Massachusetts Installers Open Retail Store

Littleton, MA, January 5, 2006--About four months ago, Henry Ricard and John Trabucco decided that they would combine their separate businesses into a single shop for all manner of flooring products and services, according to the Littleton Independent. They opened the Flooring Showcase on King Street. "We are the only store around that is run by the installers," said Ricard. "We are not just salespeople who have to turn to others to do the installations." Ricard has been installing tile for almost 30 years, while Trabucco has done the same for carpeting for 35 years. "We’ve been doing our trades for so long, we figured why not sell what we install," said Ricard. The shop is between Confetti and Lace and Western Wear, a perfect spot, according to Ricard who said most of their work is in the Acton, Groton, Westford, Concord and Littleton area. "We are right in the middle of the towns we work in," he said. He and Trabucco are pleased with Littleton. "It’s a nice small town, we love it here," said Ricard. "We want to stay." He said consumers can find all their flooring needs satisfied. "We are a small store, not overwhelming," he said. "We get right to the point. Whatever someone needs is right in front of them." He said textured stones and limestone are popular now, eclipsing vinyl and linoleum. "In the last five years, it has grown about 500 percent in popularity," said Ricard. "The days of shiny ceramic tile are almost over. Everything is going toward the stone look." He said all trends tend to come back, but for now, stone floors and hardwoods are in vogue. The lion’s share of their business is new construction, he said. Most new kitchens have hardwood or ceramic tile floors. "It’s just enough space for us now," said Ricard of his neatly arranged showroom. "People can see us here. It’s awesome." A recent innovation, Ricard said, is "smart strand" carpeting that "does not allow staining." "It was developed in 2004 and went on sale in 2005," said Ricard. "It’s an amazing product." He said it is made by Mohawk Carpet Co.