New Zealand Retailer Expands Into Australia

Auckland, New Zealand, Nov. 9, 2010 -- New flooring retailer Flooring Xtra said it will expand into Australia next year after starting up in New Zealand in 2008.

The cooperative, which has 55 owner-operated stores nationwide, was launched in July 2008 and began with 18 stores that broke away from the franchise operations of a prominent New Zealand flooring chain, Carpet Court.

It will enter the Australian market on the back of a licensing agreement with Consolidated Flooring.

The owners of Consolidated Flooring recently bought Independent Carpet Retailers, who have more than 126 unbranded stores, a number of which are expected to take on the Flooring Xtra brand.