Although consumer and business confidence has not yet come roaring back this year as we would all like it to, our industry as a whole is still a stalwart presence in the economy that is holding steady. One key bright spot showing itself at Coverings was the large number of truckload orders distributors placed with us last week. This tells me that North American distributors are still cautiously optimistic about the second half of the year. The demand is still there. And, most importantly for our American Olean and Marazzi brands, these truckload purchases communicate that distributors are holding firm in their confidence that North American manufacturers are still the preferred way to service their needs.  

North American manufactured brands, such as American Olean and Marazzi, have a distinct competitive advantage over imports when it comes to fulfilling the quick-turn demands and expectations that have become the norm in the industry. We are able to provide our customers with superior reliability/availability. Our domestic production also empowers our brands to respond very quickly to a changing marketplace and new trends, as we can accelerate the speed to market for new products. 

In addition, North American production helps ensure that our brands offer the highest levels of quality and performance; quality and reliability being two of the most important factors in a distributor’s purchasing decision. Our brands are proud of the long-standing relationships we have with a network of the finest distributors in North America. In the marketplace, this desire for quality products trickles down to the retailers and the professional installer. A solid product helps minimize claims, lost time on a job and helps create repeat business. Distributors know we stand behind our products and will always support our customers.    

Another thing that the many truckload orders conveyed last week was a discerning appetite for products that offer a solid price/value relationship. Successful distributors are not looking for the cheapest price. They are looking for the best value. I’m proud that our American Olean and Marazzi brands solidly offer that type of value to our distributors.  

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