Dalton—In 2004, Beaulieu of America’s Canadian sister, through a partnership with Invista and Tac-Fast Systems, launched Vizani Floors featuring the Stainmaster Carpet Mosaics System to select markets north of the border ( FCNews, April 12/19, 2004). Having been met with a great deal of success, the carpet mill announced it will roll out the concept to the American market this year, with its debut coming at Surfaces 2006.

Vizani is a patented product and system that is suitable for all residential and commercial environments. It is comprised of interlocking hook plates, discs and carpet mosaics and can be installed over any existing finished and unfinished surface, and allows for repeated changes of the Stainmaster carpet mosaics. The carpet is Stainmaster broadloom produced by Beaulieu with the interlocking aspect coming from TacFast.

Because each section is individually fastened down, they can be removed and replaced for easy cleaning. Every piece of the Vizani foundation comes complete with specially designed, industrial strength hooks built in. These then affix to the loops on the back of every piece of Vizani Carpet Mosaic. There will be one major difference to the original collection, Vizani’s product and merchandising components have been revamped and are now tailored to suit American consumers.

“The Beaulieu product team has specially reformatted the system for the American market,” said Pete Ciganovich, the mill’s executive vice president of marketing. “Since its launch Vizani has been embraced by discerning consumers who have come to rely on the sophisticated looks that can be achieved with its myriad patterns, shapes and colors. The specific modifications we made for the U.S. market make it even easier to achieve elegant high-end design.”

For the U.S. version of Vizani, he said the company streamlined choices by 33% to simplify the design process. The color bank went from 60 shades to 40 colors that emphasize current fashion trends. “The result will be 18 versions consumers may choose from each product,” he explained. Specifically, it will be 10 two-color design options and eight monochromatic options. This will better guarantee harmony and elegance in the selection.”

Ciganovich noted because of the uniqueness of Vizani the reduction in SKUs actually “improves the choices available to consumers. With a high-end product such as this, the investment is substantial and getting it right the first time is paramount. Having so many choices can end up being confusing and overwhelming. “So, to make the process easier,” he continued, “Beaulieu has used its style expertise to give consumers a palette of choices that are guaranteed to convey a superior sense of style, thus eliminating the possibility of a design misstep.”

Not only has Beaulieu streamlined the overall selection process to make it easier on consumers, Ciganovich said it has revamped Vizani’s merchandising system to make “life easier on our retail partners.” In Canada, Vizani was offered in its own, dedicated display. U.S. retailers will find a more compact, efficient unit that includes Vizani as well as the complete Beaulieu product assortment. “This enables better use of valuable retail floor space,” he noted.

“Additionally, the new merchandising system features Vizani product adhered to cards, that, when turned over, show 18 room scenes.” With Vizani coming to the U.S., Ciganovich said dealers will discover the signature benefits of this unique system. “Logistically, the system’s ease of handling and shipping components and simple, quick installation help reduce product and installation claims. On a larger scale, Vizani represents an opportunity to connect with a new category of consumer, one who seeks creative control over a high-end product.

“The Vizani system’s inherent changeability presents opportunities for retailers to re-connect with consumers,” he concluded. “New introductions, seasonal design elements and replacement mosaics will give dealers fresh ideas for existing customers who want to use the system to its full potential.” Beaulieu will showcase the updated Vizani collection in booth number 2521 during Surfaces, Feb. 1 to 3 at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas (see page one story).

For more information on Beaulieu and its products, call 800/227-7211. —Matthew Spieler