Anaheim, Calif.—The World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) has partnered with the fcB2B (Floor Covering Business to Business Association) to make the digital standard a reality for the flooring industry. According to WFCA, its board approved the initiative and investment at recent meetings.
As part of its financial commitment, the WFCA is funding the full time executive director position for fcB2B. Phillip Zolan, former director of continuous improvement at Mohawk Industries, will take on this role.
“Our industry has been doing business the same way for decades,” said Scott Humphrey, CEO of the WFCA. “Face-to-face meetings, pushing papers, sending faxes and making phone calls all have their place in our industry but not when it comes to financial transactions that can and should take seconds. No matter what industry you are in there is no doubt that e-commerce has become the common denominator for doing business efficiently and effectively.”
Over the past 15 years the fcB2b team has worked to create a seamless digital program for the flooring industry, and studies show the program could save flooring retailers and manufacturers significant time and money, according to Aaron Pirner, CEO of CAP Carpets and co-president of fcB2B, whose company conducted a study focused on e-commerce. “E-commerce is a must for the independents to survive against their big box competitors,” Pirner said. “It will improve business efficiency, business relationships and order management reliability. Ultimately this system will make customers happier.”
Citing the WFCA’s Purpose Statement, which seeks to “ensure the success and profitability of professional floor covering dealers and to protect their common interests,” Humphrey said it is time for the industry to enter the digital world with a fully integrated e-commerce business model. “The foundation is set and the pieces are in place to take it to the next level—full implementation—which is what we are going to do.”
Mitch Dancik, chairman emeritus, Dancik International and co-president, fcB2B, added, “Isn’t it time for flooring stores to act more like the Apple stores, and for flooring customers to have the buying experience they deserve?”