SWIFT CHANGE: Gerry Swift, executive vice president of Potomac Floor Covering, was very optimistic when interviewed at Starnet’s Fall Meeting in Vancouver earlier this month. Attending the group’s first Canadian meeting, Swift said, “After a dismal four years, things have begun to... more

I don’t know how many distributors did not make the trip to Colorado Springs, Colo., for the annual NAFCD meeting, but those who sat on the sidelines missed what is annually one of the industry’s most informative 90 minutes: the economic forecast from either Alan or Brian Beaulieu, the twin principals of... more

PREFERENCE: How often have you heard this mantra: The three most important elements in the real estate business are location-location-location. Well, the three most important elements in the retail business are service-service-service. A recent survey found that 55% of consumers have become... more

So you saw the headline on page 1 (print edition), right? The one about FCNews sponsoring the 2011 Educational Conference at Surfaces? The conference that for the first time is being offered at no charge to Surfaces attendees? Just in case you missed that point, I’ll repeat it: at... more

GOOD SIGN: New construction on housing units inched up in September, the third straight monthly increase and a sign the sector may be stabilizing after the removal of government stimulus, according to the Commerce Department. Starts rose .3% to a seasonally adjusted... more

I always say attend a National Floorcovering Alliance meeting, keep your ears open and your mouth shut and you head home a smarter individual. That’s because these retailers are the best of the... more

HERE’S A TWIST: Domotex Hannover is calling for entries in a competition of top designers of handmade carpets. The winners are to be honored at the 2011 event, Jan. 15 to 18. But, Domotex has taken an unprecedented step: for the first time the competition will... more

Floor Covering News is looking for a few good friends. Or likes. Specifically, I’m talking about the FCNews Facebook page, which we set up this past spring... more

I’M WITH HIM: Warren Buffett ruled out a second recession in the U.S. and said businesses owned by his Berkshire Hathaway are growing. The Omaha Oracle is so right so often, logic dictates you agree with him. “I am a huge bull on this country,” he said last week in remarks to the Montana Economic Development Summit. “We will not have... more

Over the past 15 years I’ve found myself in some of this country’s most attractive retail floor covering showrooms. Lewis Floor and Home in Northbrook, Ill., comes to mind. So does Sam O’Krent’s place in San Antonio. The latest to join my list is the Abbey corporate store in Naples, Fla., the quintessential... more