Friday, November 21, 2025

FCIF launches Giving Tuesday campaign for families in crisis

Dalton—The Floor Covering Industry Foundation (FCIF) announced its Giving Tuesday campaign to support flooring families facing medical crises. The campaign takes place Dec. 2 and asks the flooring community to give relief to colleagues in crisis.

FCIF has provided direct financial assistance for more than four decades. The foundation supports flooring professionals who face catastrophic injuries, severe illnesses or life-changing disabilities. Gifts help cover medical bills, housing, utilities, in-home care and other urgent needs that stabilize families during overwhelming times.

“Thank you to FCIF for being a hand of hope as I continue to face this battle,” said Randi, a recent FCIF grant recipient and a 20-year industry veteran. She faced a cancer recurrence in 2024 that led to rising medical bills and weeks of missed work. FCIF stepped in to relieve the financial pressure and help her family regain stability.

This year’s Giving Tuesday effort highlights how individual generosity can change lives. Personal gifts of $500 or more earn membership in the Flooring Family Fellows society, a group of donors committed to supporting their community with care and generosity.

Ways to support Giving Tuesday

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Retailers React: What have you done to drive business?

customer concernEvery two weeks, FCNews seeks out flooring retailers across the country to offer their advice on hot topics of the day. This week, we asked: What have you done to drive business?

Here are their responses:

“We have connected on some nice promotions on the retail side of our business while our top builders have been busy over that time period as well. We’ve had a solid run of sales over the past four months and are hopeful the momentum will continue.”

 

—Eric Langan

Carpetland USA,

Davenport, Iowa

“We had over 200 years of combined industry experience retire this year. It forced us to be scrappy, creative and challenged the traditional way we do business. Through that, we have built a brand-new team; we keep improving our metrics each month as they gain more confidence in their roles. As we wrap up 2025, we are a stronger, closer-knit team.”

 

—Matt Wien

Marshall Flooring

Mayfield Heights, Ohio

“Our retail and multi-family businesses have resulted in improved retail traffic and higher tickets. On the multi-family side, we have taken market share that has contributed to very healthy year-over-year growth. Our diverse approach to the market has helped us vs. being more singularly focused on only a couple business categories.”

—Craig Phillips

The Flooring Edge

Akron, Ohio

“We have made a significant shift in our advertising spend. We made a major push toward getting reviews, which has made a big difference in our organic search results; 50%+ of our ad spend is now geared toward digital/social media. We are still using traditional media, but we are seeing great results from our digital efforts.”

—Pete Rubando

Giant Floor Carpet One, Scranton, Pa.

“We are spending a lot of money to bring people through the front doors. We advertise 50 out of 52 weeks. All networks—streaming, all digital channels, billboards etc.”

—Kevin Rose

Carpetland USA

Rockford, Ill.

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Thursday, November 20, 2025

Nature Flooring names John Hammel VP of OEM business

Malvern, Pa.—Nature Flooring Industries Inc.,(NFI), a manufacturer of OEM and ODM flooring and home products, announced the appointment of John Hammel as vice president of its OEM business segment.

NFI’s portfolio includes engineered wood, solid wood, SPC, PVC-free products, cabinetry, plywood, decorative doors and outdoor decking. The company has more than three decades of industry leadership. It continues to expand its global footprint and strengthen its position as a partner for OEM and ODM customers worldwide.

Hammel brings more than 28 years of product experience to NFI. He most recently served as senior director of residential hard surfaces at Mannington Mills Inc., where he spent four years driving product strategy and execution. Before that, he spent 13 years at Shaw Industries Inc. in product management and development. His career also includes 11 years in other industries, where he focused on product innovation and manufacturing excellence.

In his new role, Hammel will oversee all aspects of NFI’s OEM flooring business. He will leverage his industry knowledge, relationships and product development experience to support growth. His appointment reflects NFI’s commitment to advancing its OEM segment and meeting its expansion goals.

“John’s extensive experience and leadership in the flooring industry make him an invaluable addition to our executive team,” said Dewevai Buchanan, president of Nature Flooring Industries. “We are confident his expertise will help us strengthen partnerships and deliver innovative solutions to our OEM clients.”

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Products that put retail profit potential first

In today’s competitive flooring landscape, it’s not enough for a product to simply look good or perform well—it has to make profit the retailer. Independent flooring dealers, in particular, are focused on brands and categories that deliver meaningful margins, streamlined installation and reliable turns. As consumer preferences shift and operating costs climb, suppliers with programs built for dealer profit are standing out. Their focus on retailer success makes them more competitive in the market.

Here we spotlight the products that capture consumer attention. We also highlight how they strengthen the bottom line for independent retailers.

Titan Surfaces: Colossal

Titan Surfaces’ Colossal line is a high-quality WPC luxury vinyl plank featuring a 12mm thickness with a 30-mil wear layer and 9 x 71 build for superior durability, with an embossed-in-register texture that creates a realistic wood look.

Focusing on higher-quality WPC products minimizes issues like claims and returns, which directly increases dealer profit,” said Jason Smith, vice president. “This strategy allows our dealers to sell better goods with confidence, leading to fewer customer complaints and a greater opportunity for profitable sales.”

Armstrong Flooring: Alterna

Armstrong Flooring’s Alterna engineered stone combines the luxury of natural stone with the performance of engineered materials—now with new looks. Easier to install than traditional stone, Alterna adds enhanced warmth and comfort underfoot. This product features waterproof, stain-resistant and easy-to-maintain attributes, which are essential for active families.

Alterna Engineered Tile helps flooring retailers grow profit by combining high-end aesthetics, fast installation and lasting durability—delivering premium value to customers while maximizing margins and job efficiency,” said Drew Wiley, director, product management.

Johnson Hardwood: English Pub

The English Pub collection has been in the market for over a decade and continues to be one of Johnson’s top-performing product lines. Each plank is individually handcrafted and hand-scraped using the company’s unique scraping methods, then hand-stained to achieve a rich, deep finish that brings out the natural beauty of the wood.

English Pub’s distinctive character and craftsmanship give retailers a product that stands apart in their showrooms—one they can confidently recommend time and time again,” said Billy Ko, CEO.

Engineered Floors: Antiquity

American-made Antiquity from EF’s PureGrain High-Def lineup features Digital Emboss Technology, which creates an embossed-in-register surface for an authentic wood experience.

The high-definition digital print and authentic EIR texture allow retailers to confidently sell a premium, American-made vinyl product that is visually indistinguishable from natural hardwood,” said Eric Ruppert, senior director of product marketing and category management. “This cutting-edge technology gives them a unique, high-margin competitive advantage that attracts savvy modern homeowners and leads to faster turns with fewer supply chain headaches.”

Shaw Floors: Secret Journey

Secret Journey, a Pet Perfect+ style, offers a refined take on pattern with a small-scale, non-directional geometric design that adds quiet texture and depth. Tonal colorations aim to create a modern, timeless appeal, while the No Pattern Match Required innovation allows it to measure, cut and install just like a cut-pile.

Secret Journey gives retailers an easy win—on-trend design, effortless installation with No Pattern Match technology and trusted Pet Perfect+ performance and marketing,” said Brad Christensen, director of carpet product. “Its recent feature on the SFN Podium drove awareness, traffic and lasting momentum for retailers.”

Mohawk: PureTech

Planet-friendly and made in the USA, PureTech flooring is 100% PVC-free with an 80% renewable, organic core and made from 70% total recycled content. PureTech features Mohawk’s WetProtect technology with a lifetime surface and subfloor waterproof warranty.

Consumers are increasingly prioritizing socially responsible choices, and PureTech’s renewable, organic core aligns perfectly with these values,” said David Moore, vice president of product management. “Retailers have found that the product pretty much sells itself, thanks to its compelling story. By choosing PureTech, customers pave the way for a cleaner future.”

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Wednesday, November 19, 2025

MILEstone announces Stories: Chapter 4 collaboration

Las Vegas—MILEstone announced the designer collaboration for Stories: Chapter 4. The next chapter will feature a partnership with Nicole Jordan, design director at PBK in Houston. The collection will debut in spring 2026, with its official reveal at the Coverings tile trade show in Las Vegas.

The Stories concept celebrates creativity and collaboration within the American design community. Each chapter introduces a new designer’s perspective. It translates their ideas and design philosophy into a porcelain tile collection that reflects MILEstone’s commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability and storytelling through design.

“We believe in co-creation and are always excited to unite our industry in celebrating the latest in design and trends,” said Rodolfo Panisi, president and CEO. “With Stories: Chapter 4, MILEstone and Jordan continue to expand the Stories concept. They explore how thoughtful design can elevate the spaces where people learn, live and connect.”

Jordan helps lead PBK’s Houston Design Studio and has contributed to civic, workplace and aviation projects. In educational design, she shapes learning environments that inspire students across Texas. She believes good design should be equitable and inclusive. Her work emphasizes wellness, safety and flexibility. These principles inform her Stories: Chapter 4 concept, which uses a biophilic approach to bring nature into built environments and create a sense of peace and connection.

The Stories platform originated from MILEstone’s Design Advisory Council, a group of designers chosen for their insight and influence. Each year, members submit concepts. One concept is selected for development with the MILEstone design team. Previous collaborations include Jennifer Farris of Bandura Design for the Bestow Collection (Chapter 1), Michele McMinn of Gresham Smith for the Imprint Collection (Chapter 2) and Sarah Rink of Design Cooperative for the Untamed Collection (Chapter 3).

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Regupol Revolution enhances Volkswagen HQ design

Reston, Va.—Regupol Revolution was selected by The Volkswagen America Headquarters here to provide flooring that aligns with Volkswagen’s values of innovation, quality and environmental responsibility.

Revolution is a heavy-duty commercial flooring line known for its durability, versatility and eco-conscious design. Crafted from recycled rubber, it combines visual appeal with lasting performance. Its high-density construction delivers resilience and shock absorption, making it ideal for heavy foot traffic and demanding spaces.

The flooring’s sound-dampening qualities help create quieter, more comfortable environments, which are essential for busy office settings. A seamless installation process and broad color selection allow designers to match Volkswagen’s modern aesthetic with ease.

By incorporating Regupol commercial flooring, Volkswagen aimed to enhance both the function and design of its workspace while advancing its sustainability goals. The partnership is said to reflect a shared commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship.

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Retailers of the Year 2025

Strong dealer and distributor partners are essential for improving supply chain efficiency. They also help boost customer satisfaction through better inventory management. In the end, these partnerships increase profits for both sides.

This level of success is not easily achieved, which is why the truly successful relationships deserve special recognition.

FCNews’ Retailers of the Year special section shines a spotlight on those retailers and distributor partners who are making an impact in their markets—with the help of their vendor partners.

In this case, suppliers nominated both retailers and distributors who they believe deserved to be featured.

Carpet World Carpet One of Virginia

What Titan Surfaces had to say: Carpet World’s affiliation with Carpet One Floor & Home, including its sister stores, consistently stock Titan’s products and effectively drive sales through their strong showroom displays across their multiple Virginia locations. This high-traffic application serves as a real-world endorsement, and demonstrates the strength of our partnership.

About Carpet World Carpet One of Virginia: Carpet World Carpet One has nearly 30 years of experience serving homeowners and businesses in Chesapeake, Va., and surrounding communities. Since 1996 they’ve built a reputation for reliable service, expert advice and quality installation.

What Carpet World Carpet One had to say about Titan Surfaces: Titan been a great partner. With Titan, we’re getting the product quality as well as the protection, partnership and relationship.

UCX

What AHF Products had to say: AHF Products is proud of UCX for successfully launching Armstrong Residential back in the marketplace in 2025. AHF is proud of the partnership with UCX that has supported the Armstrong Flooring brand since 1909.

About UCX: Family-run UCX, the industry’s second-largest distributor, has a lineage that includes former distributors Wheeler, CMH, JJ Haines, Swiff-Train and the Belknap-White Group. This dynamic distributor serves 4,000 customers across 26 states—roughly 68% of the United States.

What UCX had to say about Armstrong: Since 1860, generations of families have trusted Armstrong Flooring to bring quality, style and lasting value to their homes. UCX is excited to have partnered with AHF to bring the most recognized and iconic brand back into the market.

Derr Flooring

What Johnson Hardwood had to say: Derr Flooring Co. stands out as a true partner and brand ambassador for Johnson Hardwood. Family-run for generations, Derr combines deep industry knowledge with a culture of transparency, respect and collaboration that drives mutual success.

About Derr Flooring: Established in 1922, Derr Flooring is a fifth-generation wholesaler that serves the entire Mid-Atlantic region—from New York to the northern Outer Banks of North Carolina.

What Derr Flooring had to say about Johnson: Johnson is one of our leading suppliers. They source high quality [product]. Johnson has a great leadership team and is very easy to do business with. We very much enjoy the relationship with them.

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