In an effort to "attract, inform and inspire" more consumers, Armstrong said it has designed its web site, Armstrong.com. The new design places an emphasis on drawing shoppers to a specific Armstrong store by letting retailers offer access to Armstrong design tools on the store's own web site.

"With a carefully planned Web site redesign, Armstrong is taking its award-winning Armstrong.com to new level," said the company in announcing the redesign. "The goal is to attract, inform and inspire more consumers - including an emphasis on Spanish-speaking consumers - and, ultimately, drive them to local retailers. After visiting the site, consumers also should be far more likely to find exactly what they want.

One of the most notable changes will be seen in May. Stores will be able to feature Armstrong-created web tools on their own store Web sites by simply including a link. They can offer the Floor Selector, a complete Armstrong floor product catalog and selection center, or Design a Room, a tool that lets customers see various options available from Armstrong.

The company said Armstrong.com is "on track to reach nearly half of all hard-surface floor buyers in 2005." It noted that the web site has been hailed by e-commerce groups for it quality and high traffic.