Floor Focus Magazine

Visual, Insightful, Trusted Resource

Recent Floor Focus Magazine feature articles in chronological order with a 60 day delay. Use the search bar at the top to find specific articles or content. To subscribe or order back issues online, use the Subscribe link under the Floor Focus tab in the menu bar. Contact us if you need information on reprints.

Interview with Michael Johnson - January 2010   Full Article
Architect Michael P. Johnson weighs in on sustainability, minimalism and why his favorite floorcovering is white porcelain tile.

Focus 100 Retail - November 2009   Full Article
This annual survey lists the top 100 flooring retailers, tells how the industry has been affected by the economy, and describes how many of the top 100 weathered the storm.

Channel Wars - November 2009   Full Article
Santo Torcivia of Market Insights/Torcivia looks at how home centers are stealing marketshare from independent flooring stores, and how the small guys can compete.

Other FloorFocus Articles
Healthcare Update - November 2009   Full Article
Brian Hamilton describes the forces that will impact flooring for this sector, as the healthcare industry adapts to the needs of the Baby Boomers.

Consumer Preferences - November 2009   Full Article
This is a summary of surveys by CCA Global and Shaw Industries, both of which show that consumers are taking more time to make purchasing decisions.

Strategic Exchange - November 2009   Full Article
Publisher Kemp Harr discusses his optimistic view of the economy and describes what the "new normal" might look like. He also looks at carpet price increases.

Designer Forum - November 2009   Full Article
Designer Susan Drake examines flooring choices for "the heart of the home," namely the kitchen.

Tile Files - November 2009   Full Article
Stephanie Samulski, project manager for the Tile Council of North America, outlines successful selling strategies for ceramic and porcelain tile.

Best Practices - November 2009   Full Article
David Haloossim of Contempo Floor Coverings in Los Angeles hsares how he has driven growth by aligning with independent interior designers.

Wood Cuts - November 2009   Full Article
National Wood Flooring Association Executive director Ed Korczak describes how service, and knowledge of the industry, can give retailers an advantage.

Top 250 Design Survey 2009 - October 2009   Full Article
Darius Helm analyzes our survey of designers and outlines how their markets are changing and how the conomic environment is affecting their priorities.

Hardwood Update 2009 - October 2009   Full Article
Brian Hamilton looks at signs of optimism in the industry, and what hardwood floring buyers are looking for in this market. He also includes updates on the cork and sports flooring markets.

Focus on: Underfloor Heat - October 2009   Full Article
Radiant floor systems offer a new opportunity for flooring dealers. These systems, which come in two basic types, are increasingly being installed under tile and other surfaces.

Polished Concrete - October 2009   Full Article
Polished concrete is a versatile and durable flooring option in many situations, but a lot of prep work is required to get the desired look, and installation takes a lot of skill.

Strategic Exchange - October 2009   Full Article
Publisher Kemp Harr discusses how M&A activity in the flooring industry seems to be fairly quiet given the down market, takes a look at the Armstrong-Beaulieu partnership, and notes the activities of "Ricko."

Designer Forum - October 2009   Full Article
Designer Lisa Slayman discusses her work on the Glendale Arena, home of the Phoenix Coyotes, and how she brought her residential design experience to such a huge project.

Focus on Leadership - October 2009   Full Article
Randy Merritt answers questions about the many challenges he faces as president of Shaw Industries and how he's guided the company through the Great Recession.

Best Practices - October 2009   Full Article
Floorcovering dealer Sergenian's uses a carpet recycling and reclamation program to help boost sales in the sustainability minded college town of Madison, Wisconsin.

Monetary Wisdom - October 2009   Full Article
Charlie Ragland details how the price of energy, especially gasoline, and consumer spending go hand-in-hand, and how retailers need to be aware of the trends.

People Power - October 2009   Full Article
Scott Humphrey talks about the power of education and training and how they can advance both an individual career and a business in general.

Industry Panel on Sustainability - Aug/Sep 2009   Full Article
Floor Focus invited a panel of experts from leading green flooring manufacturers to shed some light on the most fundamental issues in sustainability.

Sustainability 2009 - August/September 2009   Full Article
The flooring industry remains at the forefront of the sustainability movement, despite suffering through the worst sales environment in a generation. Find out what leading manufacturers are doing to reduce their environmental footprint.

Laminate Update 2009 - August/September 2009   Full Article
Despite growing evidence of renewed activity in the housing market, and signs that increasing numbers of consumers are considering remodeling projects, it's likely that laminate sales will be down for the third consecutive year in 2009.

FloorTek Expo 2009 Preview - August/September 2009   Full Article
A look at firm's exhibiting at the FloorTek Expo held every two years and sponsored by the American Floorcovering Alliance.

Summer Atlanta Rug Market - August/September 2009   Full Article
Not surprisingly, traffic was down at this summer's Atlanta Rug Market. While many of the big name retailers were present, not all key retailers attended. However, big buyers were ready to buy.

Strategic Exchange - August/September 2009   Full Article
Publisher Kemp Harr takes a look at the good news that is starting to break on the economic front. He also talks about the likelihood that wood prices will rise soon, and how consumers are shying away from extravagance in general.

Designer Forum - August/September 2009   Full Article
Flooring made a significant contribution to the U.S. Green Building Council's ability to achieve platinum certification for its new headquarters building, thanks to the efforts of designer Ken Wilson.

Tile Files - August/September 2009   Full Article
Ceramic tile has many ecological attributes, some of which are inherent and others that are innovative. Tile can be easily incorporated into green building and design.

Best Practices - August/September 2009   Full Article
For owner Kathy Niles, service is the key to success at Carpet Mill Outlet Stores in Southlake, Texas. The company's mantra is "Large enough to compete, small enough to care."

Wood Cuts - August/September 2009   Full Article
The focus on green building has created an unprecedented opportunity for the wood flooring industry to promote and sell their hardwood products as highly sustainable and renewable flooring alternatives.

Survey 2009: What the Retailers Think - July 2009   Full Article
Flooring retailers from all across the country weigh in on everything from favorite manufacturers to how they're weathering the economic slowdown.

NeoCon 2009 - July 2009   Full Article
Floor Focus editors review NeoCon 2009, which took place in Chicago's Merchandise Mart from June 15 to 17, and report on trends, innovations and new products.

Sports Flooring - July 2009   Full Article
Synthetic turf has come a long way since the original AstroTurf. Today, it's a highly specialized tufted carpet and the industry is growing about 20% annually, a bright spot in the niche sports flooring business.

Strategic Exchange - July 2009   Full Article
Publisher Kemp Harr takes a look at changes in the carpet fiber market over the last several years, the threat and promise of the Web for flooring manufacturers, and the growing popularity of tile, in all its forms.

Designer Forum - July 2009   Full Article
Andres Nicholls of New York firm Lippincott, a retail specialist, talks about designing to advance a client's brand for the likes of McDonalds and Samsung Electronics.

Focus on Leadership - July 2009   Full Article
Johnsonite's Carmen Pastore understands that in tough times it's still important to advance the brand. Learn more about how to survive the downturn and emerge ready for the next upturn in this Q&A with Brian Hamilton.

Best Practices - July 2009   Full Article
Diversified Flooring Design Center of New Smyrna, Florida, has managed to continue growing while other dealers are treading water, thanks to its willingness to add design services and new products.

People Power - July 2009   Full Article
Working harder and faster at the same old things generally won't give you a different result. Focus on things you haven't focused on before to continue personal and professional growth.

Commercial Market 2009 - June 2009   Full Article
In-depth review of product trends and revenue shift in the commerical flooring market for 2008. Includes profiles of leading manufacturers.

NWFA 2009 Review - June 2009   Full Article
Despite a decline in attendance, the National Wood Flooring Association Convention did not lack innovative designs and construction displays.

Designer Forum - June 2009   Full Article
Designer Bruce Danzer explains the design challenges involved in a college residence hall project that called for nearly one mile of carpet.

Strategic Exchange - June 2009   Full Article
Publisher Kemp Harr sees light at the end of this economic tunnel; Reflects on the strengths of the NFA buying group; and comments on the strength of the Hospitality Design Expo.

Tile Files - June 2009   Full Article
Stephanie Samulski with the Tile Council of North America examines the importance of focusing on finished floors when selling tile.

Best Practices - June 2009   Full Article
Jason Goldberg, owner of America's Floor Source in Columbus, Ohio, believes that ongoing education will keep his staff ahead of the competition and his business successful.

Wood Cuts - June 2009   Full Article
Ed Korczak claims that despite the last two years, all indications are that the U.S. wood flooring market will return to its former glory by 2011.

Annual Report 2009 - May 2009   Full Article
An in-depth report on revenue and share shift within the flooring industry by product category for 2008. Report includes updates on the top players in the flooring industyr.

Hospitality Update - May 2009   Full Article
Darius Helm explores the shifting patterns, construction activity and greening of hotels within the hospitality sector.

Trend Watch: Outdoor Rooms - May 2009   Full Article
The trend for more Americans to stay at home and invest in their surroundings has forced major flooring producers to introduce floor coverings specifically designed for outdoor rooms.

Strategic Exchange - May 2009   Full Article
Publisher Kemp Harr discusses the effect of the recession on the ceramic tile market; the strength of the Starnet group of commercial contractors; and the consumer's options for buying flooring via the internet.

Designer Forum - May 2009   Full Article
Designer Amanda Kaleps describes how flooring enhanced key design elements in a LEED project for a recent client in Santa Monica.

People Power - May 2009   Full Article
Columnist Scott Humphrey offers advice on sustaining hope, focusing on the positives and enjoying the climb even in the midst of a tough economy.

Monetary Wisdom - May 2009   Full Article
Charlie Ragland, Business professor at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, offers a practical overview for preparing your business for the next upturn.

Hardwood Report - April 2009   Full Article
Brian Hamilton explores the ups and downs of the hardwood industry on both the high and low end of the market, and the effects of the Lacey Act on the big players of the industry.

Carpet Tile Update - April 2009   Full Article
Carpet tile continues to gain share as flexibility, easy installation and sustainability attract business in the commercial carpet trade.

Commercial Market Trends - April 2009   Full Article
Darius Helm talks with Interior Designers about why Healthcare and Government are the strongest sectors right now and about their trends in commercial flooring, color and design, and sustainability.

Retail Advertising - April 2009   Full Article
Even in a down economy, the importance of retail advertisement is a key to success in the floorcovering industry because it builds awareness of the company in the midst of minimal sales.

Designer Forum - April 2009   Full Article
Interior Designer John Peterson explains the construction of the "ScrapHouse" in San Francisco and how re-used and salvaged materials can become a highly sustainable option.

Strategic Exchange - April 09   Full Article
Publisher Kemp Harr takes a look at the signs of the stabilization of the housing market, the effects of "staycationing," and the introduction of the new Triexta carpet fiber subclass.

Surfaces 2009 - March 2009   Full Article
Although this year's Surfaces flooring expo saw a downturn in attendance, the big players as well as some new faces were out in full force to attract business.

Installation Update - March 2009   Full Article
Installers have been brutally hit by the economic crisis and Brian Hamilton discusses the now large pool of installers who compete for fewer and fewer jobs.

The State of Education - March 2009   Full Article
Darius Helm takes a look at why education is the single largest non-residential building market and how this market will continue to grow.

Strategic Exchange - March 2009   Full Article
Kemp Harr stresses the importance of knowing what makes your business unique & promoting it; how the Internet has sped up the spread of often unsubstantiated news about the current economic situation; an, what Surfaces might be like next year.

Best Practices - March 2009   Full Article
Kevin Hames, owner of five Big Bob's Flooring Outlets, offers top-notch service and discount pricing, the creativity of his employees, and new targeted relationship sales techniques in order to achieve greater success in this soft economy.

People Power - March 2009   Full Article
Scott Humphrey proposes four easy steps to improve your business in times of transition and crisis.

2009 Color Trends - February 2009   Full Article
Kaye Gosline and Emily Morrow tell what's important this year from a color and design standpoint in both the commercial and residential sectors.

LEED for Floors - February 2009   Full Article
Brian Hamilton talks to designers about LEED certification and what's right and wrong with it.

Cork on the Rise - February 2009   Full Article
Cork has been much more widely used in Europe, but with the growing interest in sustainability, it will likely show growth here in the U.S.

Vinyl Flooring 2009 - February 2009   Full Article
An in-depth review of the market's perception of PVC flooring along with a review of the major U.S. vinyl producers.

Atlanta Winter Rug Market - February 2009   Full Article
Brian Hamilton looks at what was different with this year's Atlanta Winter Rug Market and what introductions were made.

Strategic Exchange - February 2009   Full Article
Publisher Kemp Harr discusses how economic recovery will vary depending on your market sector focus, why oil pricing and product pricing are not always in sync and why lowering price too much just to get a sale is a bad strategy.

Best Practices - February 2009   Full Article
Walkers Carpet One in Bellingham Washington attributes their success to strong reputation, quality employees and customer satisfaction research.

Monetary Wisdom - February 2009   Full Article
Columnist Charlie Ragland discusses the impact, implications and strategy of Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Surfaces Sourcebook - January 2009   Full Article
A preview of Surfaces 2009 including speakers, events and new product introductions.

Beyond Las Vegas - January 2009   Full Article
A look at what will be introduced by Shaw, Mohawk and the other flooring suppliers who choose not to exhibit at Surfaces.

The Backing Business - January 2009   Full Article
The latest innovations in the carpet backing business including continued advancements in sustainability achievements.

Greenbuild 2008 - January 2009   Full Article
Darius Helm reviews the Green highlights from the flooring companies that exhibited at the Greenbuild 2008 show in Boston.

Commercial Sector Update: Retail - January 2009   Full Article
Brian Hamilton discussess how the retail sector of the commercial flooring market is fairing in the economy and what flooring categories are doing well there.

The Resurgence of Resilient - January 2009   Full Article
Resilient flooring is making a comeback and flooring economist Santo Torcivia takes a look at why this is happening and to what extent.

Strategic Exchange - January 2009   Full Article
Publisher Kemp Harr provides his views on why iFloor was forced into bankruptcy, on whether waste-to-energy is a resonable solution for post-consumer carpet and where are we on the road to economic recovery.

Best Practices - January 2009   Full Article
McCool's Flooring in Indiana uses the strategy of thinking like the customer to remain successful since 1967.

People Power - January 2009   Full Article
Columnist Scott Humphrey discusses ways to motivate and inspire top performance during slow times with five powerful words.

Facility Managers Survey - December 2008   Full Article
A national poll of the nations leading facility managers reveals their role in the flooring selection process. Study highlights how that role has evolved in the last 2 years, what influences decisions & which manufacturers they prefer to do business with.

Floor Focus 2008 Year in Review - December 2008   Full Article
A chronological listing of all the major news headlines that have shaped this industry in 2008,

How to Make Money with Area Rugs - January 2009   Full Article
Sucessful flooring retailers share their insight on how to be successful selling area rugs to consumers.

Retail Technology - December 2008   Full Article
Find out how software investments can streamline your operation, improve productivity, cut costs and increase sales.

Strategic Exchange - December 2008   Full Article
Kemp Harr looks at the economic outlook for 2009, the declining price of oil & the benefit of lower raw material costs, how the U.S. GDP stacks up against the other leading nations, and the flooring industry's role in the green building movement.

Designer Forum - December 2008   Full Article
Interior designer Larry Weeks talks about the latest flooring trends in airport projects that his firm, CommArts, have been involved in.

Best Practices - December 2008   Full Article
Find out what has made Baltimore based L. Fishman and Sons a successful flooring distributor since 1919.

Wood Cuts - December 2008   Full Article
Columnist Rick Berg provides insightful information on the Lacey Act and what it will mean for the hardwood flooring market here in the U.S. as it is enforced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in April of 2009.

Monetary Wisdom - December 2008   Full Article
Columnist Charlie Ragland points out the pros and cons of owning your own retail showrooms and warehouses.

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