Scott Sandlin, Shaw's vp of residential marketing, noted that this year's meetings will begin a full month earlier to help retailers prepare for the upcoming retail season.
"We've always tried to offer timely delivery for spring selling, but the way we grouped things together in the past led to some delays," he acknowledged. "This new format will allow us to provide better service."
The theme of the events is "In Motion," a name that aims to reflect Shaw's ventures "that have a significant impact on the future of Shaw and the industry as well," said Kathy Young, creative director for Shaw. Top among these projects is the Evergreen recycling plant and the company's new Epic hardwood plant.
"A lot is happening at Shaw now, and, simply put, we're in motion," Young added.
The markets will kick off Dec. 6-8 in Huntington Beach, Calif., and include stops in: Glendale, Ariz., Dec. 11-13; Baltimore, Dec. 12-13; Kansas City, Kan., Dec. 15-16; St. Louis, Jan. 8-9; San Ramon, Calif., Jan. 8-10; Sacramento, Jan. 10-12; Chicago, Jan. 11-12; Dallas, Jan. 11-13; Atlanta, Jan. 18-19; Foxwoods, Conn., Jan. 23-24; Seattle and Tampa, Fla., Jan. 25-26; Omaha, Jan. 26-27; Atlantic City, Jan. 28-31; Belterra, Ind., Jan. 29-Feb. 3; Charlotte, N.C., Jan. 31-Feb.1; and Toronto, Ontario, Feb. 1-2. The 2007 markets will conclude Feb. 15-16 in Tunica, Miss.