July 9, 2003—Frank O’Neill, Publisher, Floor Focus Magazine and Dave Foster, Host, FloorRadio discuss:The termination of Trade Show International management’s contract by the Coverings board of directors; Mohawk Home’s acquisition of Brumlow Mill’s tufted bath rug division; Next week’s International Summer Rug Market in Atlanta; Formica court approval for an investment proposal and; Home Depot’s size as it most compelling competitive feature.
July 8, 2003—Paul Friedrichsen, Executive VP, The Hauser Group in the second part segment of an ongoing series on branding for the independent retailer discusses knowing your customer, setting goals, developing a marketing plan, establishing a budget and creating and executing a media plan.
July 7, 2003—Randy Merritt, Sr. VP, Sales & Marketing, Shaw Industries discusses the company’s decision to withdraw from Surfaces 2004, how the decision was made, the regional dealer events that the company will sponsor in lieu of Surfaces, how these events will be held and the company’s changing relationship with retailers.
July 3, 2003—Michael Paparone, CEO, The Invironmentalists, formerly DuPont Flooring Systems discusses the company’s name and its change of focus to what it’s calling a new category in the building interior marketplace. Paparone talks about the company's shift in focus that's beyond just sales and installation an approach that concentrates on the total life cycle and continuous care. Initially this change will encompass floor coverings within the commercial market, ultimately it will incorporate the total interior.
July 2, 2003—Frank O’Neill, Publisher, Floor Focus Magazine and Dave Foster, Host, FloorRadio discuss: The decisions of Mohawk and Shaw to exit Surfaces 2004 in favor of regional events and the effects on Surfaces and on retailers and; DuPont Flooring Systems name change to The Invironmentalists and the company’s shift in focus.
July 1, 2003—Ed Williams, Senior VP, Marketing, Mohawk Industries discusses Mohawk’s decision to withdraw from Surfaces 2004, the rationale behind the decision, the regional events, which the company will hold in December and January instead of participating in Surfaces, who will be invited to the regional events and what retailers can expect at these events.
June 30, 2003—Rita Dommermuth, Project Director Hannover Fairs USA and Suzanne Klaproth, Project Manager, Deutsche Messe, discuss Domotex 2004, the world’s largest floor covering trade show, in Hannover, Germany and Contract World, the show’s popular commercial element. Discussed are the expanded exhibit options for the upcoming show, changes in the U.S. Pavilion and the brand-new Georgia Pavilion. Also discussed is the Shanghai-based floor covering show, Domotex Asia, ChinaFloor.
June 29, 2003—Dick Biere, President, Mannington Commercial in the second and final segment in a two part series discusses the company’s sustainability stance and its philosophy with regard to environmental issues. Bierie also discusses NeoCon, the recent StarNet convention and the company’s new product offerings.
June 26, 2003—Frank O’Neill, Publisher, Floor Focus Magazine and Dave Foster, Host, FloorRadio discuss: the results of the Floor Focus annual Retailer Survey and the surprising results that indicate the potential effects the economy has had on independent retailers. Survey results also point to current retailer attitudes about installation, margin levels, the Internet and what appears to be an increased propensity toward joining retail groups.
June 26, 2003—Mike Barker, Investment & Retirement Management discusses the Federal Reserve Open Market Committee’s move yesterday to lower interest rates and analyses the statement issued by the Fed yesterday as it moved to lower rates. Barker also looks at the effects the move will have on individuals and businesses.