Article Number : 849 |
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| Date | 2/2/2006 9:02:56 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=849 |
| Abstract | BIG CHANGE: It seems the dynamic has shifted in the consumer’s mindset when it comes to buying carpet. Beaulieu of America had an exclusive survey conducted among more than 2,200 people who recently purchased carpet... |
| Article | BIG CHANGE: It seems the dynamic has shifted in the consumer’s mindset when it comes to buying carpet. Beaulieu of America had an exclusive survey conducted among more than 2,200 people who recently purchased carpet. The results are eye-opening and will be released by Beaulieu during Surfaces (see story on page 1). I don’t know all the results of the study, but the one statistic I do know is that price is now No. 1 on the list of reasons consumers buy carpet, replacing color and style as top purchase motivators. That’s not to say that color and fashion are not important in the buyer’s decision, but it is interesting to note the old saw, “Consumers are influenced by fashion and design and will pay handsomely for it,” no longer prevails. Ted Einstein, the guru of yesteryear, must not be resting easy. BIG TRIBUTE: The incomparable and quintessential journalist, Howard Olansky, who just completed 50 years of dedicated service to our industry, will be honored during Surfaces at a luncheon, well, a roast. Colleagues and friends, myself included, will affectionately poke fun at the industry icon—and for good cause. At his request, proceeds from the event will benefit the Floor Covering Industry Foundation (FCIF), which benefits industry members enduring a life-altering circumstance. That concern and caring is the measure of the man and typical of his passion for people. The luncheon is on Wednesday, Feb. 1, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Sands Convention Center. If you’re at Surfaces, come and honor Howard Olansky who has honored you for five decades. He will thank you. The FCIF will thank you. And I will thank you. BIG LOSS: Judy Marsh, for years the dedicated and indispensable assistant to the ubiquitous Chris Davis, president and CEO of the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA), and the extraordinary Executive Administrator of the FCIF, will retire from both positions after Surfaces ’06. Her departure is a monumental loss to the WFCA and FCIF, as her uncommon devotion and professional contributions to the organizations have been invaluable and will be significantly missed. She has been the consummate executive: efficient, committed, indefatigable and empathetic. She’s going back to Chicago and taking with her the gratitude and warmest wishes of the WFCA and FCIF, for a job well done and friendships remembered. BIG SETBACK: Nick Romanelli, vice president of sales for the Norman D. Lifton Co., East Coast distributor, will not be at Surfaces this year, breaking a long string of appearances. And for good reason. In the past, he braved crippling snowstorms, various obstacles, airline failures and other adversities, but he persevered. This year, even Romanelli couldn’t overcome the roadblock. Two weeks ago, he underwent heart surgery, a triple by-pass. For him, a piece of cake, but no Surfaces. Doctor’s orders. So he’s home convalescing—but working from bed. He expects to be back at work, in a limited capacity, in a few weeks. In the meantime, he’s home and not happy. Friends can change that. Call him at 201/529-4620 and it will make a difference. BIG PROFILE: The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) just released its Wood Flooring Market Profile, which it conducts every two years. The results are enlightening, indicating wood flooring “has remained one of the strongest growing sectors of the U.S. flooring market during the past two decades.” The report analyzes trends for shipments by species, pricing, residential building markets, residential remodeling spending, retail distribution channels and customer demographics. Included is abundant information on a variety of topics critical to all levels of the wood category. An Executive Summary is available to all NWFA members online at www.nwfa.org, a members-only Web site. |