Floor covering retailer Fred Reinhart, owner of Reinhart Carpet Outlet of Philadelphia, discusses activities at the company since his succession plan has been executed four years ago and the positive changes that have been initiated in the operation, including the introduction of industry-specific software, the addition of a second location and soon to be a third location as well as product offering expansion. Reinhart talks about the economy in Philadelphia and what that has meant for the business as well as the company’s residential and commercial business.

Dave Elyachar, founder of Big Bob’s Flooring Outlets, shares his views on the future of online sales in the floor covering sector and the optimal method for independent retailers to capitalize on it. He also discusses the industry’s shortage of qualified installers as he offers some possible long-term solutions, such as programs in the nation’s vocational schools. Elyuchar also discusses the drop in carpet’s market share and possible avenues to reversing the decline.

Dave Elyachar, founder of Big Bob’s Flooring Outlets, talks about retailers enhancing the customer experience in their stores, the changing relationship manufacturers have with independent retailers, and changes which might occur among large manufactures going forward. He also discusses the shrinking size of the independent retail community and what the future may bring as he estimates the market share of the big box retailers.

Dave Elyachar, founder of Big Bob’s Flooring Outlet, talks about life after the sale of the Big Bob’s unit and the operation of his three Big Bob’s locations in the Kansas City area. Elyuchar also discusses the business model of his three stores, the considerable competition in the market, and the tact taken by the company to better compete with the presence of 44 big box locations as well as Nebraska Furniture Mart.

Jeff King, legal counsel for World Floor Covering Association (WFCA), discusses the issue of overtime pay for hourly workers and managers and the problems involved in setting a minimum national salary threshold.

John Simonson, president of Webstream Dynamics and Five Star Store Reviews, talks about the advantages of floor covering retailers discussing installation on their websites. He also recommends retailers also include on their websites specials on the most popular products, changing those specials every month. Also discussed is the importance of including reviews on retail websites and actions retailers can take to encourage the flow of reviews.

John Simonson, president of Webstream Dynamics and Five Star Store Reviews, talks about the priorities and approach he recommends to his retail floor covering clients with regard to putting specials and unique content on their websites. He talks about the necessity of making websites mobile friendly and including unique education material to inform consumers. Also discussed is the importance of having reviews on retail websites.