ANAHEIM, CALIF.—The late legendary retailer, Marvin Berlin, was announced as this year’s sole inductee into the World Floor Covering Association’s ( WFCA) Flooring Industry Hall of Fame.

“Marv was a trailblazer in retail floor covering,” said Chris Davis, WFCA’s president and CEO. “Most, if not all, of his innovations are commonplace practice in multi-store operations or buying groups today. He most definitely earned a position in the Flooring Industry Hall of Fame.”

Berlin was the force behind New York Carpet World. Between 1967 and 1996, under his leadership, NYCW grew from two stores to a chain of over 250 in 17 states. His management and information systems became models for others, as did the art of multi-store merchandising, private labeling and advertising.

Its semiannual style-out was the model for buying groups today. And the Ringgold, Ga., warehouse/distribution center was the most automated facility of its kind.