Dalton, Ga.—The Dixie Group reported slight gains in residential sales for the second quarter 2018 with sales strongest through the company’s independent retail channels.

“Our residential sales were up 4.0% for the quarter with the industry, we estimate, being up slightly as compared to the prior year,” said Daniel K. Frierson, chairman and chief executive officer, in a company statement.

In 2018, Dixie reintroduced the Masland Energy collection targeted at the Main Street commercial business.

“Our Energy products are highly stylized and feature type 6, 6 nylon delivering the performance required by the most demanding segments of the commercial market,” Frierson said.

Dixie also launched the Fabrica wood line with initial selective distribution in the southeast United States, featuring flooring and companion wood wall coverings.

“The line will include French oak, maple and birch with a style and quality consistent with the high-end quality of Fabrica’s brand,” Frierson noted.

For the second quarter ending June 30, 2018, the company’s second quarter net sales were down 0.7% as compared to the same period in 2017, while the industry was flat, the company said. The company had net sales of $106,438,000 as compared to $107,187,000 in 2017. Frierson reported that commercial business in the second quarter was down 10.1%.

“We did benefit from the reorganization of our commercial business this past fall with lower selling and administrative expenses,” Frierson said. “Our commercial team, led by David Hobbs, has a number of new offerings for 2018 with particular emphasis on new modular carpet tile offerings.

Looking ahead, Dixie reported that floor covering sales for the first four weeks of the third quarter are down approximately 2.2% versus the same period in 2017 with residential business continuing to outperform our commercial business.

For more information, visit www.thedixiegroup.com.