A big objective for us at National Floor Trends has always been to take the pulse of the flooring industry. We fix our gaze on issues that are likely to shape and influence the business, and seek the input of people who are truly plugged in.
National Floor Trends asked flooring industry leaders to discuss some of the issues that are topping their agenda these days-and how they are dealing with them. Although they agree that the spike in fuel prices is a major challenge, they make it clear that it is, by now, a well-established trend.
Although an extensive tour of Tarkett's manufacturing facility in Florence, Ala., revealed no workers chiseling away at wood beams, the company's new line of luxury resilient flooring may have some consumers guessing otherwise.
I just got off the phone with Warren Tyler and now I have this sudden urge to go out and sell something, or start a new company, or, better yet, climb Mt. Everest. He has that effect on people. Lack of ability-be it selling or climbing-is not what weighs us down. It is lack of willpower, lack of imagination and our innate aversion to risk. This is what Warren has taught countless people over nearly five decades in the flooring business.
Retailers love resilient. Apart from being a reliable money maker, they see the flooring category as a viable alternative to more costly hard surface options. It is also an area where sales people believe they can greatly influence customer purchase decisions.
The big oil companies have them; so do drug makers, farmers and labor unions. It stands to reason that the flooring industry has advocates going to bat for those working at all levels of the business. Still it seems that few outside the industry truly understand how flooring is produced, marketed and installed.
By far the strongest category in hard surface flooring, hardwood is poised for continued growth this year and beyond. Our exclusive retailer survey indicates there are challenges related to competition, pricing and the many manufacturers vying for attention. And, despite the addition of new species, oak remains the overwhelming favorite among consumers.
At last month's Surfaces in Las Vegas this much was clear: The industry is becoming stronger, faster and leaner-and everybody knows it. The show hit a homerun not because show organizers managed to outdraw all 16 previous shows or because there were more exhibitors than ever clamoring for attention. More and more, those who rely on retailer support are viewing the business through the eyes of the people who run the stores and sell to consumers.
This year's Surfaces is likely to reinforce two dynamics that are shaping the flooring industry: The suppliers are becoming more global and the retailers are becoming more local. And the evolving nature of the business will not be hard to spot during the Feb. 1-3 show at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas.