Augusta, Me.—Last year’s annual North East Floor-covering Market (NEFM), NRF Distributors drew re cord numbers. This year, the market sustained those numbers holding at 400 dealers with a total of slightly more than 1,300 in attendance for the wholesaler’s trade show held here at its warehouse. With the uncertainty of the economy, “the retailers were still in a buying mode,” said Terry Pomerleau, NRF’s senior vice president of marketing. “This is a positive sign for the future. Our sales at this event exceeded $2.5 million, that alone shows the economic situation has not greatly affected us.”

While NRF may not be the largest employer in Maine it ranks right up there with the top players as a prominent establishment. So much so that the Governor, John Baldacci, stopped in to address attendees about the state of the union during Monday’s market. Spreading his greetings around he explained why the economy is still going strong for the independent flooring dealer. “It was such a great addition to our market to have our governor take time out of his busy schedule and talk with us,” noted Pomerleau. “He’s a very personable guy and was shaking hands with everyone, including the children.”

Dealers from various locations including Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island and New York converged for the market and its two days of education, seminars and training. Speakers such as Mannington Mill’s chairman, Keith Campbell spoke to the group on how the consumer and industry is changing, and Al Wahnon, editor and publisher of FCNews, updated retailers on the state of the economy. Gloria Lehan of Esquire Flooring, Highland, N.Y., noted, “The opportunity to hear these industry leaders speak was second to none. We were able to get a view of Mannington’s extensive research on how the consumer views flooring along with an enjoyable insight on how the industry is doing.”

Not only did retailers come in droves but over 100 manufacturers weathered the trip and were not disappointed. “It was a fantastic market for us,” commented Ken Peden, Quick-Step’s vice president of sales and marketing. “Many dealers were impressed with the styling, the overall success of the Quick-Step program and our new introductions. “Retailers today want value-added products at a low cost but not so low that they can’t make a profit,” he continued. “With our glueless laminate products we have given them just what they have been asking for—value-added features.” “The two days of education and seminars NRF offered are so important to our continual progress,” explained Sharon Bowden, Carriage House Home & Flooring, Bristol, N.H.. “It is extremely important to keep up with the times even for those who have been in business for years. Depending on how things change, you must change with them or be left behind.”

NRF Distributors offers “us a wealth of knowledge,” added William Rankins, Car pet Wholesalers, Wallingford, Conn. “This is where we benefit the most—in our day-to-day business. The information we gained here will help us to continue to be competitive in our market. For instance, when we first opened up our doors about a year ago, there were six competitors within a 15-mile radius of us. Now, one location has closed its doors and another has joined NRF by seeing how it has helped us. We’re really loving it.” Not only has NRF gained the appreciation of its retailers, manufacturers have “enjoyed the partnership we have with the company,” said Peden. “NRF is a special company for many reasons. First, its commitment to the dealer is unparalleled. The entire company is concerned and focused on helping its customers be better business people. It also provides many services to help the retailers better understand the market and the business side of their operations. As a whole, the company is very committed to the best service it can offer the dealers and it spends a tremendous amount of money to get the products to them in the most efficient, timely way.”

Todd Vezina, vice president of sales, Formica, added, “The service NRF provides to its customers, the retailers, is exceptional. It’s a regional distributor that gives local service—its coverage and service sets it apart from the rest. The dealers couldn’t have better, committed business partners.” “We are a service company, that’s what we do,” explained Pomerleau. “We offer everything to our customers to make it easier for them. By doing this they can purchase everything they need in one location instead of going from place to place—a one-stop-shop, that’s always been our motto.” Fun Included Pomerleau says it’s not all just work and no fun. “We always include a lot of exciting things for the crowd such as giveaways and drawings for trips.”

"The market has a nice mix of work and fun,” noted Lehan. “The NRF group has made this not only a market with exceptional deals but a chance to get away from the typical mundaneness of a show with offering giveaways, trips and the chance to win a 4x4, not to mention various other incentives.” Similar to last year, members took part in a lottery for a Grand Jeep Cherokee and GMC Envoy where several keys were given out. Those who had keys had a chance to try to start each vehicle—only the winning keys worked. Mike Cayouette of Cayouette Flooring, Rockland, Me., went home with the GMC Envoy while Allen Bailey, Bailey’s Carpets, Concorde, N.H., drove away in the Jeep. “We also gave away two ATVs and four pairs of tickets to Costa Rica,” said Pomerleau. “We don’t expect the economy to hurt the floor covering sales,” she continued. “The baby boomers are who have bought homes are now spending on themselves so, next year, we plan to have an even greater market. We expect hardwood and carpet to remain strong. “To stay competitive and help us meet the demands of our customers, we have increased our territory with the addition of Allied (FC-News, Jan. 6/13),” Pomerleau concluded. “And, we’ll be opening our additional 101,000-sq.-ft. warehouse down the road this summer.” For information on NRF Distributors, call 800/452-1918.