ATLANTA—More than 60 vendors kicked off 2018 at the Southeast Flooring Market, held at Atlanta’s Cobb Galleria Centre. Hundreds of flooring buyers from the region came to check out 2018 introductions and network with their local sales representatives, and Mohawk and Shaw exhibited in their own spaces, kicking off a month of regional shows for the manufacturers.
There was a general consensus of optimism about the New Year and business among those in attendance. Randy Shoates, the Dalton sales manager for Southwind Carpet Mills, said 2017 was the best year he’s seen in his 40 years in the flooring business. “Hard surface has really taken over,” he said. “Business is completely different now than when I started, but now I’m selling to everyone’s grandkids.”