Article Number : 4594 |
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| Date | 6/23/2009 9:10:34 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=4594 |
| Abstract | One of the keys to Rite Rug’s success over the years has been partnering with the right suppliers. “Right” means those mills that never skimp on quality, offer a broad selection, deliver consistency, maintain their integrity and are aggressive at getting... |
| Article | One of the keys to Rite Rug’s success over the years has been partnering with the right suppliers. “Right” means those mills that never skimp on quality, offer a broad selection, deliver consistency, maintain their integrity and are aggressive at getting the business. Michael Goldberg, CEO, recently discussed what four of his largest suppliers bring to the table. Shaw “If you are going to take care of your customer, you need to make sure you have honest, honorable suppliers who care about winning—they are efficient, they are on their game, they are low-cost producers and they never compromise their integrity. That’s Shaw. You can be sure they are not cutting corners. “I’m also very confident of the product they make. I know if I use their wood, I don’t have to worry about Lacey Act. They bring a great product assortment, and it always comes in good. I wouldn’t do business with them if it didn’t. Their new Clear Touch is great. Shaw is also an energetic supplier, always trying to grow, always pushing. I like their aggressiveness. “I have known Shaw’s entire leadership for 20 years. I’ve known Randy [Merritt] and Vance [Bell] for 30 years. Their leadership has stayed constant. You won’t always like what they say, but they say it. And I respect them for it.” Armstrong “First and foremost, I think they are the best hard surface supplier. They know the hard surface game better than anyone else. Their sheer size makes them better. Armstrong brings more to the table for someone like me than any other hard surface manufacturer. When I sell Armstrong, I don’t worry that the government is going to come in with Lacey Act issues. I simply can’t afford to take chances. “Their individual people know the most. They are willing to listen. Frank Ready is accessible and he listens. He’s a good man. “Their recent hardwood introduction, with over 300 SKUs, are complete and beautiful. There are solid and engineered. There are exotics. There is space on our floor immediately and we will be stocking.” Mohawk “You can count on them to bring innovation and quality. They are a good, retail-oriented carpet mill offering a wide selection of styles to fit every customer’s budget. “About eight years ago we became a Mohawk Floorscapes dealer. It’s been a good arrangement for us. It’s a private-label brand, there are rebates, and Mohawk came in and re-did the showroom. “Mohawk also brings Karastan, what I believe to be the premier consumer carpet brand. It’s important to carry brand names and let people know you have them. Brands bring credibility, whether it is a manufacturer’s brand like Karastan, or a retail brand like Rite Rug with a 75-year history. When you put them together, it’s tough to beat. We carry Karastan, we sell Karastan, and I make it my business to make sure we support that mill.” Beaulieu “This company is now squarely among the top three mills; 10 years ago I may not have been able to say that. They have come a long way. I think Jeff [Meadows] and Ralph [Boe] do a great job of representing the company. “What’s more, Beaulieu makes great products, its styling is terrific and they are very competitive. The Bliss line with Silver Release is a whole other step. You have to have a handle to sell something, and it has handles. The marketing to women is great; the rack looks great. We buy a lot from them them.” |