Mohawk Releases Dealer Meeting Schedule

Dalton, GA, Sept. 29--Earlier this year, Mohawk Industries announced that instead of attending Surfaces 2004, it would instead expand the number of regional dealer meetings. The strategy behind this move is that regional meetings would make travel easier for dealers, allow Mohawk to spend more one-on-one time with its customers, and let retailers concentrate more on individual business opportunities. Today, Mohawk announced a series of more than 40 meetings in the U.S. and Canada. Beginning in December and running through February, the schedule is designed to accommodate dealer needs in each Mohawk distribution region. A common theme, "Covering New Ground--National Product Tour 2004,” will unite the meeting content for all events. There are different types of events scheduled, ranging from single city--multi-day events to traveling shows that will cover specific areas in a single day. Each event is designed to accommodate geographic regions and the dealer’s availability. “In the Mid-Atlantic region, we can hold a single event because it’s easy for everyone to get to one location,” noted Ed Williams, Senior Vice President of Marketing. “In the Northwest, we’re covering several large states, so it makes sense to have multiple meetings to accommodate travel.” In either case, Williams said, the goal is the same: Provide dealers with the best possible atmosphere to see new Mohawk products, learn new ways to build business, and have time to work closely with their Territory Managers and Senior Management. “This is critical,” Williams said. “We’re creating an opportunity for retailers to sit down with the Mohawk personnel who have a vested interest in their success and have the time to plan things for the coming year that will make a difference in that store’s progress. For some lines, like hardwood and ceramic, you have to work with stores on a regional--if not local—basis. “This is something that is difficult to do if the convention is too large. And that’s the reason we chose to make a change in our approach,” he said. He also emphasized that in addition to product, dealers will have ample opportunity to take advantage of Mohawk support services such as Mohawk University. “Education, as always, is a key component of our business,” he said. “From a dealer’s perspective, this way makes so much sense. The dealer principal will spend less time away from his store. He’ll see the people who he’ll be working with almost every day during the next year, and who will understand what he wants to do. “Dealers will see what’s new, and they’ll get heard--by the right people,” Williams noted. “Those are the reasons you go to any convention.” Williams said that Mohawk’s past regional events have attracted thousands of dealers in some locations, and have steadily grown. In addition to the regional events, Mohawk will continue to hold other events, such as its “town meetings” and national conventions for Mohawk Floorscapes, Mohawk ColorCenter, and Karastan dealers. To learn more about the regional meeting for your area, contact your Mohawk rep or call 1-877-ASK-MOHAWK.

Related Topics:Mohawk Industries, Karastan

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