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Getting out there: A trip to Dalton
I had the opportunity yesterday to spend some time in Dalton and nearby Calhoun, Ga. For those who haven't been to the area (and for those who have), I can put it succinctly: you can't drive very far through town without seeing a flooring plant rising through the trees. In fact, in most cases rival flooring companies are next door neighbors. It's a great reminder that, while members of the industry routinely compete for business and market share, we're also all in this together.
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Welcome to The Floor Tour, NFT's new blog
Hello, readers. Welcome to The Floor Tour, the new blog for National Floor Trends
magazine. In this blog, we plan to talk about some of the issues facing
flooring today, and we'll also be picking the brains of people around
the industry for their first-hand accounts and insights. From this
vantage point, we hope to offer our readers new perspectives on the
industry with the frequency and immediacy that the Internet is known to
provide.
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N.J. INSTALL apprentices show their colors during contest
Apprentices of INSTALL's New Jersey program
recently showed off their skills (and their patriotism) during a skills
contest. Among the highlights were an American flag depicted using VCT, and a
tribute to prisoners of war using Forbo linoleum. The work was done by apprentices
Andrew Miller and Sean Quinn.
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Eyeing ‘green’ and growth, Shaw starts new council
Shaw has launched the Growth & Sustainability Council.
The group, which comprises 15 top executives at Shaw, will focus on long-term
business growth and issues surrounding sustainability. “Shaw sustainability is
about driving growth, innovation and productivity throughout the value chain
and, therefore, better serving our customers, said Vance Bell, Shaw’s CEO and a
member of the council.
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| Video Spotlight
Carpet/Fiber Report: “To sum it up: ‘Green’ is the Hot Issue”
Faced
with a sharp increase in the cost of petrochemicals and other raw material,
carpet fiber makers are turning to Plan B: Mother Nature. By including natural
materials or recycled content, manufacturers are finding that the payoff
reflects on their image and their bottom line. Still, suppliers note that,
while “Green” is still mostly a commercial concern, the consumer mindset is
beginning to shift to environmentally friendly products.
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flooringinsider.com
Visit the most comprehensive professional go-to website offering daily news, tips and must-know information for the flooring /tile and installation communities.
ThermoSoft mats designed for easy installation
ThermoSoft offers its latest electric radiant floor heating mat. The UL listed system features zero EMF and offers a lifetime warranty. ThermoSoft’s 1/8” contractor-grade heating mats are designed to minimize floor height and lay flat for quick installation. Mats are easily manipulated on-site to fit any space. The 1/2” mat grid allows penetration of thin-set or self-leveling cement for one-step installation.
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NFT August Digital Edition
Welcome to the digital edition of National Floor Trends' August issue. All the content you expect in a handy digital format.
Hardwood Flooring
Your One Stop Flooring Shop has everything you need for your next flooring project, from great flooring materials and accessories to installation
recommendations. Service is our Top Priority!
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 Buyers Guide
Search the NFT Directory and Buying Guide's online listings for floor covering manufacturers, distributors, sales agents, products, retail groups and franchises, and installation & technical training schools.
 eNewsletters
Click here to receive up-to-the-minute information on industry news, market conditions, product developments and best industry practices to help you succeed.
 AEC Store
Shop online for useful business tools via books, manuals, CDs/DVDs and software in the architecture, engineering and construction industries.
Subscribe Now!
National Floor Trends focuses on practical upscale fashion and design trends to provide readers current info on all types of flooring. Learn more about the array of flooring, subscribe now!
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Market Study: Laminate Flooring Market sees Dips and Turns
Laminate
flooring may be easy to install, but as a piece of the floor covering puzzle it
is hard to pin down. While the products in the category have seen steady
advances in performance and design, specialty retailers are reporting a sharp
drop in annual dollar volume from laminate sales. Four years ago, those
participating in our survey said they averaged more than $327,000 in sales for
the category. Those responding to this year’s survey said the average was
$100,411. The falloff is widely seen as a byproduct of laminate sales shifting
to big box stores.
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WFCA Consumer Study: Shoppers Visit a Few Stores Before Buying
Consumers
shopping for new flooring agree that four store visits is probably too many,
but one is seldom enough. A solid majority of consumers—60%—-say they visit two
or three stores before pulling the trigger on a flooring purchase. Also, while
a store’s reputation, its prices and the level of service it provides are
important, shoppers said their No. 1 concern is the quality of the flooring
offered and the range of products available.
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Angra from Vitromex aims to mimic stone
Vitromex
introduces the Angra line of ceramic tile. Featuring distinctive stone looks,
Angra is available in two colors: Hueso (bone with beige tones) and Café (a
combination of dark beige, light brown and grays). For
details, circle 298 on the Reader Inquiry Card.
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Balta feels the ‘Vibe’ with latest area rugs
Balta
has rolled out Vibe area rugs. Made using heat set olefin and featuring drop
stitching for a carved effect, the rugs are offered in two colorways and 24
looks. Vibe is available in 5’ by 8’, 8’ by 11’ and 8’ round formats.
For details, circle 276 on the Reader Inquiry
Card.
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Basic’s EZ-Dry formula designed to dry quickly
New
from Basic, EZ-Dry Polyurethane Sealer is formulated for use under both water-
and oil-based finishes. The product dries in an average of three to four hours,
according to the company. EZ-Dry also “sands easily, flows well and is
self-leveling.” For details, circle 292 on the Reader Inquiry
Card.
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Insider secrets to understanding your customer - Yes? No? Maybe So?, by Warren Tyler
Do your salespeople know how color affects men and women differently or the distinct shopping agenda of each? Do they know that when a woman asks her mate if he is comfortable, she is really saying that she's not and what is he going to do about it? When salespeople miss the spoken and unspoken messages, they are losing sales.
Yes? No? Maybe So? provides a clear and concise description of how to use color and gender to provide your salespeople with a powerful tool to separate your store from the competition. ONLY $25.00 |
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People: McNamara, Downing, Pitts and Davis
Bostik has expanded its Construction & Distribution Division team. Robert McNamara has been named director of sales and marketing. Formerly national sales and marketing manager for the Bostik Flooring Group, McNamara will now oversee sales and marketing functions and personnel for the entire C&D division. |
CMI unveils Vegas showroom
Colonial Mills Inc. recently opened a new showroom in the
World Market Center in Las Vegas. The 1,500 sq. ft. space features new
braided-texture rug collections as well as traditional and contemporary looks.
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People
Laticrete has appointed James "Jay" Owens national accounts manager for Daltile. He will work with Daltile on a national level to support Laticrete sales at all Daltile locations. Owens previously worked for Lomax Tile & Marble Inc. as a project manager and estimator. |
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