Partnerships between global flooring manufacturers and locally owned shops continue to rise. As large businesses seek stronger relationships with the people on the front lines locally—architects, designers, end users, and contractors and retailers—the once competitive landscape is evolving to reveal new relationships.
With four decades in the flooring industry, I’ve learned that smaller specialty shops can offer mature partners access to new customers, innovative flooring products, new management techniques and opportunities to ride the coattails of a small business’ progressive image. What follows are some tips and what every small business owner should do before forming a partnership with a large flooring brand.