Ask flooring retailers to identify the key traits of their top suppliers and they’re likely to talk about “trust” or “good communication skills” and “collaboration” before they even broach quality of product and paucity of claims. Of course, all of these factors are important ingredients in developing a successful supplier-retailer relationship—especially in an age when store traffic has slowed while consumer demands increase.
Floor Covering News’ fourth annual “Retailers Reveal the Suppliers They Win With” section underscores the importance of this dynamic as articulated through the voices of retailers and distributors.
Accu-Cut
Since 1990, Brockie International/Accu-Cut has been providing customers with the best quality cutting and rolling machines that can be produced. Over the years, Accu-Cut has dramatically increased the number of new customers while maintaining its long–established working relationship with the many thousands of existing customers. Accu-Cut’s mission is to continue to provide quality, state–of–the–art equipment to customers and back that up with exemplary service.
What retailers had to say:
We’ve been in the retail business since 2005, and the biggest mistake we made was not buying from Accu-Cut earlier. We bit the bullet and bought the Q7 and have had really good luck with it. The Accu-Cut guys are great to work with; if you have problems, they will immediately help you on the phone.
– Mark Beams, Beams Flooring America, Twin Falls Idaho
Investing in Accu-Cut equipment is the best decision we’ve made in Carpet Outlet history. We’ve saved tons of time on cutting carpet. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to save time and energy to buy their carpet cutting machine.
– Vladamir Falko, Carpet Outlet, Baltimore
Aladdin Commercial
Aladdin Commercial is much more than a collection of flooring products. It is a comprehensive Main Street Commercial program built specifically to provide customers the right flooring solutions for any end–use application. Aladdin Commercial floors and accessories have been intentionally designed to coordinate seamlessly together—providing low–cost, highly designed flooring solutions encompassing broadloom, carpet tile, hard surface and installation accessory products.
What retailers had to say:
We’ve been doing business with them for nine years and absolutely love Aladdin. We are partners with Mohawk and push as much as we physically can to our customers. With Aladdin we do well across the board—20–mil, 12–mil LVTs, click products to carpet tiles. It couldn’t be easier to do busy with them.
– Jack Garrison, National Contract Flooring, Little Rock, Ark.
When customers come into our showroom asking for a commercial product, we take them over to the Aladdin display. We love the compactness and the versatility of their displays. For example, many of their samples are either solids or patterns that are complementary in defining commercial spaces. And having the same product both in broadloom and carpet tile is a big advantage because you can transition from one area to another easily. Aladdin’s pricing is very good as well.
– Tony Balian, Abbey Carpet of Petaluma, Petaluma, Calif.
COREtec
Leading with innovation, COREtec offers a wide range of waterproof flooring solutions that directly address your customers’ various pain points and business solutions that meet your needs. By listening, learning and collaborating with you, COREtec anticipates the needs of today and tomorrow, investing in technologies and operations that drive our industry forward.
What retailers had to say:
COREtec has helped us promote our company’s strength by showing our customers that we partner with recognizable brands. RC Willey is a ‘brand’ in the markets we service and COREtec is a recognizable flooring brand, so it just makes good business sense to partner with a brand as strong as COREtec. They help me sell better products because their focus is not on commodity goods—and we have some exclusive styles available to the NFA, which creates a win-win.
– Eric Mondragon, RC Willey, Salt Lake City
The thing that stands out the most with COREtec is the wide range of styles within the line that are available. From SPC to WPC, with multiple width, length and thickness options, their assortment makes it hard for the customer not to find exactly what she is looking for. Combine this with massive inventory and great service, this is a recipe for success.
– Bruce Odette, Carpet Exchange, Denver
Engineered Floors
Engineered Floors may not be the oldest flooring manufacturer around, but it has quickly established itelf as among the best. That’s due in part to EF’s new equipment and ground–breaking technology that allows the company to make 100% of its carpets under one roof, greatly reducing manufacturing time.
PureColor, the mill’s proprietary solution-dyed fiber, provides consumers with the dazzling beauty they seek along with stain resistance, durability and performance. This results in fewer claims and provides greater peace of mind for everyone.
What retailers had to say:
Many things stand out about Engineered Floors. They bring clean, fresh products to the market that are made in the most up-to-date mills the industry has ever seen. We are confident in selling these products because of the overall quality and looks we can offer our customers. Service and relationships start with their territory managers, and each level of management is aware and engaged in our business.
– Doug Bertrand, Carpetland USA, Davenport, Iowa
We have a fantastic partnership with Engineered Floors. Yes, they have great product and prices but the employees and service we receive from bottom up is second to none. They have been a huge factor in the growth of our company. Great products; great value to the consumer; good margins for the retailers. We’re in with EF big time.
– Jeremy Wirges, 3 Kings Flooring, Fort Wayne, Ind.
Eternity
Eternity Floors aims to provide an unrivaled and enriching experience for all customers by constantly scouring the globe for new trends, unique colors and innovative designs and products. Eternity prides itself on delivering quality and affordability—two distinguishing traits that have contributed to its exceptional reputation within the flooring industry.
What retailers had to say:
It’s super easy to deal with Eternity. You email them, call them—they’re on it. They are a very efficient group. The way they organize their palettes is very impressive. They wrap it a certain way to protect the goods so that when it is delivered there is no damage. Theirs is definitely one of the lines I will recommend to customers when they come into the store, and their pricing is better than most companies.
– Tina Holland, North County Flooring Outlet, Paso Robles, Calif.
Eternity is always easy to work with—from billing to repping to requesting a product. If a customer calls in and requests a certain color that I don’t have, I can call them and they’ll send me that particular color promptly. They have a great color line selection.
– Sabine Grizzle, Grizzly’s Discount Flooring, Mesa, Ariz.
Healthier Choice Flooring
Healthier Choice Flooring, established in 1994, has transformed the flooring industry by prioritizing comfort, durability and indoor safety. Healthier Choice is a leader in health-conscious underlay flooring solutions for soft and hard surfaces. The company strives to make durable products that ensure better indoor air quality (IAQ) while providing support and protection for the co-installed floor covering.
With indoor safety, comfort and durability at the forefront, Healthier Choice Flooring continues to inspire the industry, creating healthier living spaces for all.
What retailers had to say:
As a supplier, Healthier Choice has always kept us informed about availability. If they anticipated running into supply issues based on raw material shortages, they would communicate this to us right away and provide us with whatever material they could. I’ve always felt they provided great service at the local level. Along with that they have good product (cushion), very consistent quality and very few—if any—quality issues.
– Doug Peeples, Myers Flooring, Nashville
Healthier Choice solved a problem for us and our customers. About 40% of our carpet sales are hand-loomed and woven products. Before we discovered their cushion, we had no upgrade option for customers that wanted a nicer feel underfoot than synthetic felt afforded. Selling Healthier Choice cushion is about the easiest thing we can do to both make more money and give our customers a better experience.
– Joel Schreier, L & L Home Carpet One, Chicago
Indusparquet
Indusparquet continues to stand out in the crowded hardwood category through its exceptional craftsmanship, innovative designs and continued commitment to sustainability. With a full range of premium South American exotic species, precision milling techniques and exquisite finishes, Indusparquet provides customers timeless beauty, durability and a truly premium flooring experience.
What retailers have to say:
When it comes to exotics, Indusparquet is at the top of the food chain. Their quality, pricing and reputation are unmatched. After years of selling and stocking nothing but European white oaks and American classics the pendulum is starting to swing back to exotics, which is refreshing. In my opinion, Indusparquet owns that segment of the market.
– Larry Flick, The Floor Store, Richmond, Calif.
There is no other company that can provide a comprehensive selection of South American species in both solids and engineered wood—in a multitude of stains and widths—all at competitive pricing than Indusparquet.
– Michael Longwill, Airbase Carpet and Tile Mart, Newark, Del.
Karndean Designflooring
Now celebrating its 50th year in business, Karndean Designflooring has been a pioneer in premium luxury vinyl from day one. That singular focus allows Karndean to continually innovate, refine and perfect the product, both in design and performance. In doing so, the supplier offers customers the personal touch of a family-owned business—something Karndean is proud to have been since the start in 1973.
What retailers have to say:
Karndean stays on the cutting edge of design and design options. This helps elevate the otherwise commoditization of the vinyl category. In addition, through all of the industry supply chain issues, they have stood out with their service for us—and our customers.
– Phil Koufidakis, Baker Bros., Phoenix
Our success with Karndean is: No. 1, they are a partner with us from our rep to their management team; No. 2, they are not in the box stores; No. 3 their patterns are very unique—from wood patterns to tile patterns; No. 4, their website is great and sends us leads from the consumer. No. 5, our claims with Karndean are non-existent.
– Jeff Butner, Van Dam Abbey Carpet & Floor, Marysville, Wash.
Lignomat
Lignomat has come a long way since first introducing its moisture meter to the U.S. market in 1982. In the ensuing years, Lignomat has earned a sterling reputation for manufacturing accurate and reliable pin meters.
Today, the company takes great pride in manufacturing reliable, accurate and durable meters (pin and pinless) with stable calibrations based on the latest measuring technologies.
What retailers have to say:
We never have an issue with Lignomat. Their customer service is fantastic. Everything is on time with them, and we love their product offerings—from their moisture meters to their mini-Ligno DX/C meters.
– Monty Muxlow-Volk, Treeco Distributors, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Lignomat has been an important moisture-meter supplier to Derr Flooring for a long time. We have always received products in a quick and reliable manner at good, competitive prices. Lignomat’s quality has always been top notch and at the forefront of product innovation.
– Tom Clayton, Derr Flooring, Willow Grove, Pa.
Mohawk
Ever since Mohawk rolled out its first carpets in 1878, the company has built quality into every flooring product it makes. Mohawk continues that tradition today with product innovation in all flooring categories, award-winning design and a talented team dedicated to outstanding service.
Mohawk is also proud to lead the industry with some of the most trusted brands in flooring, including Daltile, Durkan, Godfrey Hirst, Karastan, Marazzi, Mohawk, Mohawk Group, Mohawk Home, Performance Accessories, Pergo and Quick-Step.
What retailers had to say:
Mohawk has earned its way to being our No. 1 supplier. Their quality products are key, and those products are backed up with simply the best retail partner program in the flooring industry. Mohawk’s Edge program covers all the bases for independent flooring dealers. Others try to copy this, but they miss the boat with too much sizzle and not enough steak. Edge by Mohawk is a program that rewards the dealer with better benefits to the program the more you purchase.
– Craig Phillips, The Flooring Edge/Barrington Carpet, Twinsburg, Ohio
Mohawk has helped my business be successful because they have cutting–edge products; theirrep (Jerome Moreau) is all over my account like a rat on a bag of Cheetos, and they treat me very well regarding attention, claims and pricing. What more could a dealer expect?
– Don Lovato, CarpetSource USA, Albuquerque, N.M.
Robbins
For individuals looking to inspire and be inspired, Robbins delivers the freedom to design living spaces with quality wood flooring options in a wide range of styles, colors and surface textures.
What retailers have to say:
By working with our vendor partners, like Robbins, on hand-selecting styles exclusive to NFA, members can provide even more of a customized shopping experience for our clients… with styles we know will sell.
– Jason O’Krent, O’Krent Floors, San Antonio
We utilize the Robbins brand from AHF to show an exclusive collection of engineered wood in a bronze, silver, platinum collection. The program clearly delineates an upgrade story that RSAs can demonstrate and consumers can understand. It sells well for us.
– Michael Longwill, Carpet and Tile Mart, New Castle, Del.
Shaw
For over 50 years, Shaw has remained steadfast in its pursuit of providing customers with superior solutions, stylish designs and groundbreaking innovations. At the heart of Shaw is its people. From industry-leading design talent, skilled engineers crafting cutting-edge products and manufacturing associates to its committed sales representatives and drivers who bring these products to retail stores—each person is connected through a shared vision of centering the customer in every way.
What retailers have to say:
We’ve been doing business with Shaw for 17 years. Just the relationship stands out. Their commitment to making sure that we have all the tools we need to make sure we are successful—which in turn has made them successful—is what stands out. We base our business on relationships, long–term relationships, and we have had probably the best relationship with Shaw over the years.
– Ray Price, Price Flooring, Delray Beach, Fla.
Shaw came into my store quite a few years ago and asked how they could help me be more successful. After I responded, they delivered. Just yesterday I had a great conversation with one of their drivers who came in just to ask me how my family was doing. It’s that kind of relationship that sets Shaw apart. I count Shaw as one of the biggest blessings to happen to me and my business.
– Reagan Echols, IQ Floors, Colorado Springs, Colo.
Showroom Pricing
Showroom Pricing is a software company that allows flooring dealers to update pricing in real time. There are no apps to download or special scanners; customers merely walk into a retailer’s showroom and open the camera on their phones to see the pricing. Beyond pricing a showroom, the company’s software helps dealers track samples as well as their most popular trending products via QR code.
What retailers have to say:
Showroom Pricing offers a simple solution created by Kristen and her team. B2B pricing in our internal software automatically updates our showrooms when vendors send updated price lists. This feature is hands down worth its weight in gold. Couple that with analytics gathered from sample usage and dealers can benefit in countless ways.
– Kyal Wilson, presidentNampa Floors & Interiors, Nampa, Idaho
Prior to Showroom Pricing we would manually write out price tags and put them on our sample boards. This task would typically take a person 3-4 weeks to reprice our entire showroom. Now with Showroom Pricing, I can export our products from RFMS B2B and reprice our entire showroom in two different stores in matter of 30 minutes.
– Ryan Boender, Sackett’s Flooring Solutions, Kalamazoo, Mich.
SLCC Flooring
SLCC is laser focused on providing a positive customer service experience. Its goal is to be a flooring retailer’s easiest vendor to deal with as well as providing homeowners with a beautiful floor that will last a lifetime. From providing a thoughtfully curated line of products that meet or exceed its lofty standards to keeping deep domestic inventory to service customers, SLCC is committed to challenging the status quo.
What retailers have to say:
I remember buying 10 containers and it sold out, then I bought seven more. Never had one complaint. The looks, colors, everything is great. I think they are doing something right at SLCC.
– Jimmy Poulos, Flooring 101, Oxnard, Calif.
In my eight years with SLCC we have not had a single complaint about a product, much less a claim. SLCC has phenomenal quality. Also, with SLCC, it’s not like their products are in every store. They are very strategically placed with their retail accounts.
– Steven Hernandez, Hernandez Wholesale Flooring, Commerce, Calif.
Urbanfloor
Urbanfloor seamlessly combines style and quality as a key flooring manufacturer. The company’s versatile range suits various budgets—from entry-level to premium—and rises to meet rigorous safety standards. Backed by a supportive, friendly team and swift U.S. shipping centers, Urbanfloor assures prompt and secure delivery. Alongside its exceptional, trend-setting products, Urbanfloor’s dedication to elevated customer service nurtures enduring relationships, aiding customers in achieving the highest levels of success.
What retailers have to say:
Urbanfloor is an exceptional wood flooring partner. Through the years, they have helped SSJ Floors grow in the demanding New Jersey/New York area by providing excellent products and services. Their professional candor and responsiveness are demonstrated with each and every wood order. Urbanfloor products are always evolving based on the design demands and trends of the wood flooring industry.
– Esteban Mozo, SSJ Floors LLC, Jersey City, N.J.
We can’t say enough good things about Urbanfloor. Villa Caprisi has been our bread and butter—the best colors with the perfect amount of character. We love the team at Urbanfloor—they are the best.
– Kyle Dequillettes, North County Tile & Stone, San Marcos, Cali.
Wagner Meters
Since 1965, Wagner’s field-proven moisture measurement technology has helped thousands of valued customers improve profits and eliminate wood and concrete moisture-related problems. Beyond this expertise, they redefine customer service, fostering relationships that go beyond sales. With educational resources authored by experts and quick query resolution, Wagner’s commitment exceeds expectations, ensuring your success and protection.
What retailers have to say:
Wagner is a great help with anything we need. We have worked on getting our installers and salespeople to work with Wagner Meters to check our installation job site conditions. In response, Wagner sent out one of their reps to visit our state (Montana) and our seven locations. They did so with no hesitation at all. That kind of support is greatly appreciated. Their rep gave presentations and put a plan together to make our business a lot cleaner than what it had been.
– Steve Denny, Pierce Flooring & Cabinet Design, Billings, Mont.
We really enjoy working with Wagner Meters because of the quality of their meters. We trust the readings and, most importantly, we trust their people. We can always call them and get advice on how to deal with a situation. We’ve been in business with them for five years and they are great partners.
– Tyler Paulson, Paulson’s Floor Covering, Portland, Ore.
