The introduction of thin panel porcelain tile or thin tile porcelain panels – or which for now seems to be the most popular name, thin porcelain tile (TPT) – is quickly revolutionizing the tile market.
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.
Connecting with customers is vital to the success of any business. Flooring contractors are no different, but which customers and how? Who do you spend time with—architects, designers, end users or general contractors? What about product manufacturers?
Throughout my flooring career as a retail sales advisor, store manager, mill rep, product knowledge training manual author, layout tool inventor and columnist I’ve always taken a deep interest in selling area rugs.
With the advent of the Internet, U.S. consumers have seen more change in the past 15 years than any equivalent time period in our history and the changes that are yet to come are not only mind boggling they are potentially life threatening for some floor covering retailers.
When it comes to brands, there have been a plethora of studies and multiple opinions on the subject. But one thing is abundantly clear: Brands do matter—whether they are internationally known or only to people in your hometown.
Standing out among the crowd isn’t always easy, but with the help of recognized personalities and household names, retailers have the opportunity of putting their products in the spotlight and separating themselves from the pack—especially if they sell rugs, which is where the majority of these licensed brands are going.