Chino, Calif.—Merkrete, a tile-setting materials leader and Parex USA brand, was recently appointed as a specialty vendor for the National Flooring Alliance (NFA). Merkrete’s new relationship with the premier flooring materials buying group strengthens both parties, filling a setting materials void within NFA and introducing the manufacturer to the retail leaders that compose the alliance, according to Merkrete.
“We’re very pleased and excited to be part of the NFA group,” said Todd Boos, national sales manager, Merkrete. “It’s a fantastic group of members that have a very keen understanding of the environment in which their businesses operate and possess great knowledge of the entire floor covering industry. Our partnership with NFA is an excellent blend of retail leadership and manufacturing innovation.”
As a specialty vendor, Merkrete said it supports NFA members through supplying top-quality products, high level of service and competitive pricing. These then benefit customers and end users, who will have access to expanded product offerings. The partnership also acquaints the Merkrete brand with alliance members in need of an established tile setting products vendor.
“Merkrete fills a category that we don’t have a lot of suppliers in,” said Lisa Browning, executive director, NFA. “And this gives Merkrete the opportunity to meet 43 of the largest retailers with over 270 storefronts. They get to know who the buyer for tile setting materials is for each company and it gives them contact with the rest of the membership that they aren’t currently doing business with.”
NFA president, Jason McSwain, said having Merkrete as a specialty vendor is valuable as it has a lot of detailed knowledge on large commercial applications as well as large ceramic installations via builders. “Crack isolation and waterproofing have had some good traction within our membership by the number that do ceramic tile for multifamily apartments,” McSwain said.
Ryan Walker chairs the Cushion and Underlayment Committee for NFA and was instrumental in bringing Merkrete on as a specialty vendor, according to the company. He said in addition to the quality and variety of products Merkrete brings to the alliance, distribution is key for the NFA.
Boos said he intends to make the most of the new opportunity. “Next steps are to ensure that our Merkrete technical sales reps are engaging with the each of the NFA members to provide a comprehensive understanding of what the brand has to offer and to begin working collaboratively to identify opportunities in their individual marketplaces,” he said.