Our panelists project future growth in the commercial segment with increases from 13% in rubber floors; stone, 17%; vinyl, 14%; laminate floors, 15%; wood, 17%; carpet, 19%; and ceramic tile, 18%.
According to the respondents, computers/software will be the top area of increased investment planned within the next two years at 57% (multiple responses allowed), followed by showroom design; and training and education at 51% each; marketing and advertising, 41%; sales staff personnel, 40%; trucks/vans, 34%; communications equipment, 31%; in-house installation services, 20%; and none of the above, 5%. (Chart 1)