With all the major and secondary markets in the U.S. now covered, along with 80% of the tertiary areas and, most recently adding members in the top four markets of Canada, officials for Fuse Alliance told the membership at the group’s recent convention the time is now to start thinking as a national organization and not just as a group of individual companies serving their local markets.
When it comes to the resilient flooring, be it linoleum, vinyl, rubber, etc., the category is one of the few industries that can proudly say it has a long and rich American heritage. In fact, when you look at the major producers of resilient, many companies can trace their roots back to the 1800s.
As a retailer or hardwood flooring consumer, have you ever thought about the impact domestic wood manufacturers have—not only in the flooring world we all live in, but on the economy as a whole?
There remains a myth that most tile—especially higher-end tile—is made outside the USA. True, tile is indigenous to areas of the world such as the Mediterranean or Iberian regions where it was popularized first as roofing material (baked clay) and certainly as a decorative covering harkening to the days of the ancient Romans.
Manufacturing is the foundation of economic security, environmental sustainability and a country’s standard of living. In the United States, it employs two-thirds of scientists and engineers, produces 90% of U.S. patents, and represents more than half of our country’s research and development.
Today’s consumer is incredibly educated about what products she wants in her home. By the time she gets to the retail store she’s already visited flooring websites, blogs and message boards; she’s been to manufacturer websites, your store’s website, visited competitor sites, talked to her friends and compared products.
For many, Made in the USA is a sign of product quality, economic investment and some may even venture to say patriotism, and when it comes to buying floors, consumers’ standards and expectations remain the same.
Mention the importance of American-made products among your family, friends and business associates, and you’ll likely create some lively conversation and generate some strong opinions as well; it’s a subject about which many consumers are extremely passionate.
FCICA’s focus on training commercial installation/project managers was in full force at the group’s recent convention in St. Pete Beach near Tampa, Fla.
Since its opening in 1960, Detroit’s Cobo Center has become one of the country’s most famous venues, drawing visitors to the banks of the Detroit River for the nation’s premier auto shows, concerts, political conventions and an endless variety of other events.
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