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Editor Jessica Chevalier profiles Dayton, Ohio-based Bockrath Flooring and rugs, a family-owned operation in its 67th year in business, including the family history, the retailer’s customer-centric approach and how it supports its local community.
Contributing editor Paul Friederichsen discusses the concept of the tiebreaker in marketing against similar products, highlighting aspects that can be used to break a tie, like sustainability, waterproof characteristics and ease of installation.
Contributing editor Irene Williams writes about how to connect with customers in the context of the rapidly changing market landscape, including communicating with clarity and authenticity, and being a trusted voice and needed resource.
Our 2025 Retailer Survey reveals cautious optimism: over half of flooring retailers report growth, yet concerns over tariffs, competition, labor shortages and shifting consumer expectations signal uncertainty ahead.
The 2025 homebuilding market is feeling the strain of high rates, rising construction costs and cautious buyers. Builders are shifting to streamlined designs, stronger incentives and resilient materials as affordability and labor shortages reshape demand.
Design Week Chicago 2025 showcased bold new flooring designs across NeoCon and Fulton Market, with standout carpet textures, earthy and biophilic palettes, colorful resilient visuals and a growing emphasis on customization and sensory-driven commercial spaces.
Tikka Charcoal Grill in Hicksville, NY transforms dining into an immersive, ocean-inspired experience. Designed by Olbos Studio, the restaurant blends sculptural forms, fluid lighting, flexible gathering spaces and rich materiality to create a serene, otherworldly escape.
UCX, now the largest family-owned full-line flooring distributor in the U.S., has evolved through three generations of the Mancini family. CEO Ray Mancini Jr. reflects on the UCX rebrand, culture-first leadership, strategic scale and the company’s continued commitment to hardwood and strong brands.
Residential flooring recovery keeps getting pushed out amid shaky consumer confidence and tariff uncertainty. At NeoCon/Design Days, the commercial market showed signs of fragmentation, while Alliance Flooring focused on stability and dealer support during its annual meeting.
Retail design is evolving beyond price and product. In 2025, stores are built to spark emotion and connection. Flooring now drives comfort, acoustics and style, helping brands turn ordinary spaces into memorable shopping experiences.