Initially introduced to the market on laminate flooring in the late 1990s, glueless, or click mechanical locking systems crossed over to the hardwood category in the early 2000s. With the introduction of these glue-free locking systems, installing hardwood floors became as easy as 1, 2, 3.

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.

Selecting the right flooring for a space not only adds to its look, but experience and overall feel. That is one of the main points designers said when Floor Trends polled them to find out just what they’re looking for when designing for commercial spaces.

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.

Softer carpet options, wider plank hard surface choices and large rectangular tiles are just a few of the new and innovative product trends Shaw is featuring for retailers and consumers for 2014.