Click systems help secure future position

March 10, 2010 | Comments Off on Click systems help secure future position

As the information age speeds up instant gratification for everything from product information to bus schedules, flooring takes a cue. Messy, time-consuming installation processes have become as easy as clicking a remote control with mechanical lock technology. Innovation captures market share, particularly in this economy, and companies like Välinge, Pergo, Unilin and Wilsonart are concentrating efforts to that end. From crossovers to other flooring categories to the development of commercial-grade products, laminate-minded companies are expanding...

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Alliance Flooring members urged to ‘leave their mark,’ control destiny

March 9, 2010 | Comments Off on Alliance Flooring members urged to ‘leave their mark,’ control destiny

KISSIMMEE, FLA.—While there are indications the worst is over and business is starting to grow for the first time in over three years, members belonging to the Alliance Flooring network of groups were urged to focus on controlling their destiny and leaving a positive mark for when things really do turn around for the better. (more…)

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Raw materials issues raise hardwood floor prices

March 9, 2010 | Comments Off on Raw materials issues raise hardwood floor prices

Hardwood prices are on the rise, and it’s a simple matter of basic economics—supply and demand—as it relates to raw materials. Essentially, hardwood lumber prices have been increasing dramatically since August. While this was somewhat expected coming out of a recession, it is the extent of these price hikes that have manufacturers reeling. Some say prices are up as much as 50% since last winter. “We have seen this hap- pen in the past as...

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Invista partners with Lowe’s, excludes Stainmaster from other major home centers

March 9, 2010 | Comments Off on Invista partners with Lowe’s, excludes Stainmaster from other major home centers

KENNESAW, GA.—In a move that will ripple through the industry, Invista has entered into an exclusive partnership with Lowe’s, making it the only major home center allowed to offer Stainmaster carpet in North America. The multi-year agreement affects all 1,700 Lowe’s stores, which will soon offer an expanded selection of Stainmaster carpet. Approximately 1,976 Home Depot and 252 Menards stores in the United States will no longer be able to carry the brand. (more…)

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USFloors segues to resilient, latest entry into floating LVT arena offers a twist

March 8, 2010 | Comments Off on USFloors segues to resilient, latest entry into floating LVT arena offers a twist

DALTON—USFloors, a manufacturer of unique and sustainable floors—specifically cork, bam- boo and hardwood—diversified its product portfolio even further at Surfaces 2010 by breaking into the luxury vinyl tile (LVT) category and taking the wraps off a waterproof floor. This was in addition to expanding its hardwood and bamboo lines as well as unveiling a new cork product. Not only was the company pleased with the response, but it was also satisfied with the attendance. “We...

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Laminate: Smaller suppliers get big with spring offerings

March 4, 2010 | Comments Off on Laminate: Smaller suppliers get big with spring offerings

Last issue FCNews profiled what the industry’s largest players are introducing for the spring selling season. This edition, we look at what some of the other suppliers in the category are bringing out. Like their larger counterparts, these companies are focusing on longer, wider planks to give a more realistic wood visual. Lamett Capitalizing on the new long plank trend along with continued strong sales of products featuring a piano finish, comes the mill’s Lamett...

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Laminate: No lack of innovation, realism in spring launches

March 3, 2010 | Comments Off on Laminate: No lack of innovation, realism in spring launches

With the first wave of products getting ready to hit the market, FCNews surveyed a variety of laminate companies, from the biggest to the not so large, to find out about new items with which they were starting the year. In this issue we look at what the large mills are introducing; next issue will high- light what some of the smaller players have for the spring season. (more…)

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Mannington to turn Olympic graphics into VCT flooring

March 1, 2010 | Comments Off on Mannington to turn Olympic graphics into VCT flooring

What do the dramatic graphics adorning the various buildings, buses and vehicles at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, Canada, have to do with flooring? Everything, if you’re Mannington Mills. Thanks to a partnership with 3M Canada, supplier of the graphics, and the Vancouver Organizing Committee, once the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games are concluded, the material—about 200,000 square feet or approximately the area of three football fields—will be shipped to Mannington’s head-...

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Abbey Floor & Carpet, New marketing, Main Street agenda take center stage

March 1, 2010 | Comments Off on Abbey Floor & Carpet, New marketing, Main Street agenda take center stage

RENO, NEV.—Abbey Floor & Home pulled out all the stops for its annual convention here Feb. 18 to 22, unveiling a myriad of programs and services to give members additional tools to grow their businesses. Among the highlights were a new marketing foray into Main Street commercial, an expanded national print ad campaign along with new products and programs. Many of the new initiatives were built on what has been done over the years, said...

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