Wear-Dated Presents Consumer Experience Award

College Station, TX, April 12, 2007--Stores That Floor, Wear-Dated’s newly created award, recognizes flooring retailers that are so committed to the consumer’s experience in-store that their stores floor consumers.

Christine Whittemore, director of in-store innovation, Wear-Dated carpet fiber, describes the characteristics of Stores That Floor in ‘Flooring the Consumer,’ a marketing weblog focusing on marketing to women and the consumer experience in flooring. She looks first to Raymond R. Burke’s 10 Principles of Retail Shoppability to determine whether a store successfully meets the basic, universal retailing principles such as showing the product, providing effective navigational ads, making the shopping experience both convenient and enjoyable, and minimizing clutter. From there, a store must capture a total brand experience, appeal to and engage the emotions, create a sense of community, and focus passionately on the consumer.

Given these guidelines, Wear-Dated presents its first Stores That Floor award to Aggieland Carpet One Floor & Home. Located in College Station, Texas, Aggieland is a 6,400 square foot store owned by Claudia and Ron Smith that offers an incredible retail experience.

“From the moment I entered the store, I literally sensed that my experience would be vastly different. I stepped into a welcoming layout, flooded with natural light and soothing sounds and smells. I encountered smiles and interested questions. The store drew me in, fully engaging my senses and sparking my imagination,” said Whittemore. “Aggieland Carpet One captures so many characteristics that make it a place consumers want to visit again and again. It is a perfect candidate for the Stores That Floor award.”

“Wear-Dated relies significantly on the relationship it has with its retail stores,” said David Goldschmidt, director of sales, Wear-Dated carpet fiber. “When a store goes far above and beyond expectations, we jump at the chance to commend it for its excellence. Aggieland Carpet One certainly does so.”

Wear-Dated will present the Stores That Floor award to other outstanding retailers throughout the year.