Like so many other
products today, flooring is being revolutionized by the green movement, and
Mannington has responded to the call by continuing to look for ways to produce
goods that have less impact on the environment.
The Chicago Museum of
Science and Industry recently opened a new “green” exhibit “. . . for guests to
see the latest innovations in reusable resources, smart energy consumption, and
clean, healthy living environments in a contemporary setting. Conceived by
Michelle Kaufmann Designs, the country’s leading designer of sustainable, green
homes, the Smart Home: Green + Wired exhibit
celebrates exciting new directions in sustainable living and environmentally friendly technologies for the
21st century.”
“Higher
costs for fuel and other disposable goods will not reduce consumer desire to
add or replace durables such as flooring,” says Vern Eliason, Director of
Retail Sales for American General Financial Services. “The key to success in
the coming months is in making products affordable for the average consumer so
that they can fulfill their desires.”
Like all flooring
segments that have taken a hit during these tough economic times, laminate is a
category in transition. One top executive estimated that sales for the product
will be off by 15 percent this year. Another noted that overall volume may drop
as much as 24 percent. Despite the rocky road, laminate makers say the category
remains durable, dependable and full of surprises. They point to advances in
technology and aesthetics, along with relatively low price points, as reasons
why the category will remain a strong contender for the consumer’s dollar - especially
for those who increasingly find themselves on a budget.
While
“Green” – as in “environmental sustainability” – has long been a driving force
in the commercial flooring business, the gauge to measure standards is evolving
rapidly. The gold standard remains the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership
in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification process, but now that
environmental considerations are a dominant theme other third-party ratings
processes are elbowing their way onto the scene.
Floor covering
retailers should know three things about today’s consumers: They have done
their homework (usually online) before visiting the store. They are aware of
what your competition has, particularly the big box stores They expect you to be an expert on flooring
and ensure them a professional installation job.
While much of
flooring is feeling the sting of a sluggish economy, there are some segments
that are bouncing back. A case in point is resilient. Manufacturers and
retailers say they are beginning to see an uptick in consumer sales,
particularly in upper-end residential vinyl floors. They say consumers who are
eager to find flooring that offers a fresh look and high durability at a
reasonable price are increasingly opting for vinyl.
The good news for
those working in the tile and stone segment is that even in the face of a
challenging environment, there are clear signs that the category is strong and
poised for increased sales in the near future. The 242 retailers participating
in our exclusive survey confirm that the wide assortment of tile and stone
products remains a core element of their merchandise mix and an area they
frequently pitch to their customers.
A range of companies including Tate Access Floors, Amorim, GranitiFiandre, Couristan, and Balta Group recently revamped their websites with new tools and updated product information. Here is a roundup of the additions to the newly enhanced websites.
RSS
