When you include the exotic species that have entered the market, contemporary hardwood floors are available in practically infinite variety. Sales in this category are up. And because almost every retailer carries the product, the consumer has an easy time finding the merchandise.
But the word that far too often comes to my mind when I walk into many floor covering stores is boring. When it comes to how the product is displayed, I rarely see much in the way of imagination. And by keeping their presentations so mundane, a lot of retailers are missing an opportunity -- an opportunity not only for a sale, but for a trade-up sale.