High end laminate products holding their own during tough times

HomeCategoriesLaminateHigh end laminate products holding their own during tough times

Sales of high-end products may be coming back based on various corporate reports but in the laminate category they have remained constant as consumers do not want to sacrifice either looks or performance for price.

“While it’s true consumers are searching for greater value,” explained George Kelley, CEO of Pergo, N.A., “it does not mean the majority of them are truly interested in sacrificing superior design and performance to buy a cheaply made product.”

As a result, David Sheehan, vice president of Mannington’s laminate and resilient business, noted, “The high-end laminate business continues to thrive. Consumers see increased value in the product due to the huge advancements in styling capabilities over the past few years while still performing exceptionally well, and—even at the high end of the line—are priced less.”

Manufacturers echo what many sales and marketing experts tout, that selling high-end products not only separates dealers from the pack, it allows them to earn higher profits as the margins on these goods are better.

With that, FCNews surveyed some of the main laminate players in the high-end sector to see what products are driving the business.

Armstrong/Bruce

Milton Goodwin, vice president product management, laminate and ceramic, said in wood looks it is New England Long Plank from Armstrong and Sapele Long Plank from Bruce; and in tile visuals it is Weathered Way and Limestone, both from Armstrong.

“Long planks’ time has finally come,” he noted. “It is one of the hottest trends on the West Coast moving quickly to the East.

“Tile visuals,” Goodwin added, “have always been popular in laminate and one of Armstrong’s best selling products. The new designs are the most realistic we’ve ever done.”

Must Read

Commercial stats: Market challenges impact contract recovery

The commercial market experienced a year of mixed activity in 2024, with some sectors showing resilience while others struggled amid inflation-driven price hikes, shifting...

UofCTS launches sales, installation courses

San Clemente, Calif.—The University of Ceramic Tile and Stone (UofCTS) is now providing online tile and stone sales as well as installation courses designed...

AHSG announces strategic partnership with Stanton Design

Roswell, Ga.—American Home Surfaces Group (AHSG), a leading alliance of independent floor covering dealers nationwide, announced its newest strategic partnership with Stanton Design, a...

O’Krent makes waves with ‘Step into Summer’ sale

San Antonio, Texas—O’Krent Floors kicked off the summer season with a four-day sale that drew crowds not seen in years and created the kind...

Artivo Surfaces acquires Walker Zanger, Anthology

Livonia, Mich.—Artivo Surfaces (Artivo), the parent company of Virginia Tile and Galleher Duffy, backed by Transom Capital (Transom), has entered into a definitive agreement...

Tile stats: Housing market slump takes its toll on demand

Like the rest of flooring in 2024—including the behemoth resilient category—tile declined in both sales and volume last year due to various factors, most...
Some text some message..
X