Naperville, Ill.—After record sales of over $1.8 billion in 2001, the Floor Covering Consumer Credit Association (FC*CCA) is offering four promotions for 2002 through its Preferred Floor Covering Card. The Preferred Floor Covering Private Label Credit Card program, known throughout the industry as FLEX and now the Preferred Customer Card program, is offered jointly by FC*CCA and G.E. Card Services. “With cumulative sales of $8 billion since its inception in 1988, the end of 2001 marked a significant milestone for the association and the industry,” said Ron Dunn, chairman and CEO and chairman of CarpetsPlus of America.

Offering deferred financing helps the individual retailer to compete against the electronics industry and big box operations by being able to offer special promotional financing options, he noted. “In turn it gives them more and larger sales.” For example, the deferred credit promotions from 2001 is reflected in the following average ticket sales: private label, $2,211; Visa/Mastercard, $521, and cash, $750. According to Dunn, during the 14 years the private label card has been in existence the program has been promoted by more than 15,925 retailers.

Seasonal Promotions Through March 30, the “Spring Sale” promotion was the first of four to be offered during this year. It featured no payments and deferred interest until Jan. 30, 2003. A “Summer Sale” will run from May 24 to June 14, and will feature no payments for 12 months and deferred interest. From Aug. 22 to Sept. 13, the “Fall Sale” will offer no payments and deferred interest until Labor Day of 2003. And, finally a “Holiday Sale” will begin Oct. 29 and run through Nov. 18 offering no payments and deferred interest until Jan. 2004.

In addition to the promotions, a Preferred Business Customer Card offers installers, contractors and builders credit lines up to $50,000. After customer sale approval and processing, funds are deposited in the creditor’s local bank account within 24 hours. “This program eliminates accounts receivable from balance sheets and provides the cash liquidity needed to expand business and maintain inventory,” Dunn said. If the customer pays the balance in full each month he is awarded a no-interest 25-day grace period billing. Optional 60-day same-as-cash terms are also available.

Growth Opportunity “The Preferred Business Customer Card is one of the best opportunities available for growth within our industry,” explained Jim Gould, vice chairman and CEO of both Misco Shawnee and Color Tile. “It helps installers, contractors and builders to make purchases at your store rather than your competitors.” In other news, the following officers were re-elected: Ron Dunn, chairman; Jim Gould, vice chairman; Paul Comiskey, senior vice president of sales of Mohawk, is the secretary, and Roger Hunt, treasurer. The following three people were welcomed to the board of directors: Kim Holm, president of Mannington Mills residential; Katie McGrady of Solutia, and Linda Ziemienski, director of sales and field training for FC*CCA. New to the board is Tom Jennings, president of Bud Jennings Carpet One.

For more information on promotions or the association call 800/230-3539.