August 26, 2004—Lissa Wyman, Editor and publisher, Rug News.com looks at the rug segment of the industry discussing its prime events and growth patterns over the past twelve months. Also discussed, consolidation in the sector, how the major players are affecting the industry, shifts within the retail community and what’s hot from a product standpoint.
August 25, 2004—Mike Barker, Investment & Retirement Management discusses the overarching factors that are affecting today’s market, including oil prices and interest rate expectations. Barker also looks at recent earnings reports, the housing numbers and how they're affecting floor covering stocks and how recent economic data plays into the equation.
August 24, 2004—Frank O’Neill, Publisher, Floor Focus magazine and Dave Foster Host, Floor Radio discuss Target Commercial Interiors’ acquisition of Re:Source Minnesota; Forbo’s announcement that it will dispose of its flooring unit following a loss in the company's first half and the European and U.S vinyl and linoleum markets; The latest in price increases and Fabrica makes the Small Business Administration’s Hall of Fame.
August 23, 2004—Jon Namba, Director, Technical Services, WFCA and Past President, Certified Floorcovering Installers, (CFI) and Jim Walker, CEO, CFI in the final part of a two-part series discuss the declining state of installation in the industry and its root causes in the manufacturing, retail and installation communities. Also discusses is the recently held CFI convention.
August 23, 2004—From the Carpet & Rug Institute, President Werner Braun and Communications Director Joan Seelaus discuss the association’s newest Seal of Approval program. With the goal of increasing consumer satisfaction, the CRI - after developing protocols to test spotter, pre-spray and in-tank chemicals as well as the system that delivers the chemicals - has met with major maintenance companies who have agreed to submit their products for testing. To support the program CRI will also launch a consumer-oriented, promotional effort.
August 22, 2004—Larry Winter, Winter & Harris CPAs discusses avenues open to business people with credit problems, including the three basic measures available to prevent the situation from getting worse and set in motion steps to reverse the situation. Winter also looks at credit counselors and how to select a reputable one.
August 19, 2004—Jon Namba, Director, Technical Services, WFCA and Past President, Certified Floorcovering Installers, (CFI) and Jim Walker, CEO, CFI in the 1st part of a two-part series discuss the declining state of installation in the industry and its root causes in the manufacturing, retail and installation communities.
August 18, 2004—Jeff Meadows, Division VP, Shaw Living, in the final part of a 2-part series discusses producing rugs that sell in a big box environment, the proposition of licensing, why it has become so successful, the company’s criteria for entering a licensing agreement and the “tweener” market, its growth and the success of Shaw’s Mary-Kate and Ashley rugs.
August 17, 2004—Frank O’Neill, Publisher, Floor Focus magazine and Dave Foster Host, Floor Radio discuss: The closure of Tandus’ Santa Ana facility and the termination of its JV with Dixie; Lowe’s and Home Depot’s 2nd quarter earnings' the naming of Biggers as CEO at Witex USA; Sphinx’s move into home textiles: and Berkshire’s Pier 1 buy in.
August 16, 2004—Jeff Meadows, Division VP, Shaw Living, in the 1st part of a 2-part series discusses the unit’s focus on big-box merchants and the dynamics of working with big-box players. Meadows talks about expansion in the division’s product offerings, it’s growth over the past few years and the company’s views on licensing.