From the 2023 Starnet Annual Meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona, Starnet President and CEO Mark Bischoff gives an overview of the commercial flooring market—which is growing despite a chaotic economic environment and challenging headwinds.
Total comparable store sales decreased 15.4% versus the same period last year. Gross margin of 36.6% decreased 70 basis points as a percentage of sales, driven by $2.1 million in incremental costs related to customs delays on flooring products that contain PVC as a consequence of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act.
After increasing by 11% in 2022, U.S. imports of multilayered wood flooring through February are down by more than 27% in volume versus the same period last year, according to the U.S. International Trade Commission.
With the U.S. residential sector slowed by rising mortgage rates and inflation, supply chain issues, and labor shortages, the U.S. ceramic tile market experienced a slight downturn last year.
Thedata indicates greatly diminished pricing power among wholesalers and others, according to Associated Builders and Contractors Chief Economist Anirban Basu.
AHF Products Chief Commercial Officer Jennifer Zimmerman offers guidance on ensuring compliance with the The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA): buy from U.S. manufacturers who only source from within the U.S. or who have well-vetted foreign supply chains.
As a member of the Fuse alliance, contractors have access to exclusive training and educational programs, and the annual meeting provides a platform for collaboration among members, allowing them to share best practices, industry knowledge, and business opportunities.
Universal Fibers, a producer of solution-dyed synthetic filament-based fibers based in Bristol, Virginia, has announced "You First", a campaign that emphasizes its commitment to creating fiber for customers who use the fiber to make carpet.
Ohio Valley Flooring announced a strategic partnership to provide Schönox subfloor product technologies, training, and support across Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia, and western Pennsylvania.
