Chattanooga, Tenn—As Carpetland Color Tile held its annual Summit here recently, the focus of the meeting was product. The group decided what new flooring products to carry as well as which programs to employ in 2006. Organization and merchandising of existing products was also discussed. “This was more of an advisory board, buying summit where they picked product to carry for the coming year,” said David Ellis of Alliance Flooring, Carpetland’s parent company. The timing of the Summit was right for members.

“We’re getting a jump on Surfaces which is exactly what I wanted to accomplish by attending,” remarked Gene Podell, owner of six Carpetland Color Tile stores in Virginia. A total of 11 members attended the Summit. There are now a total of 40 Carpetland stores. The new products were passed around for review as key carpet suppliers presented over 50 of their newest offerings.

Aside from discussing which specific products to carry for their new builder program, the members also narrowed options for merchandising choices for the Color Tile Custom Studio. “This Summit provided the opportunity to hear dealer input before the unveiling of the Custom Studio at the National Convention in Las Vegas from Jan. 29 to 31, at the Riviera Hotel,” said Ellis. Kevin Logue, COO and vice president of marketing for Alliance, felt the Summit was a success.

“This was a very productive meeting from a product and merchandising standpoint. Holding the Summit a few weeks before Surfaces gave our dealers a real advantage to be able to preview newly developed styles and patterns instead of waiting until February.” Carpet was not the only type of flooring presented. Jason Kyzer, Alliance’s director of marketing for hard surface, also presented the group with new programs as well as product introductions from various suppliers. They also discussed ideas for merchandising hard surface more effectively.

Duke Karns, owner of Carpetland Color Tile in LaFayette, Ind., was enthusiastic about what he could learn and contribute at his first Summit. “I was glad to be part of selecting the products we would carry this year. I believe we filled some gaps in our mix with what we selected.”

In addition to choosing their product lineup, the close-knit group felt they improved their existing displays by grouping products—friezes with friezes or patterns with patterns—to provide a productive shopping experience to the consumer. “We wanted to make it easier for the average customer to make an educated flooring decision she can feel good about,” concluded Ron Dunn, co-CEO of Alliance.

For more information on Carpetland Color Tile, call 423/954-1133. —Louis Iannaco