Category Archives: Flooring
Why professional carpet installation is so important and what it takes to install carpet properly!
Last month I talked about the selection and purchase of carpet. In this article I want to address some of the reasons that it is imperative that carpet be installed by a professional carpet installer and why it is not a do it yourself project. First and foremost professional carpet installation requires the use of [...]
What’s involved in the selection, purchase and installation of carpet?
It is important to realize that the average person purchases flooring once every seven or so years. Given that statistic and how fast technology is changing the world we live in it is no surprise that most people are relatively clueless when purchasing carpeting for their home or office. First and foremost the most important [...]
Why The Home Furnishing Industry Is Suffering!
We are all aware that our country has issues with the debt ceiling. Here in the State of Illinois we cannot pay our bills. Our legislature continues to show no direction with the Democrats blaming the Republicans and vice versa. Unfortunately, I would suggest that in business we make most of our own problems. In [...]
The Truth About Maintaining Wood Floors
Today, more than ever, wood floors seem to be more popular. Most homeowners consider wood floors to be a long term investment that enhances the value of their home. The fact is that wood floors require special maintenance – especially in climates like Chicago. When selling or buying a wood floor it is imperative that [...]
Purchasing carpet over the internet vs. a reputable local retailer … buyer beware!
People shop the internet for carpet and other flooring products. For purposes of this discussion I am going to limit my thoughts to purchasing carpet over the internet. One needs to first understand everything that will ensure a carpet installation goes smoothly. When the customer has selected their carpet style and color, only then does [...]
To Lend or Not to Lend
“There is concern about customers taking our sample and then shop around for the best price. What is your take and your store’s policy on sampling?”
Focus on the Goal!
The world is changing at a faster pace than ever before. The price of oil continues to rise. There is political and civil unrest in many parts of the world. China is consuming natural resources at an ever growing rate to support their economic expansion. Banks are slow to lend money and interest rates for [...]
The Great Wood Debate – China vs. United States Round One
On December 3, 2010 the United States International Trade Commission determined that there is a reasonable indication that the wood flooring industry in the United States is being materially injured by reason of imports of engineered wood flooring from China that are subsidized by the Chinese government and sold in the United States at less [...]
Plans for Success in 2011 in the Home Remodeling category
What will separate the successful companies from the ones that don’t live to see next year? The world is truly flat. Today more than ever no matter what size your business is, it is mandatory that you understand how to source products in the most efficient way from quality suppliers. Any retailer is only as [...]
How has the recession affected the home furnishings industry?
How has the recession affected the home furnishings industry? Last week I attended the International Tile Show in Bologna, Italy called Cersaie and the International Stone Show called Merromac in Verona, Italy. Over the last decade my hard surface buyer and I have traveled ten of thousands of miles by plane, train, bus, car, taxi [...]