Article Number : 5294 |
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| Date | 2/17/2010 9:17:26 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=5294 |
| Abstract | ATLANTA, GA, February 16, 2009—Surfaces 2010 proved to be a viable market for Wools of New Zealand and its 23 exhibiting partners. Mill partners were encouraged by the quality of retailers in attendance and the increase in sample orders over last year. During the show... |
| Article | ATLANTA, GA, February 16, 2009—Surfaces 2010 proved to be a viable market for Wools of New Zealand and its 23 exhibiting partners. Mill partners were encouraged by the quality of retailers in attendance and the increase in sample orders over last year. During the show, Wools of New Zealand held a press event and agent/retailer breakfast to launch its new integrity brand—Laneve—along with its new WoolTouch Benefit System, training tools, point-of-sales materials and in-store programs. Retailers and agents packed the room to learn about these new initiatives and to take advantage of the work being done to strengthen the wool industry. “Wools of New Zealand is taking wool in new directions of growth and we are excited to be part of their programs”, says Paul Chapman, vice chairman and president of ABC Carpet & Home in New York. “They’ve covered all the bases with tools that train our sales staff, encourage consumer confidence at the point-of-sale and excite the market. We applaud their efforts and are proud to partner with them.” Paula Hencke of Synergy Floor Covering in Denver, Colorado agrees, “Wools of New Zealand is encouraging retailers who are serious about wool to step up their efforts and are rewarding that commitment with initiatives that make a bottom-line difference. We didn’t question participation and were one of the first to sign up.” Chapman and Hencke are referring to Wools of New Zealand’s Premier Partner Program. To participate, retailers must pay a $500 annual fee, carry at least 3 mill partner lines, and have their staff to take an online wool training course. In return, Premier Partners get exclusive benefits, like “Wool for a Better World”, a consumer event which will run this fall. Aside from the promotion of an extensive wool sale, Wools of New Zealand will support “Wool for a Better World” with retail promotional materials and a sale-based donation to Heiffer International’s Shear Joy program, which provides sheep to needy families in third world countries. “Our goal is to bring fresh thinking to our partners that are built on a solid foundation of education and in-store support,” says Elise Demboski, Executive Director of Wools of New Zealand. The programs we launched at Surfaces are just the beginning of the many ways we will differentiate retailers who are committed to excellence and recognize the value of selling wool carpets and rugs.” |