tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30346489.post2317881433601395041..comments2024-03-20T11:22:09.369-04:00Comments on Flooring The Consumer: Arthur Corbin's Retail WisdomCB Whittemorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03737846177421292411noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30346489.post-70425951847807003892009-12-12T00:02:20.305-05:002009-12-12T00:02:20.305-05:00Arthur, you make wonderful suggestions. Your notio...Arthur, you make wonderful suggestions. Your notions about changing and adapting to older and younger demographics as well as rethinking the product - yes, it is a suface! - is spot on. Thanks so much for this marvelous discussion. I can't wait to hear how your class goes and what Troy makes of your suggestions! Best, CBCB Whittemorehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03737846177421292411noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30346489.post-29284235516181121732009-12-10T15:21:56.152-05:002009-12-10T15:21:56.152-05:00Troy & CB - I have been thinking about the sta...Troy & CB - I have been thinking about the stand alone locally owned flooring store and how these stores can change and adapt to the changing retail environment.<br /><br />1) Flooring stores are in the surfaces business. That is a decorative, and functional material over a substrate.<br />2) Thinking surfaces instead of flooring adds walls and ceilings to the available areas to cover, often with the same or similar material. This increases sales.<br />3) Tile and wood and carpet already are used on walls yet how many flooring showrooms demonstrate this? Tretford comes to mind, wool + mohair ribbed carpet and wall covering (2 different products).<br />The addition of a shower and whirlpool is a positive investment. I suggest partnering with an interior designer and a lighting designer to make this display a big wow AND get a press release out for an open house.<br />4) Age specific surface covering will be a lucrative market. Are flooring / surface showrooms trained in the specific needs of older consumers?<br />5) Are showroom owners looking at new materials and uses? Corian is used for flooring, counters & back splashes every day. Yes, DuPont is showing Corian used in an Airstream trailer, as back-lit walls (partner with an electrical distributor?), and as furniture. More sales possibilities with the same material and the same supplier.<br />6) Are all of us asking the right questions to upsell? Are all of us showing our customers the product(s) that price out higher but provide long term reduced cost? I am thinking Marmoleum linoleum versus vinyl flooring as an example. Surface renovation may occur once every 10 years so sales skill and product knowledge can generate a higher sale and better profits that will cover expenses until our customer is ready to remodel.<br />7 Retail has an entertainment value. Do we use video, music, smell, and tactile elements to make our stores compelling and interesting? Do we host open houses with interesting speakers and subjects? Maybe a barefoot party where our feet can choose which carpet has the best feel?<br />Take a vote, publish the results, get local media involved.<br />Students are our future customers. Their education is beneficial and well worth the time. Maybe they can produce a mobile phone ap for choosing surface covering in exchange for a pizza party?<br />Thanks for the information and answers. I will post to CB the class slides and outline sometime in January.<br />Arthur CorbinLighting Wizard Tipshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02884090863187560343noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30346489.post-46250907547290556522009-12-09T23:40:16.926-05:002009-12-09T23:40:16.926-05:00Sorry for the delay in response. Here goes:
Tr...Sorry for the delay in response. Here goes:<br /><br /> <br /><br />Trends:<br /><br />Ceramic and hardwood. Also increased interest in cork and bamboo.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Mudrooms: Ceramic tile.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Yes we do have families to whom we have sold 2 and 3 generations worth.<br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br />We do thank you cards but should do a card that will lead to a future referral, great idea.<br /><br /> <br /><br />We are in the middle of updating our ceramic tile showroom. We are adding new designs, size tiles and colors to our floor. We are adding a walk in shower with all the bells and whistles and a whirlpool to show what we can do.<br /><br /> <br /><br />I am also contacting the university in my town to partner with students to show them what a floor covering store really does.<br /><br />Let me know if you have any more questions.<br /><br />Troy Aeby<br />Duralum Carpets Inc.<br />Stevens Point, WI 54481Troy Aebyhttp://www.duralumcarpets.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30346489.post-51241602607360652972009-12-03T22:35:06.543-05:002009-12-03T22:35:06.543-05:00Arthur, you ask great questions! In fact, Troy...Arthur, you ask great questions! In fact, Troy's responses and your class experience would make for a terrific followup post! Best, CBCB Whittemorehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03737846177421292411noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30346489.post-12531104177353941802009-12-01T12:29:17.018-05:002009-12-01T12:29:17.018-05:00Troy - What are the current trends in flooring? ca...Troy - What are the current trends in flooring? carpet? tile? stone?<br />Wisconsin winters require a mud room with hard, easy-to-clean flooring. What floors are being installed in mud rooms?<br />I ask because I will be teaching several interior design classes in Spring 2010. Classes are for homeowners and flooring is one of the key subjects.<br />Do you have familes with several generations that have bought from you, your dad, and grandfather? Word of mouth is one of the best sales tools.<br />Are you responding to the needs of an aging population? Baby boomers are retiring with a desire to age in their home so remodeling to accomodate older adults is a growing business.<br />How do you thank your customers for their business? Note card? Gift? Do you use referal cards (thank you for your business and for your positive review. Please give this card to a friend who is considering new flooring and you will get a referal fee of $. This can also be donated to the charity of your choice.)<br />How often do you refresh your store? Any success stories of increased sales after a store refreshment?<br />Thank you for writing. Warmly, Arthur CorbinLighting Wizard Tipshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02884090863187560343noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30346489.post-78378735446621324112009-11-12T11:00:03.360-05:002009-11-12T11:00:03.360-05:00Troy, thanks for your comment. You hit the nail ri...Troy, thanks for your comment. You hit the nail right on the head with your statement about customer service. I'm really intrigued with the various steps you are taking to listen to your customers via Facebook and through your new blog. Congratulations on being so passionate and so open to new approaches. Best, CBCB Whittemorehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03737846177421292411noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30346489.post-22054171822217981112009-11-10T20:07:40.078-05:002009-11-10T20:07:40.078-05:00Great post. I run a family retail floor covering ...Great post. I run a family retail floor covering business and have noticed many changes from when my dad and grandfather ran the business. But one thing never changes: Great customer service and being sensitive to your customers needs are always in style. The challenge is to listen to your customers and adjust your marketing accordingly.<br /><br />Troy Aeby<br />Duralum Carpets Inc.<br />Stevens Point, WI.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16719995226757973599noreply@blogger.com