Did you go? If not, why? If you go to regional markets because of an affiliation with a supplier, that’s certainly important to your business and to the relationship you have with them. And, of course, you have a responsibility to that supplier if they help you. But, in my opinion, these venues, though important for your business, do not give you a true taste of the entire market and floor covering industry. For that you have to be at Surfaces, which exposes you to the world of floor covering, literally.
Not only are all of the large suppliers, other than Mohawk, Shaw and Armstrong, there but manufacturers from all over the world take part. This yearChinawas more visibly represented than ever, on both the main level and downstairs. Suppliers of carpet and other flooring materials, many you may not even be aware of, are also exhibiting. And how can you afford to miss the major push into the residential market by companies like Bentley Prince Street, Milliken, the Dixie Group with their Masland and Fabrica lines, Gullistan, Kraus, Royalty, Supreme, Monticello and others who offer products you’ll never see at dedicated regional markets. Beaulieu, the largest carpet manufacturer exhibiting at Surfaces, rolled out an abundance of new and innovative products. And if you’re not doing business with them you should be because they get better and better at what they do while offering you a great alternative.
On top of that are the sizeable numbers of manufacturers offering specials that you can really make some money with and open a new supply chain. This supply stream comes in particularly handy during slow times. Someone is always looking for a deal and if you have cash and carry product to sell them or new unique products you’ll find them here, in one location at one time. Suppliers of accessories such as unique floor vents, stone, mural insets, glass flooring, adhesives, tools, you name it, can be found at Surfaces. Where else would you have a chance to see so much that can add profit to your store? If you’re diversifying your business, and you should be, you won’t find a better opportunity than Surfaces to locate items that can add more profit to your operation. A small, unaffiliated flooring retailer can’t afford not to come to Surfaces. Why would you want your customers to be denied the latest floor covering products and accessories? Even in the smallest markets consumers want the latest products the industry has to offer; things that they see on line, in shelter magazines and on HGTV.
Surfaces has definitely improved with more elaborate displays, better selections and unique product offerings. It’s been said traffic was off but there was still a lot of it and if you spent any time on the lower level it was “bumper to bumper” traffic. The lower level of this show is a gold mine of product. Things you won’t see anywhere else. Tools, unique flooring materials, fixtures, cabinetry, software, new technologies, specialty woods and hard surface flooring and a boat load of items that could make your business function better and increase profits. All the trade organizations are there, the trade press, and dignitaries of the industry. And the chance to educate yourself on the floor covering industry in so many ways doesn’t exist anywhere else.
I believe that if you are going to participate in the floor covering industry you should be at Surfaces, regardless of regional shows, even a small presence by Shaw, Mohawk and Armstrong is warranted. This is the “Big Top” of the industry, our showcase and everyone should participate. The best thing about Surfaces in my opinion is the “face time.” Getting to see and be with the industry; friends, acquaintances and meeting new people is fantastic – nowhere else do you have that opportunity.
Why not attend the LGM Carpet Seminar inDaltonon April 2, 3, & 4. Call Anita at 706-370-5888 to register. Nothing else like it exists.
Author: Lewis G. Migliore
LGM and Associates – The Floorcovering Experts