sales, their discussions encompassed many of the same topics that concern flooring retailers of all sizes: finding skilled installers, recruiting and retaining quality sales people, succession planning, growing sales and negotiating pricing with suppliers.
Catching up on friendships and spending time with family is also a focus of the event, and the NFA is kind to include the flooring media as part of that family. Like any retail buying group, the board decides who to let into these meetings, and we at Floor Trends are honored to be invited. Although we can’t report on a lot of what we hear—I mean, no business owner wants their strategic planning revealed to local and national competitors—it is insightful to learn about the inner workings of their business, make contacts and hear about hot-button topics.