COOLING: A paralyzing heat-wave may have blanketed most of the country in recent days, but the retail floor covering business has cooled off of late. Except for isolated pockets of prosperity, most dealers have reported sagging sales in May and June. The residential market has slumped; the commercial market remained flat, and the builder market has slowed, according to key retailers. Asked why the downturn, they cite rising energy costs, reduced discretionary spending, concern about global conflicts and political unrest as the main factors. On the flip side, July showed some improvement in sales and retailers are hoping the third quarter strengthens and the year finishes positive. We’ll see.

NEW BLOG: Wear-Dated has developed “Flooring the Consumer,” a site consisting of a weblog, or blog, that explores the consumer retail experience, identifies best practices, highlights what matters to women and generally engages the industry in discussion to elevate the flooring purchasing experience for today’s consumer. The target female consumer is stressed, intolerant of sub-par retail experiences, and gravitating toward retail options that satisfy her needs and afford her pleasant shopping experiences. The new blog, hosted by Christine Whittmore, Wear-Dated’s director of in-store innovation, posts reports, opinions and observations and allows others to respond. More than 80% of women say they use the computer on a regular basis to research and compare products, and they read blogs. Check it out: flooringthe
consumer.blogspot.com.

GOOD DEED: The inaugural silent auction sponsored by the Oriental Rug Importers Association (ORIA) in partnership with AmericasMart raised more than $17,000 for its Charitable Fund, which benefits children through educational, community and health care initiatives in the weaving capitals of the world. The auction took place during the recent International Atlanta Area Rug Market and featured 21 beautiful hand-knotted rugs, which were donated by ORIA members. Winning bids were announced during the annual Rug Retailer of the Year Awards, a highlight of the market activities. For more on ORIA’s Charitable Fund, visit www.oria.org.

NEW DEAL: The National Association of Floor Covering Distributors (NAFCD) is unveiling a new element at its coming 35th Annual Meeting—a two-day Distributor Marketplace, a trade show that will bring together distributor and manufacturer to network and view products. The meeting will run Oct. 19 to 21; the trade show, Oct. 19 and 20, at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa in Indian Wells, Calif. The theme of the event is “The Distribution Channel: An Oasis of Opportunity,” and it will feature two-and-a-half days of outstanding speakers and a full slate of informative and interactive break-out sessions. Register before Sept. 8 and save $100 on the registration fee. For complete event information and program content, housing and travel details, visit www.nafcd.org.

CHINA BOUND: The Chinese International Exhibition Co. (CIEC) will invite a flooring industry delegation to the 7th China International Floor Covering and Carpet Fair set for Sept. 20 to 23 in Beijing. Last year’s event drew 175 exhibitors and attracted more than 12,000 visitors. To learn more about the delegation and for information on the Fair, contact CIEC’s agent, Dave Spreen at 707/ 445-2244, or fax him at 707/ 445-1024, or e-mail him at dspreen@humboldt.com.