Having launched numerous initiatives aimed at curbing waste
and protecting the environment, Shaw Industries has developed a central theme
for its efforts. The company says its wide range of environmental stewardship
programs will now all be referred to as the Shaw Green Edge.
Consumers shopping for floor covering are anxious about high-pressure sales. They want information that reflects their individual needs and they say retailers-big and small-generally fail to follow up after a purchase to see if everything is okay. They note that specialty stores and big boxes each have their strengths and weaknesses.
Howard Olansky has been deeply involved in all aspects of the floor covering industry since 1955 when he joined Western Floors magazine as managing editor. He later became co-owner, editor and publisher of Specialist Publications - Western Floors and Eastern Floors (now National Floor Trends) Floor Covering Installer and ICS Cleaning Specialist magazines.
Claims resolution/handling remains a key part of business, according to flooring retailers participating in the just completed Flooring Retailer Claims Study. And, retailers concur that even one dissatisfied customer can negatively impact their business.
The hardwood floor market continues to thrive and prosper during a time of raw material shortages and price increases, according to the just-completed 2005 Hardwood Flooring Market Study conducted by National Floor Trends magazine in conjunction with the market research division of BNP Media.
The future of the ceramic tile segment continues to shine with a 16 percent increase projected in the next 18 months (chart 1), according to respondents of the just-completed Ceramic/Stone Tile Market Trends Study conducted by National Floor Trends magazine in partnership with the market research division of BNP Media.
You are holding a copy of the newly redesigned National Floor Trends magazine. National Floor Trends continues to be the only magazine that spotlights the style, flair and fashion of the floor covering industry. A redefined and enhanced look will be shown as you page through the issue.
More floor covering retailers/contractors are selling laminate floors, according to the just-completed 2004 Laminate Market Study conducted by the market research department of BNP Media in conjunction with the National Floor Trends editorial staff
Product reliability and quality, product design and styling, and distributor service/support are the top three attributes (aside from price) that affect the retailer/contractor's decision to sell/promote a particular brand or manufacturer of vinyl floor covering, according to respondents of the just-completed NFT 2004 Vinyl Flooring Market Study.