The late Marvin Berlin, a visionary retailer credited with growing New York Carpet World from a two-store chain in 1967 to more than 250 stores in 17 states by 1996, will be inducted posthumously into the World Floor Covering Association’s Flooring Industry Hall of Fame. His legacy will be honored during an industry dinner and induction ceremony coinciding with the WFCA’s 50th anniversary, set for Oct. 2, 2009, in Scottsdale, Ariz. He is the 37th inductee.

“Marv Berlin was a trailbrazer in retail floor covering,” said D. Christopher Davis, president & CEO of the WFCA. “Most if not all of his innovations are commonplace practice to multi-store operations or buying groups today.”

Berlin is championed for his innovative management and information systems, which became models for multi-store merchandising, private labeling and advertising for retailers and industry buying groups. As early as 1980, Berlin envisioned the concept of a portable, computerized measuring, calculating and selling system.

Along with his keen understanding of technology, Berlin is also remembered for his personal touch. He was well-known for visiting virtually every store in the New York Carpet World chain at least once a year. He is also remembered as a philanthropist who made giving “a key part of his daily life,” the WFCA said.