February 4, 2013—Michael Vogel, CEO with Creating Your Space, and Kemp Harr, discuss the evolution of digital marketing among floorcovering retailers, CYS's customer base and the type of services CYS is offering that is helping them grow their business.
February 1, 2013—Kermit Baker, a Harvard Economist who focuses on both the commercial construction and housing markets, and Kemp Harr, discuss the December Architectural Billings Index and a recent report from the Joint Center for Housing Studies on the size of the remodeling market. Listen to the interview to hear where we are on the road to recovery in both sectors that impact the demand for floorcovering.
January 31, 2013—Mara Villanueva Heras, Vice President of Residential Marketing at Armstrong, and Kemp Harr, discuss new products the company introduced at the Surfaces trade show. Listen to the interview to hear about Armstrong's striking new laminate and vinyl tile visuals featuring high end looks and more sizes. Also, find out what's new in hardwood flooring.
January 29, 2013—(Recorded the day before Surfaces) Dave Snedeker, Division Merchandise Manager over flooring at Nebraska Furniture Mart, and Kemp Harr, talk about how the major Midwest retailer uses aggressive advertising, pricing, and a large selection of products to drive shoppers into its stores. Listen to the interview to hear why flooring sales are up substantially over the last six months and how LVT sales have grown 40% over last year.
January 25, 2013—Rick McConnell, President with Hanley Wood Exhibitions, and Kemp Harr, discuss today's news that Surfaces will be coordinating its schedule to align with the NAHB Builder Show in 2015 to create on big mega event in Las Vegas. Listen to the interview to hear more details about the Design Construction Week that will take place January 21 to 23, 2015.
January 23, 2013—Kemp Harr and Melissa Murphy (Design Center Manager at Johnson Paint and Decorating in Columbia, MO), talk about this retailer's approach to selling fashion from a large, single store, decorating center. Recorded at the Shaw Flooring Network Convention in Orlando, Kemp and Melissa talk about the optimistic outlook for 2013 and about some of the interesting products being rolled out at this convention.
January 22, 2013—Recorded at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando, FL, Kemp Harr talks to Scott Humphrey, Director of Shaw's Flooring Network. Listen to the interview to hear about Shaw's Aligned Dealer Network Meeting and the educational and entertainment available at this family friendly conference. Scott and Kemp discuss the outlook for 2013, new Shaw products and Shaw's commitment to their dealers and their families.
January 21, 2013—(Recorded in Orlando at Shaw Flooring's Alliance Convention.) Jon Pierce, General Manager of Pierce Flooring in Montana, and Kemp Harr, discuss market conditions in Montana and what Pierce Flooring does to set themselves apart from the competition. Listen to the interview to hear about this and to learn more about the Shaw Flooring Alliance Convention.
January 18, 2013—Bob Burton, Divisional Vice President of Tuftex, and Kemp Harr, discuss the decision to add the Shaw Living product line to the Tuftex sales force for the retail sector of the market. Listen to the interview to hear more about what is driving these sales realignments and also what is new at the Shaw winter markets.
January 17, 2013—Victoria Redshaw, Trend Forecaster with Scarlet Opus, and Kemp Harr, discuss the Trends Hub and Designer Day activities scheduled for the Surfaces Expo in Las Vegas in two weeks. Listen to the interview to hear some of Victoria's predictions for interior fashion trends in the future.