CRI Survey: Consumer Attitudes Improve Toward Carp

Dalton, GA, November 9, 2006--The Carpet and Rug Institute released the results of a nationwide survey gauging consumers attitudes about flooring. It also measured the consumers awareness of several issues related to carpet and how those issues impact their purchasing decisions. The research was conducted in late September and the sample base was 1000 consumers. The survey indicates a five percent positive change for carpet as the ultimate flooring choice in one’s dream house, up to 52 percent from 47 percent in 2004. The survey also showed a nine percent positive change in carpet’s overall attributes (i.e. durability, maintenance price, look, style etc.) and an overall three percent positive change comparing carpet with other flooring in various categories. According to the study, the most important thing consumers look for when buying carpet is durability. Then listed in order of importance, cleaning and maintenance, look and style, comfort and warmth, price, safety from slips and falls and lastly indoor air quality. When considering the flooring options available to them, carpet dominates on noise reduction, comfort, energy efficiency and ease of installation. Carpet is not perceived to be as hard to clean as it was during a similar research project 2 years ago but the industry still needs to focus on this issue. Consumer perceptions about carpet have also improved in kid-friendliness and style/attactiveness.