Article Number : 3672 |
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| Date | 9/22/2008 9:48:03 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=3672 |
| Abstract | Move over Bob Barker. Armstrong has been playing host for the past month to its latest, and most talked about, promotion, “What’s the Big Deal?” and while much attention has focused on the grand prize, there may never have been a program to offer this breadth of monthly prizes... |
| Article | Move over Bob Barker. Armstrong has been playing host for the past month to its latest, and most talked about, promotion, “What’s the Big Deal?” and while much attention has focused on the grand prize, there may never have been a program to offer this breadth of monthly prizes. The contest kicked off Aug. 1 and runs through Nov. 31. More than 6,000 retailers from across the country are participating and hundreds will win. And they will win big. In addition to some serious cash rewards, the company is offering an array of exciting prizes ranging from a Caribbean cruise to trips to more than 100 destinations around the world; stock car racing to Daytona 500 tickets; travel adventures— shark diving or surf lessons to a Napa wine tour, and merchandise such as the iPod Touch, Nintendo Wii, hundreds of flat screen TVs and the hottest computers. Musical instruments such as Fender guitars are available along with tickets to Broadway shows and today’s hottest concerts, including Madonna. So what specific prizes have the retailers set their sights on? Well, it’s no surprise that most are holding out for the green stuff. “I’m not very familiar with all the prizes, but I’ve looked at the electronics,” said Rosalia Morini, Packard Flooring Supply, Farmingdale, N.Y. “But what’s motivating me the most are the monthly cash prizes and, of course, the large money prize.” Ken Lewis, Smart Carpet, Manasquan, N.J., agreed. “The money would be great!” Ray Fujimori, Carpet Isle Flooring America, Hilo, Hawaii, is simply focusing on the grand prize. “I’m not familiar with all the monthly prizes.” When asked how he would spend any cash prize he said, “I would look to give a portion to the people who help me. We’re one big family here, and it’s always been a team effort.” But not every retailer is eyeballing the cash prizes. Take Stan Carvell, Floors Direct, Melbourne, Fla., who is thinking small to start out. “The cash prizes weren’t much of an incentive because we are in a smaller market and up against some heavy hitters around the country. It’s more the merchandise. Without a doubt the HDTVs are attractive.” Carvell said he is just happy to have some recognition. “With most programs you work for a long period of time and get little incentive. With this one you get some major rewards. I’m a big proponent of Armstrong, and this program shows how generous it is.” The Floors Direct location in Stuart, Fla., also has a leader among the ranks. Richard Phillips is hoping to win a vacation for his family, and it doesn’t have to be to some exotic locale. “I’d be happy to win some plane tickets to offset some of the cost of the entire vacation. I’d probably be looking at something in the mountains of eastern Tennessee.” On a smaller scale, he would be happy to win some of the clothing and tools that are being offered. Also in the Sunshine State, Paul Hoambrecker, Carpet Store, St. Petersburg, Fla., is looking at HDTVs for his family room and a new propane grill for the patio area. “If I can accrue some more points I’ll see what I can add to the list. We’re pushing the brand pretty hard, so I may be able to fund all the Christmas gifts for my family. “I’ve been in the business for more than 20 years, and I have never seen a program like this,” he concluded. |