This holiday season retailers and manufacturers alike are being forced to face their worst fears head-on as the media reports on the current economy with phrases such as “official recession” and “financial crisis.” As most companies tighten their belts and prepare for the worst, Armstrong gave retailers a much-needed pick-me- p as its “What’s the Big Deal” competition came to a conclusion.

With the official winners yet to be determined, Armstrong is calling the four-month contest a success on all levels. From the number of contestants who entered to the number of claims submitted, “What’s the Big Deal” exceeded everyone’s expectations.

The premise of the promotion was to offer Armstrong retailers a bit of “friendly competition” with the chance to win cash and prizes, but as one winner from the Northeast writes, Armstrong seemed to give much more:

Dear Armstrong, I just wanted to thank you in return for acknowledging my “Top Ten” sales status and let you know how successful I thought the “Big Deal” program was. In addition to the monthly $1,000 cash prize, I was able to accrue over one million points to be redeemed and still have hope for winning the grand prize.

Given our economic situation, this program has meant more to me than you can imagine. I have three sons and we were able to get most of our holiday gifts by redeeming our Armstrong points. (And those gifts seemed to be mostly electronic!)

I have been a part of the retail flooring business for 13 years and have participated in numerous spiff programs, the majority of which are ill conceived, non-user friendly and filled with loss-leader items. “What’s The Big Deal” was just the opposite in all categories.

I have been a supporter of Armstrong for a long time. I sell everything you offer and utilize the tools you provide. In our store, we have the entire Armstrong line and I believe that helps the retailer as well as the customer. In addition, programs like “What’s the Big Deal” certainly gives the dealer the drive and incentive to sell the product. And the diversity of your product line cannot be beat. It seems everyone offers an exotic line but no one offers six or seven species from around the world. The Global Exotics line is probably my favorite and has been a good seller for me.

On behalf of my wife and children, I want to thank you for the opportunity to sell Armstrong flooring and be rewarded for it! I hope this program has proven successful for Armstrong as well, and I look forward to seeing its return in the future.

Regards and best wishes for the holidays.