Paul Friederichsen, president of Brand Biz, talks about the challenges facing retailers over the next 10 years, including those from home improvement retailers and online retailers, as well as the changing marketplace and how to prepare. Friederichsen discusses the need for retailers to embrace technology, such as industry specific software, and bringing excitement to the retail sales floor with technology. He also talks about the need for an effective website.

John Simonson, president Webstream Dynamics, talks about the necessity for independent retailers to become digitally proficient to remain competitive in light of the growing competition at the retail level. Simonson defines digital proficiency, the attributes retail website should possess to be effective, the process of selecting a web developer, the necessity for retail sites to be effective on mobile phones and tablets, and developing leads with suppliers and other programs.

John Simonson, president Webstream Dynamics, talks about the necessity for independent retailers to become digitally proficient to remain competitive in light of the growing competition at the retail level. Simonson defines digital proficiency, the attributes retail websites should possess to be effective, the process of selecting a web developer, the necessity for retail sites to be effective on mobile phones and tablets, and developing leads with suppliers and other programs.

John Simonson, president Webstream Dynamics, talks about the necessity for independent retailers to become digitally proficient to remain competitive in light of the growing competition at the retail level. Simonson defines digital proficiency, the attributes retail websites should possess to be effective, the process of selecting a web developer, the necessity for retail sites to be effective on mobile phones and tablets, and developing leads with suppliers and other programs.

David Hartman, president of Alexandria Associates, from Coverings 2017 discusses the show, its exhibitors, the new products as well as the new technology and designs on display. Hartman shares his thoughts on consolidation within the European and U.S. ceramic sector and the forces that make it attractive for many players. He also discusses movement among distributors and manufactures in opening retail locations, attrition in the U.S. retail community, online retail activity, and service levels among independent retailers.

David Romano, founder and president of Benchmark and educational provider for the World Floor Covering Association University (WFCAU), discusses the educational needs of the industry’s retailers, managers, and sales professionals, and the resistance many seem to have to attending the association’s educational camps. He also estimates the value of specific training to a retailer’s bottom line.

David Romano, founder and president of Benchmark and educational provider for the World Floor Covering Association University (WFCAU), discusses the educational needs of the industry’s retailers, managers, and sales professionals, and the resistance many seem to have to attending the association’s educational camps. He also estimates the value of specific training to a retailer’s bottom line.