BERKELEYHEIGHTS, N.J.—With winter in full swing, Americans are staying indoors and looking—to their floors and Yellow Pages— for a quick and inexpensive way to punch up their home decor. The Yellow Pages’ “Carpet and Rug Dealers” heading receives the highest usage... more

During the 1989 winter market, BASF made capital at the Capital City Club in Atlanta with a big bash that attracted many of the industry’s executives. At the soiree, this foursome spent some time discussing the market, the people and the products—that’s called southern comfort... more

CHATTANOOGA, TENN.—Propex announced it has filed a motion with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court here to approve a sale process and sell all its assets to an affiliate of Wayzata Investment Partners (or other entity in the sale process). The transaction would take place on or before March 24... more

KNOXVILLE, TENN.— One of the biggest challenges faced by the industry is dealers finding, maintaining and managing good quality installers. While a number of national associations and programs have helped train and certify installers and help raise the profession to a new level, the problem of connecting these professionals with retailers... more

MEDIA, PA.—Two years after successfully emerging from a Chapter 11 process with a reorganization plan that repaid creditors in full and allowed equity holders to retain their interests in the company, Foamex International has once again sought the protection of the bankruptcy courts... more

All Tile at 40. In October 1988, All Tile celebrated its 40th anniversary at an open house and showed off its new facility. The distributor had many guests—all well wishers—and they enjoyed a full program of festivities... more

LAS VEGAS—They may not have a crystal ball but, because of their place in the supply chain, executives from the industry’s largest manufacturing suppliers see things from more of a bird’s eye view as their businesses deal with companies of all shapes and sizes and from numerous points around the world. So when the presidents and CEOs from the biggest flooring companies come together... more

WOODBURY, N.Y.—On June 25, 1958, a group of retailers from the local region dedicated to honesty and integrity in their businesses, joined together for “the improvement, betterment and advancement of the interests and welfare of the members of the floor covering industry working or residing in the geographical area of Long Island... more

By Louis Iannaco

In every wholesale operation, stacks, bundles and rolls of raw material and finished products of various shapes, sizes and weights must be moved. Excessive and inefficient material handling eats into productivity/profits. And manual material handling opens the door to the risk of costly injuries... more

By Louis Iannaco

Wholesaler-distributors are becoming more and more dependent on technology and equipment to boost productivity and cut expenses. Increased use of the Internet and heavy reliance on automated equipment to move merchandise efficiently has created additional causes of loss for these companies... more