Scranton, Pa.—Ceramic distributor Arley Wholesale recently hosted three days of business, fun and networking during its 11th annual Tile & Stone Exposition, which took place at the Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel, concluding a three-day celebration that included the popular Arley Golf Classic.
A new optimism seemed to be the common thread among those attending as Arley offered opportunities for flooring retailers regarding “market ready” tile and stone materials researched by the Arley team. “Arley is our primary preferred source,” stated Joe Micciulli of Suburban Tile in Freeport, N.Y. “We count on Arley for the three Ps: Product, price and producing what they say they will. And Arley always does just that. The sales force is professional, the backup customer service from its home office is second to none and the logistics are always dependable. We come to this event every year to support Arley; we know they support us. It’s is a well-oiled machine which sets the benchmark for what tile and stone distributors should do for their customers.”
Miguel Ortiz and Dyland Lunney of Apricot Tile, located of Brooklyn, N.Y., were emphatic on how Arley’s product offering helps them showcase the “right products” for the highly discerning clientele their firm services. “Arley conducts strong research relative to product selection,” said Ortiz. “And, the Arley team delivers what they say they will, always on time.”
Scott Levy, executive vice president of operations for Arley, said, “All items on display at our trade event were materials totally ready to be private-labeled. Customers preparing to market lines bearing their names were able to easily do so. Our expo is the only specialized tile and stone trade show offering products which are either in stock or on their way to be inventoried. Retailers, for example, aren’t forced to import and then inventory from large containers of tile and stone. They have the option to select the latest products which are delivered by truck, and on most occasions, on the road the next day.”
David Lowe, Arley’s vice president of sales who presided as master of ceremonies during the event’s Sunday night dinner celebration, said, “We’re a third generation, family-owned company that believes in treating employees, customers and suppliers as family, as well. Even though we keep up-to-date on every possible technological advancement, ensuring our business is cutting-edge, we’re old-fashioned in that we never forget where we came from, or who our customers are. This was very evident during the last three days. Strong bonds were made stronger. Mutually beneficial business deals were cut. Once again, everybody won.”