Stocklists The The
1 March 1 March2021 2021
with with
FLOORINGNEWS FLOORINGNEWS
BRITAIN’S No. MAGAZINE FOR THE AND CONTRACT MARKET MARKET BRITAIN’S No.1 1FLOORCOVERING FLOORCOVERING MAGAZINE FORRETAIL THE RETAIL AND CONTRACT
I N BRI
MA
E
SI
NC
IN TA
D
Inspiring beautiful homes since 1956
E 195
6
www.cormarcarpets.co.uk portal.cormarcarpets.co.uk
Low tog underlays for underfloor heating
Heatflow
®
Duralay has great underlays for installations with underfloor heating*. Bringing greater heating efficiency and the potential to
0.75tog
Heatflow® Carpet
0.35tog
Heatflow® Wood & Laminate
0.80tog
Tredaire® King
reduce heating bills *Not suitable for electric mat style heating systems.
MAD
E IN THE
UK 2
Underlay Manufacturer of the Year
Best Underlay Manufacturer
01706 238 810
interfloor.com
THE STOCKLISTS March 2021
Stocklists The
ISSUE 552 : MARCH 2021 Published by Mayville Publishing Co Ltd., 219 West Ella Road, West Ella, Hull HU10 7SD @thestocklists Tel: 01482 659396 Fax: 01482 659397 www.thestocklists.com Sales Director: Diane Martin. diane@mayvillepublishing.co.uk Publication Director: David Spragg Founded by Roy Spragg in 1973.
THE MAGAZINE THAT’S ALL ABOUT FLOORING
FLOORINGNEWS starts on page 23
Advertisers Monthly ‘Stocklisters’ shown in BOLD Index
ON
Page Contact No No
DISPLAY 2 0 2 1
H ASSOCIATED WEAVERS
POS showcase
o CARPENTER 68
The latest kit that is competing for your wall and floor space pages 42–50
Tile styles
Rita Bancroft looks at the attractive design versatility of tiles pages 40–41
t BERRYALLOC
25
+32 5652 8480
t BRAMPTON CHASE
6-7
01604 664855
H CONDOR CARPETS s COLUMBIA FLOORING H CORMAR H FELLS CARPETS n F. BALL
Splash and dash
Laminates pioneer water resistance page 23
Pattern power
Colour and design is on the way page 32
Grass is growing
UK market expands for 2021 page 34-38
F Ball installs for healthcare page 24
Business news
Retail recovers, sales surge page 30, 51
Post-lockdown supply and demand are a challenge and opportunity Our new SHOPTALK column ...expert advice for retailers
page 26
FlooringFactsheets Adhesives Buying Groups Carpet Company Directory Carpet Trouble-shooter Carpet Types
SURVEY: Readers’ comments page 28
Adhesive all-rounder Floorwise launches F556 page 24
The industry’s knowledge-bank 52
LVT Directory NEW! 56
53
LVT Options NEW! 57
–
Underlay 58-59
54-55
Wholesaler Distribution Directory 62-64
–
Woolsafe: the Carpet Care Guide 60-61
ISSN 2046-7338 © Mayville Publishing Co. Ltd. 2021. Every care is taken in compiling this magazine, but the proprietors assume no responsibility in the effects arising therefrom.
8
0208 443 3322
Cover
01204 881234
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01977 662211
9,52
01538 361633 01159 506836
10
0115 958 3077
n FLOORWISE 64
01509 673974
H FURLONG FLOORING
11-13
01772 696787
H HAMMER CARPETS
14
01473 826870
t HARVEY MARIA
27
0330 330 1231
H HUGH MACKAY 15
01429 892555
+32 11 922111 n i4F 31 n INTERFLOOR
2,58
01706 213131
16
023 9245 3045
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01386 820 100
34-35,45
0161 443 0970
n MERRYFIELD ENGINEERING
3
01422 373799
t MODULEO
39
01332 851500
n NICF 63
0115 958 3077
s KELLARS
“Put your prices up!”
+31 38 477 8911
n FITTER OF THE YEAR
t KARNDEAN DESIGNFLOORING
Ready to re-open?
01457 861141
29,37
n FITA 51
t KAHRS
Prime prescription
4-5,48-49 01422 431100
o NOVOSTRAT 50 00353 61 339287 H PENTHOUSE CARPETS
–
01706 639866
s SOLENT WHOLESALE 17
01243 774623
o TEXFELT
18
01274 905411
H THOMAS WITTER 21
01429 892555
s TRADECO 19 07833 660451 o UNIFLOOR
33
0845 6030906
n UZIN
–
01788 530080
H VICTORIA CARPETS 22
01562 749300
o WILSON UNDERLAYS
01924 451138
20
Classified Adverts ................................... pages 67 H carpets/rugs/tiles t woods/laminates/smooths n accessories/services/organisations = fibres o underlay s wholesalers/distributors l adhesives
MERRYFIELD CARPET CUTTING MACHINERY British Manufactured Carpet Cutting Machines THE STOCKLISTS March 2021
Visit ‘Merryfield Carpet’ on YOUTUBE to see our full range of cutting machines or call 01422 373799 3
VENTUS
IGNIS
SPIRITUS
TERRA
AQUA
ANIMO
FUNDAMENTALS ® IS THE ESSENTIAL COLLECTION THAT COVERS ALL YOUR CARPET NEEDS. 4
THE STOCKLISTS March 2021
WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED
THE FUNDAMENTALS® CARPET COLLECTION BY AW: ESSENTIAL TO YOUR HOME
FUNDAMENTALS® is the must-have brand for your store - you might say it’s fundamental. WITH JUST 6 RANGES, YOU’LL COVER THE CARPET WISHES OF ANY CUSTOMER: colours, neutrals & design, plains & heathers, made with polypropylene & polyamide. The great variation caters to all style demands and the collection comes with WEAR & STAIN WARRANTIES that guarantee DURABILITY and EASY MAINTENANCE. The graphic style is truly unseen in the carpet business: sleek, striking and modern with a touch of sci-fi. This makes FUNDAMENTALS® into an instore show-stopper, appealing to all types of customers.
Share your Fundamentals #carpetyourlife fundamentals-carpet.co.uk
THE STOCKLISTS March December 20212020
5
Herringbone
Large Plank
New Collection
Stunning colours in both large plank and herringbone sizes, featuring a micro bevel edge 2.5mm | 0.55mm wear layer
Studio Designs Smokey Bay Herringbone
Gluedown Luxury Vinyl Planks Gluedown Luxury Vinyl Planks
Traditional Planks
Luxury Vinyl Planks
Character rich wood designs 3mm | 0.5mm wear layer
Classics Limed Oak
Gluedown Luxury Vinyl Planks
Luxury Vinyl Planks
Elegant Designs
Gluedown Luxury Vinyl Planks
Woodlands Brecon
Inspired by wonderful and exciting national parks 2mm | 0.3mm wear layer
Luxury Vinyl Tiles Designs inspired by adventure 2.0mm | 0.3mm wear layer
Grouting Strips Available
2.5mm | 0.55mm wear layer Stones Dorset
Gluedown Luxury Vinyl Tiles
Luxury Click-fit PlanksSystem. Rigid-Core Flooring 1.8m in length, 8mm thickness 1.5mm LVT surface, 5mm Core, 1.5mm IXPE built-in Underlay 0.55mm wear layer with Registered Embossed finish
19dB
Impact Sound Reduction
UltraCore Natural Oak
Free samples and brochures available at www.bramptonchase.co.uk
Luxury Flooring 6
Stunning
Point of Sale
Technical Advice
Aftercare & Support
THE STOCKLISTS March 2021
Large Plank
Stunning new colours
available in large plank & contemporary herringbone
Studio Designs European Oak Herringbone
Experienceunrivalled unrivalledservice serviceand andquality qualitywith withBrampton BramptonChase Chase Experience Contactusustototalk talkabout aboutyour yourretail retailororcommercial commercialrequirements requirements Contact 01604664855 664855| |support@bramptonchase.co.uk support@bramptonchase.co.uk 01604 THE STOCKLISTS March 2021
7
Columbia Flooring plc
The Leading Country Wide Carpet & Flooring Suppliers We can supply you with virtually any make of carpet and flooring at GUARANTEED maker’s list price... Delivered direct to business premises FREE OF CHARGE. For a Speedy and Efficient Service
Call US NOW!!! 020 8443 3322
sales@columbiaflooring.co.uk www.columbiaflooringplc.co.uk Opening Times: Monday - Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm Saturday 8.30am to 12 noon Tel: 0208 443 3322 Fax: 0208 805 2346 TRAFALGAR TRADING ESTATE, JEFFREYS ROAD, ENFIELD, MIDDLESEX, EN3 7TY.
8
1970 – 2020
THE STOCKLISTS March 2021
IN A CLASS OF ITS OWN STOPGAP 1200 PRO SMOOTHING UNDERLAYMENT ALWAYS MAKES THE GRADE 3 Unrivalled Value For Money 3 No Primer Required 3 Use Over Old Adhesive Residues 3 Fast Setting – Walk On After 60 minutes 3 Fast Drying – Lay Coverings After 4 hours 3 Minimum Preparation, Maximum Performance
A great finish starts with F. Ball
F. Ball and Co. Ltd. 01538 361 633 • mail@f-ball.co.uk • www.f-ball.com THE STOCKLISTS March 2021
GREAT BRITISH INNOVATION 9
WIN
£2000 C ! + TO ASH + TROOLS PHY
national institute of carpet & floorlayers
DO YOU
have the knowledge and skills to be
LVT FITTER OF THE YEAR 2021? THE COMPETITION FORMAT IS AS FOLLOWS: 1). *You do NOT need to be an NICF member to enter this competition. Applicants must be aged 18 years or over on Wednesday 31st March 2021. NICF Council members are excluded from entering. 2). Deadline for entry is Wednesday 31st March 2021 — at 23:59 hrs. 3). Entrants are first required to complete a questionnaire giving the most full and accurate answers possible. Entries will be evaluated by a panel of judges based on the answers provided and 14 fitters will be selected to progress to the Semi-Final practical trials. 4). The Semi-Finals will be held on Thursday 17th and Friday 18th June 2021 at the FITA Training Centre, Loughborough. 5). The 6 Finalists MUST be available to attend a briefing day on Wednesday 28th July 2021 at the FITA Training Centre, Loughborough. 6). The Final is at The Flooring Show, Harrogate, Sun 19th to Mon 20th September 2021.
ENTER ONLINE NOW!
www.nicfltd.org.uk/FOTY-Competition The Final will be held at The Flooring Show, Harrogate in September 2021 Fitter of The Year LVT 2021 Competition is kindly sponsored by
URBAN Inspired by city living
Uniclic® system for faster fitting Uniclic® system for faster fitting
Use with Under Floor Heating Use with Under Floor Heating
• Hard-wearing 8mm laminate Uniclic® system for faster fitting
Use with Under Floor Heating
• Suitable for a range of different environments • 8 on-trend decors
15 Year Residential Warranty 15 Year Residential Warranty
• Blue Angel environment certification
Uniclic® system for faster fitting
Use with Floor He
FIRST CHOICE FLOORING FOR EVERY ROOM 15 Year Residential Warranty
CARPET • VINYL • LVT • LAMINATE • HARDWOOD A flooring supplier you can trust to make your business look good and inspire your customers. www.furlongflooring.co.uk
15 Year Residential Warranty
Contact sales: Preston 01772 316155 • Stonehouse 0845 520 0800 • Dartford 01322 628 700 THE STOCKLISTS March 2021
11
14
THE STOCKLISTS March 2021
acheetham@furlongflooring.com
M 07966 263571
ALAN CHEETHAM GTR MANCHESTER, CHESHIRE
TBA WEST SCOTLAND
enquries@furlongflooring.com
www.furlongflooring.co.uk
New website
enquiries@furlongflooring.com
Email enquiries
tel: 01322 628707 fax: 01322 698733
London Sales
tel: 0845 520 0800 fax: 01452 222515
Gloucester Sales
tel: 01772 696787 fax: 01772 311921
Preston Sales
dstyles@furlongflooring.com
M 07983 446969
DEAN STYLES NORTH EAST, EAST COAST
acairnie@furlongflooring.com
M 07976 311434
ALAN CAIRNIE EAST SCOTLAND
mshutt@furlongflooring.com
M 07970 158594
MIKE SHUTT BIRMINGHAM/ STAFFORDSHIRE, SHROPSHIRE
mmorrisr@furlongflooring.com
M: 07973 403450
MARTYN MORRIS SOUTH YORKSHIRE
enquries@furlongflooring.com
TBA YORKSHIRE
WE’RE LOOKING AT SERVING YOUR BUSINESS FROM
Furlong Flooring. The people who can deliver your success.
A TOTALLY NEW ANGLE!
14
Furlong Flooring. The people who can deliver your success.
Preston Sales
ALAN CAIRNIE EAST SCOTLAND
tel: 01772 696787 fax: 01772 311921
TBA YORKSHIRE
M 07976 311434
Gloucester Sales
tel: 0845 520 0800 fax: 01452 222515 acairnie@furlongflooring.com
London Sales
tel: 01322 628707 fax: 01322 698733
Email enquiries
enquiries@furlongflooring.com
enquries@furlongflooring.com
DEAN STYLES NORTH EAST, EAST COAST
MARTYN MORRIS SOUTH YORKSHIRE
M 07983 446969
M: 07973 403450
THE STOCKLISTS March 2021
New website
www.furlongflooring.co.uk ALAN CHEETHAM GTR MANCHESTER, CHESHIRE
dstyles@furlongflooring.com
mmorrisr@furlongflooring.com
TBA WEST SCOTLAND
MIKE SHUTT BIRMINGHAM/ STAFFORDSHIRE, SHROPSHIRE
M 07966 263571
acheetham@furlongflooring.com
enquries@furlongflooring.com
mshutt@furlongflooring.com
BEN THOMAS MID & WEST WALES
COLBY McMASTER NOTTS, STAFFORD, SOT, DERBYSHIRE & LINCS
M 07794 048809
M 07872 964685
M 07980 786265
mdowson@furlongflooring.com TBA MERSEYSIDE, WIRRAL & NORTH WALES
enquries@furlongflooring.com
bthomas@furlongflooring.com
cmcmaster@furlongflooring.com
JASON BRIMBLE AVON & GLOUCESTERSHIRE
WESLEY GRAHAM LEICESTER, WARWICKSHIRE
M 07794 041266
M 07968 324598
jbrimble@furlongflooring.com
TIM BAILEY SOUTH EAST WALES & HEREFORDSHIRE
TONY CONWAY BEDS, NORTHANTS, OXON & BUCKS
M 07794 048414
M 07791 891025
wgraham@furlongflooring.com JAMIE BONE N.W, NORTH, EAST & CENTRAL LONDON
JOHN AKIEN EAST & WEST SUSSEX
PAUL LOVELL NORFOLK, SUFFOLK & CAMBS
M 07791 891024
M 07816 217549
M: 07816 217548
tbailey@furlongflooring.com STEWART WAITHMAN DEVON & CORNWALL M 07794 048413
tconway@furlongflooring.com PETER FLETCHER HAMPSHIRE & DORSET M 07816 217561
jbone@furlongflooring.com JACK O’CONNOR SOUTH BUCKS, BERKSHIRE, WEST LONDON, SURREY (OUTSIDE M25)
jakien@furlongflooring.com
plovell@furlongflooring.com
DARREN SPENDIFF KENT
ANDY THOMPSON ESSEX, HERTFORDSHIRE
M 07791 890861
M 07816 217565
M 07816 217550
swaithman@furlongflooring.com
pfletcher@furlongflooring.com
joconnor@furlongflooring.com
dspendiff@furlongflooring.com
athompson@furlongflooring.com
Competitive, best-selling products - all available right away from UK stock – with rapid logistics that ensure you get what you need, when you need it.
NEW PORTAL! Order online 24/7 with live stock checking. Ask your rep for details.
FULL UK COVERAGE FROM STOCK.
MARK DOWSON PART LANCS, FLYDE COAST & CUMBRIA
M 07970 158594
A TOTALLY NEW ANGLE!
WE’RE LOOKING AT SERVING YOUR BUSINESS FROM
15
Tel 01473 826870
Email infouk@hammercarpetsuk.com
Web www.hammercarpets.com
Beautiful carpet collections in 100% wool stocked in 4m and 5m wide
Jacs
Designer tonal loop pile in 100% wool available in 4m and 5m widths.
Natural Lines
Supreme Boucle
Super luxurious 100% wool loop pile available in 4m and 5m widths.
Natural Lines
Natural Weave
Skagen
Natural Weave
Key facts about our carpets
herringbone design with a stripe option.
All our carpet yarns are Mothproof protected for the life of the carpet.
Supreme boucle
The weloop use are the highest quality 2 and 3 ply yarns Our bestyarns selling level 100% wool product available in 12 up to the minute We use long staple, hank dyed, scoured and set fibre colours in bothonly 4m and 5m widths.
in 100% New Wool. which gives you the very best long term performance. Beware of cheaper imitations that use lower cost short All our carpet yarns are Mothproof protected for the life of the carpet. Las Vegas fibre loop which yarn quickly in use and will give inferior results in terms of A staple chunky luxurious pile inshed 100% wool available in 4m and 5m widths. The yarns we use are the highest quality 2 and 3 ply yarns in 100% New Wool. We use only long staple, hank dyed, scoured and wear and appearance retention.
Key facts about our carpets
set fibre which gives you the very best long term performance. Beware of cheaper imitations that use lower cost short staple fibre
Sisal Boucle & Sisal Berberis designed and made in Scandinavia using the best Everything we produce which shed yarn quickly in use and will give inferior results in terms of wear and appearance retention. A heavy domestic tonal stripe in 100% wool loop pile. sustainable New Zealand
Wool that is the whitest and cleanest available. This ensures excellent levelness of colour gives us the make cleanest available. This ensures excellent when levelness dyed of colourand when dyed and gives us theability ability to to make beautifulbeautiful pastel shades and The Stone Fibre Collection pastel shades and brighter brighter light colours including white. light colours including white. Everything we produce is designed and made in Scandinavia using the best sustainable New Zealand Wool that is the whitest and
designs. Each design available in 4 colours, in 4m and 5m widths.
Our eco Memphis
friendly credentials
100% wool textured loop available in • 5m We only use renewable 4& widths.
energy from offshore wind farms to power our factories
• We recover Diamond Weaveexcess heat and energy from the manufacturing process and use it to heat buildings in our vicinity Ourmunicipal eco friendly credentials
5m width.
• We make the carpet tubes that the finished carpets are delivered on from recycled Scandic Weave • We only use renewable energy from offshore wind farms to power our factories polypropylene
• We recover excess heat and energy from the manufacturing process and use it to heat municipal buildings in our vicinity 5m width.
• A•ll the waste water in manufacturing made drinkable before we We make the carpet tubeswe thatproduce the finished carpets are delivered on fromis recycled polypropylene dispose of itcutso 100% wool innovative andwe loopdo pile not pollute the environment
Sloane Square • All the waste water we produce in manufacturing is made drinkable before we dispose of it so we do not pollute the environment • We are committed to make products from materials that aid a healthy life cycle, with no harm to people or the environment geometric design.
• We are committed to make products from materials that aid a healthy life cycle,
Skagen with no harm to people or the environment Hammer Carpets are the world’s largest manufacturer of Soft tones in a heavy wool loop with a bespoke design 80/20 Colortec carpet. Ask your Agent for luxurious Wool pile.
Scandinavian quality by design Scandinavian quality Our UK Sales Teamby design Steve Acton 07957 836207
Ron Fewery 07976 244892 London, Oxfordshire,
RonBerkshire Fewery & Buckinghamshire 07976 244892 London, Oxfordshire, Berkshire & Buckinghamshire
Sandy Anderson Our UK07445 Sales 232345 Team
Kent, Sussex, Surrey,
& Dorset Steve Acton HampshireSandy Anderson 07957 836207 07445 232345 Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire & Dorset
Tel 01473 826870 14
www.hammercarpets.com
Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside & North Wales
Stephen Binnersley 07710 618754 Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Jay PallassMidlands, Stephen Lee Palmer Lancashire, South WalesBinnersley & 07774 101640 07414 837329 Northamptonshire Merseyside 07710 618754 Channel Islands Yorkshire & & North Wales
North East
Email infouk@hammercarpetsuk.com
Midlands, South Wales & Northamptonshire
Robin Saunders 07968 344892 East Anglia
Robin Saunders 07968 344892 East Anglia
Web www.hammercarpets.com THE STOCKLISTS March 2021
Have you visited our new website? Change the way you choose with Visualise It & check out our brand new ‘Find a Retailer’ feature, visit; www.hughmackay.co.uk SCOTLAND JOHN STUART M: 07860 565 200 E: johnrstuart@btopenworld.com NORTH EAST & CUMBRIA BECKY GIBBONS M: 07970 491 215 E: rebann2@btinternet.com YORKSHIRE JOHN ALSOP M: 07860 572 220 E: alsopagencies@yahoo.co.uk
LANCASHIRE JOHN ROSTRON M: 07973 733 208 E: johnrostronagencies@hotmail.com EAST MIDLANDS STEVE FURNISS M: 07773 384 787 E: furnissagencies@btinternet.com WEST MIDLANDS DEAN STANLEY M: 07572 758 010 E: dssalesagencies@gmail.com
OXFORDSHIRE, WILTSHIRE, HAMPSHIRE ANDREW JEFFERIES M: 07831 457102 E: adj.agencies@gmail.com SOUTH WEST BRENDAN HART M: 07850 130 221 E: ba.hart1@yahoo.com NORFOLK, SUFFOLK, CAMBS, NORTH ESSEX ROBIN SAUNDERS M: 07968 344 892 E: rsagencies2004@aol.com
SOUTH WALES, BRISTOL, & GLOUCESTERSHIRE PAUL POWELL M: 07968 186 150 E: paulpowellagencies@gmail.com SOUTH EAST & SOUTH LONDON MIKE ALP M: 07770 861 441 E: alp.michael@googlemail.com N LONDON & HOME COUNTIES DAVE MARNEY M: 07794 221 443 E: d.marney@sky.com CENTRAL LONDON NICK WOOD M: 07976 945 505 E: nick@essentialflooring.co.uk
C O N N E C T W I T H H U G H M A C K AY
W W W . H U G H M A C K AY. C O . U K
NORTHERN IRELAND GARY O’BOYLE M: 07831 220 675 E: goboyle@ntlworld.com REPUBLIC OF IRELAND LARRY WHITE M: 03862 594 126 E: thelarwhite@hotmail.com SALES DIRECTOR KEITH MORGAN M: 07710 701063 E: keith@hughmackay.com MANAGING DIRECTOR VINCE HOLDEN M: 07900 262 434 E: vince@hughmackay.com
Kährs Impression Athos
Inspired by nature. Designed by expertise.
KÄHRS IMPRESSION
Large format: 220 x 1829 mm (wood) & 457 x 914 mm (stone) Wear-resistant, patented ceramic coating Rigid SPC Core for excellent strength and stability 5G Click locking technology IXPE Sound-reducing backing, 20 dB Suitable for underfloor heating
Lifelike appearance with registered embossing Extra-large formats in eight wood and eight stone designs One of the most robust ceramic coatings on the market. For impressions that last a lifetime. Available now. Order your Impression display stand today using code RETAIL20 for a 20% discount. www.kahrs.com | sales@kahrs.com | 023 9245 3045
SOLENT WHOLESALE CARPET COMPANY LTD
SOUTHERN BASED CARPET, FLOORCOVERINGS & ACCESSORY WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTORS of brand manufacturers with over 150 stock ranges in 4m/5m width, LOTS of underlay, tools, accessories, glue, screed. Telephone: 01243 774623 Website: www.solentwholesale.com
E-mail: sales@solentwholesale.com Zola Park, Barnfield Drive, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 6UX
CHECK STOCK, PLACE ORDERS AND MANAGE YOUR ACCOUNT 24/7 ALL THROUGH OUR WEBSITE Oxford, Berks, Bucks, Beds, Hants, Middlesex & Herts ……..…..... Ian Cardrick, Sussex E&W, Surrey, South London & Kent ………………………...…….John Robson, Hants, Wilts, Dorset, Somerset, Gloucs & IOW ……………………..….. Phil Gozzard,
i.cardrick@solentwholesale.com j.robson@solentwholesale.com p.gozzard@solentwholesale.com
Mob: 07973 406329 Mob: 07973 898453 Mob: 07973 406799
Some of the Carpets we stock
Underlay/Gripper
Accessories/Glues/Trims
SOLENT EXPRESS If it goes on a Pallet. You can have it!!
National Delivery! Next day service for orders received by 12pm
Three Bespoke ranges in Stock - Dry Back LVT from £7.99sqm - Herringbone LVT from £10.99sqm - SPC From £14.99sqm - 8mm Laminate from £5.75sqm If interested, Register via our website. Samples Available. Follow us on social media for regular installed examples of these products @solent_wholesale
THE STOCKLISTS March 2021
Facebook.com/solentwholesale
@SolentWholesale
17
TRY SPRINGBOND THIS YEAR THE FASTEST GROWING ECO UNDERLAY BRAND UP TO
57dB
We’re putting our foot down on plastic pollution
UP TO
180
RECYCLED PLASTIC BOTTLES PER ROLL
Springbond underlay is made from recycled plastic bottles, to create a higher performance alternative to PU foam underlay, with minimal environmental impact.
ECO-FRIENDLY Without compromising on performance.
CLEANER Dust & odour free with virtually zero VOC’s.
QUIETER Industry leading acoustic performance, with sound absorption of up to 57db.
EASY TO FIT Lightweight, no hard lumps and easy to cut. Fitting Springbond is quick and simple.
GET IN TOUCH 01274 905411 texfelt.co.uk 18
MADE IN THE UK
THE STOCKLISTS March 2021
TR ADECO NEW CARPET & FLOORING WHOLESALER
MARCH TRADE PRICE LIST 2021 DESCRIPTION
SPECIAL CLEARANCE
CUT RATES
ROLL RATES
Luxe Super Soft – Soft Touch Solution Dyed Micro Fibre 100% PET Westminster Saxony – Mill soft 2200Gr/m2 100% PP
£7.99 m2 £10.50 m2
£6.80 m2 £8.50 m2
Mayfair 20mm Artificial Grass – 100% Eco Compressed PE Chelsea 30mm Artificial Grass – 100% Eco Compressed PE Kensington 40mm Artificial Grass – 100% Eco Compressed PE
£5.99 m2 £7.50 m2 £8.50 m2
£3.99 m2 £5.50 m2 £6.50 m2
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
£1.99 m2 £2.50 m2 £2.99 m2 £3.50 m2 £3.99 m2 £4.50 m2 £4.99 m2 £5.50 m2 £6.99 m2 £7.50 m2 £7.99 m2
A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I. J. K.
Category Clearance Roll Stock Category Clearance Roll Stock Category Clearance Roll Stock Category Clearance Roll Stock Category Clearance Roll Stock Category Clearance Roll Stock Category Clearance Roll Stock Category Clearance Roll Stock Category Clearance Roll Stock Category Clearance Roll Stock Category Clearance Roll Stock
UK’s Largest Trade Stock Clearance Distributors
BROADLOOM CARPET – container offer of a mixture of second choice and A grade carpet. 2 +vat Priced from just
£1.99m
INDUSTRIAL GRADE CARPET TILES • 1000 x 1000 mm Heavy Duty • 100% Nylon, PVC Backed Now just £8.00+vat per tile
ONLY AVAILABLE FOR THE TRADE
REGISTER YOUR ACCOUNT NOW Call our trade counter directly on: 07833 660451 or 0114 4000 120 ask for Ms Chloe Wright
We have an agent in your area
Join the Tradeco team: ALSO LOOKING FOR NEW AGENTS/REPS +44 (0) 7586 993 821 / 0114 4000 120
Rubber Crumb Underlay – GRADE B non-composite • 5mm/6.5mm/7mm Thickness
just £15
PER ROLL +VAT
A little more about Tradeco. With a team of seasoned experts within the broadloom carpet industry, we are the UK’s cheapest carpet and flooring wholesaler and distributor, who offer nationwide delivery from the main depot based in Sheffield at the heart of the United Kingdom. We offer a brand-new trading facility specialising in the clearance stock of both Grade A and Grade B second choice quality stock of all types of carpet, flooring and other related materials and accessories. Tradeco is now also offering regular pattern book ranges of carpet and flooring which have been carefully selected by our team of experts that add to our huge list of clearance stock that has become famous throughout the carpet industry this year alone. So far we have received nothing but outstanding reviews from our thousands of carpet and flooring retail accounts across the country and we are on a continuous search to work with new partners within the industry.
Tradeco Artificial Grass Collection
Now available in three NEW qualities. 4 meters width.
Mayfair 20mm
£3.99m2 +VAT
Chelsea 30mm
£5.50m2 +VAT
Kensington 40mm
£6.50m2 +VAT
Nationwide delivery is available upon request at additional cost. All prices as mentioned are quoted based on orders of full rolls only, whereas wholesale cut length service is also available upon request at an additional cost of £ 2m2 uplift above roll rate. The prices as mentioned are all exclusive of VAT as to charged for additionally. Samples can be sent upon request, but postage charges may apply.
Tradeco – Nationwide Carpet Wholesale Distributor
Unit 1, Kiveton Park Industrial Estate, Manor Rd, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S26 6PB. Nationwide Trade Desk T: +44 (0) 114 4000 120 E: sales@tradeco.uk W: www.tradeco.uk THE STOCKLISTS March 2021
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SCOTLAND MARK VINTER M: 07775 902 376
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YORKSHIRE ALDO BERETTONI M: 07971 173 560
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THE STOCKLISTS March 2021
FLOORINGNEWS Dreamy comfort With homeowners seeking solace and calm from their home interiors, Balta’s Noble Dream is a timely reminder that there are few floors that can match the cossetting comfort of carpet. Noble Dreams by Balta is a carpet that excels in modern homes, thanks largely to its 100% StainSafe polypropylene yarn. The ideal blend of practicality and affordability, the bleach cleanable yarn has been a favourite in homes for well over a decade. In Noble Dreams, Balta has dreamed up a stylish 5/32” cutpile quality in a palette of greys, pastels and neutrals. Setting a classic look that feels familiar and invitingly comfortable, the carpet is available with Balta’s Ultratex Quick+ felt backing. Boosting underfoot feel, this backing is just another indication that this is a carpet ready to maximise comfort and set a calming feel in any room. Sophie Hautekeete, marketing manager, comments: “There’s no doubt attitudes to home decoration have been altered by the pandemic. We’ve spent more time at home than ever before, which has been great for getting people thinking about their décor, but we’ve also looked at our interiors as places that protect us and keeps us safe. This has seen ideas of comfort and calm come to the fore and there are few better floor coverings than carpet to reinforce these feelings. We’re expecting this notion to remain prominent for the remainder of 2021 and into beyond as uncertainty remains a key stimulus of trends.” Noble Dreams’ 12 colours also help to support this calming influence. its restful tones of taupe, sand and rock connect rooms to nature and work well with soft natural textiles that too are helping homeowners to stay calm and relaxed in these unprecedented times. Noble Dreams is now available from Balta in four and five-metre widths. The carpet comes with a 10-year wear and 15-year stain promises, underlining its ability to deliver a quality carpet at a competitive price.
T +32 56 62 22 11
www.baltagroup.com
Tile styles
Rita Bancroft looks at the design versatility of tiles pages 40–41
Grass is growing
The UK is a booming market for artificial grass and this year’s summer is set to be better than ever page 34–38
On Display
Our annual review of the latest POS that is competing for your wall and floor space in 2021 pages 42–50
Splash and dash Ocean+ is the latest laminate flooring collection from BerryAlloc to take advantage of its pioneering hydro+ 100% water-resistant technology. BerryAlloc introduced hydro+ way back in 2008, making it the original pioneer in 100% water-resistant laminate floors. Ocean+ is the company’s latest Made in Belgium collection to take advantage of this technology, bringing a laminate floor that’s completely safe for every room in the house, even bathrooms and kitchens. A hydrophobic coating that BerryAlloc applies to all sides of the plank during the manufacturing process, hydro+ repels water from joints and is combined with airtight locking systems to make Ocean+ completely water-resistant. The Ocean+ collection is made of four different specifications: Ocean 8 V4, Ocean 8 XL, Ocean 12 V4 and Ocean 12 XL. Consisting of two abrasion class levels (Class 32 for Ocean 8 and Class 33 for Ocean 12) in standard (190 x 1288mm) and oversize (241 x 2038mm) formats, ensures that Ocean+ can be enjoyed in all sizes of room and in both homes and businesses. In Ocean 8 V4 guise, the laminate collection makes use of BerryAlloc’s DuoLoc, a proven click install system that delivers excellent strength and an airtight seal to maintain the integrity of its hydro+ water resistant technology. Ocean 8 XL, Ocean 12 V4, and Ocean 12 XL are all equipped with a combination of DuoLoc on the long edge and 5G on the short edge. The collection features impressively lifelike wood, and stone designs, offering a choice of modern and classic styles. From elegant oaks to rustic woods full of knots and cracks, there’s 30 original looks to suit any interior, including a stylish stone design and the unique Retro Chic tile to round things off beautifully Made in Belgium and coming with a lifetime residential use warranty, Ocean+ is now available from BerryAlloc and is supported by a full suite of highquality marketing materials. T +32 56 52 84 80
www.berryalloc.com
THE STOCKLISTS March 2021
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FLOORINGNEWS Prescribing performance Products from F. Ball and Co. Ltd. have been used to create a hygienic flooring finish as part of a refurbishment at The Doctors Laboratory, in Salford, Manchester, which provides highly specialised pathology/clinical laboratory services to clinicians (GPs and specialists), hospitals, community health services and their patients. Paul Barton Flooring, subcontracted by Ardmac, used F. Ball’s dual-purpose Stopgap Fill and Prime and Stopgap 700 Superflex flexible levelling compound to prepare 1,500m² of metal raised access panels before installing vinyl sheet floorcoverings and coving. Stopgap Fill and Prime is a cement-based primer with a thixotropic consistency, meaning it is easily applied by hand and but sets to a gellike consistency on standing, enabling the joints at panels to remain filled, preventing depressions resulting from a subsequently-applied levelling compound or smoothing underlayment sinking into them while setting. Once the primer had cured, F. Ball’s Stopgap 700 Superflex flexible levelling compound was applied to create a perfectly smooth finish for the receipt of floorcoverings. With the subfloor preparation complete, the flooring contractors could install Tarkett IQ Granit Acoustic Vinyl sheet throughout the entire area using both F. Ball’s Styccobond F46 pressure sensitive acrylic adhesive. Finally, the contractors used F. Ball’s Styccobond F66 contact adhesive to install PVC coving. F66 is solvent-free; ideal for where there are health and safety concerns, such as when working in confined spaces. Commenting on the project, Paul Barton, managing director of Paul Barton Flooring, said: “This was the first time we’ve used this particular system of products from F. Ball, and we were pleased with how all of the products performed. Stopgap Fill and Prime meant that we didn’t need to overboard the raised access flooring with plywood, which saved so much time.” T 01538 361 633 www.f-ball.co.uk
The adhesive all-rounder Made to stick down carpet, LVT, PVC, sheet vinyl, cushioned vinyl and rubber floors, there is no doubting the all-round status of floorwise’s brand-new F556 allpurpose flooring adhesive. But as is always the case with floorwise, there’s more to this adhesive’s story than holding down floors. F556 has been developed for wet installation and fast-tack allowing the installation of floorcoverings in as a little as 10-minutes, helping to reduce time on-site while still allowing sufficient open time. And as low VOC and solvent-free formula, it’s also more pleasant to use as well. With a high bond strength and hard set once cured, it’s F556 ability to tackle a huge range of installations that make it a great everyday solution for installers that are always on the go. As Richard Bailey, managing director, explains this versatility doesn’t come at the cost of reliability or value: “We’ve formulated F556 not only to be versatile, but also to deliver a reliable and consistent high strength bond from every tub. Sticking down a huge range of floors, F556 upholds our mantras of quality and value, bringing excellent coverage rates.” Suitable for use with underfloor heating, F556 all-purpose flooring adhesive is available from local floorwise distributors across the UK and Ireland. T 01509 673974 www.floorwise.co.uk
Acting on waste Recofloor is the flooring sector’s environmentally friendly collection scheme for waste vinyl flooring that can help construction companies and large contractors showcase their sustainable credentials and earn certification points for accredited schemes, such as BREEAM. Since its inception, Recofloor has diverted a total of 5,400 tonnes of waste vinyl flooring from landfill. Using the Recofloor scheme is also beneficial economically as members can save up to 70% on the cost of skips and sending waste vinyl flooring to landfill. The standard rate Landfill Tax in England for 2020/21 is currently £94.15 per tonne. Commercial vinyl material can be collected from sites such as new home building, education, healthcare, leisure centres, stores and others. This offers a convenient and cost-effective option for contractors to dispose of waste vinyl responsibly, with collections adapted according to their needs. Julian Normie, Managing Director at Bramhall Flooring comments: “We totally buy into Recofloor and it was easy to use the scheme on a phased project. We rang up, asked for the bags and while we brought some back to our premises, most were collected from site as the project continued. We believe that recycling helps the environment and doesn’t contribute to overloaded landfill sites. Using Recofloor also saves us money on skips. We have been asked several times to provide evidence that we recycle as this helps clients with their BREEAM ratings – and Recofloor membership helps us to do this.” T 0161 355 7618 24
www.recofloor.org THE STOCKLISTS March 2021
For those ‘splash & dash’ moments.
Enjoy the freedom of laminate flooring that’s 100% water-resistant with Ocean+. We launched our hydro+ technology way back in 2008, making us a pioneer in laminate safe for the bathroom, kitchens and everywhere else. Ocean+ is our latest generation of 100% water-resistant laminate for modern life.
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Learn about the hydro+ technology here
THE STOCKLISTS March 2021
berryalloc.com
25
SHOPTALK • NEW FEATURE Re-opening optimism, but supply and price challenges lie ahead “For the majority of retailers who have moved quickly to adapt to the new ways of working, there has been an unexpected sales bonanza over the last year,” one retail specialist told The Stocklists. Much of the floor retailing sector is believed to be trading 10–15% up on pre-pandemic levels. But there are challenges ahead.
The frustration may be how to capitalise on a surge in demand.
Many retailers are building roll stock to respond quickly.
Moving quickly to meet demand The frustration going forward may be how to capitalise on a surge in demand if the supply side can’t keep up this Summer. Some key manufactures got off to a shaky start after the first lockdown as their just-in-time models were disrupted. Performance has improved, though there are still some critical gaps with imports due to the wellpublicised logistics issues. As demand peaks, the problem is likely to re-emerge during the Summer and even some UK manufacturers will feel the pressure as fibre takes longer to arrive through the ports. “Get your orders in as early as you can,” says Mike Reed of buying group SMG. “Many retailers are building up their roll stock in readiness for the anticipated post-lockdown surge. The strategy has cashflow implications but may avoid losing sales and potential repeat customers in a tight supply situation this Summer.” “Retailers need to be ready to switch sales between ranges and manage expectations carefully, particularly about booking fittings – allow some leeway in case it’s held up so that you don’t have to disappoint your customers,” suggests Linda Thomas of SMG.
“ There is no doubt it will be a challenging time, and excellent service levels will play a key part, which will determine who takes market share,” “The challenge after lockdown will be for main industry suppliers to ensure their businesses can take full advantage of the inevitable upturn in demand,” says Richard Moore of buying group ACG. “Likewise retailers will need to do the same, particularly with the shortage of installers. There is also the problem that more self employed carpet fitters will further develop their own customer base. Logistics is also very challenging particularly after the recent events concerning the demise of Rhys Davies. “There is no doubt it will be a challenging time, and excellent service levels will play a key part, which will determine who takes market share,” says Richard.
Consumers are braced for price inflation “Pricing is likely to be one of the hot topics this Summer and retailers should be ready to take advantage of the opportunity it offers,” says David Spragg of The Stocklists. “Manufacturers and importers are likely to have to pass on increased costs and retailers must not be coy about doing the same.” Linda agrees: “Consumers are already braced for inflation across all sectors so flooring retailers should be confident about increasing prices and
26
Pricing will be a hot topic and retailers will need to be ready.
Lockdown has taught us how important the digital world is.
“ Consumers are already braced for inflation across all sectors so flooring retailers should be confident about increasing prices and improve their margins.” improve their margins while this climate exists and while consumers have disposable income to spend.” “I believe the independent retailer has every chance of coming out of this stronger,” says Richard. “I do see the opportunity to sell better quality flooring with the extra money that has been saved by consumers,” he says.
Retailers need to focus on online strategy Lockdown has engendered better ways of working for many. “Appointment setting has been hugely successful for many retailers, both in-store visits between lockdowns as well as zoom sessions and video showroom visits,” says David Spragg. “Sales people say how much easier it has been to close sales and stop the shopping around on price. There is a strong appetite to continue this trend – working smarter, not harder.” “Retailers will need to look closely at their online strategy,” agrees Richard. “See how you can make your websites and social media more interactive with your target audience to attract increased footfall.
“ Retailers will need to look closely at their online strategy, See how you can make your websites and social media more interactive to attract increased footfall.” “Lockdown has taught us how important the digital world is and how it has affected the way we do day to day business. I am seeing more businesses investing in the internet with online sales and Facebook influencing where consumers go to buy flooring,” he added. Buying groups have enjoyed optimistic levels of interest from retailers. “We have seen a significant increase in membership enquiries. I think this is in part retailers’ instinct that there is more safety in numbers but also the stores are looking for a more professional approach, better point of sales and stronger buying power,” says Mike. “Happily there also seem to be a lot of new start-ups and expansions going on which is really encouraging in the unprecedented market conditions we have at the moment,” he said.
SHOPTALK • A new feature in The Stocklists... An occasional series in which we’ll ask different sector experts what’s going inside our industry. Our thanks this month to Mike Reed and Linda Thomas of SMG (www.smg-group.co.uk) and Richard Moore of ACG (www.acgcarpets.com) THE STOCKLISTS March 2021
Celebrating our Exclusive UK Partnership with Harvey Maria Discover the award winning MSeries collection of authentic wood effects at harveymaria.com/category/mseries/
We are pleased to announce that all our ranges are now available in the UK exclusively from Harvey Maria and their network of independent retailers. Please contact them on 0330 330 1231 or www.harveymaria.com for more information
www.mflor.com THE STOCKLISTS March 2021
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FLOORING FORUM READER SURVEY Resilience of flooring retailers sets high expectations Floor retailing has proved remarkable resilience in the face of the coronavirus challenge – 2020 ended ahead of the previous year for the majority of stores and expectations are high for an even stronger performance this year according to our survey. In terms of sales performance in 2020, only 12% said it had ended “a lot worse” than 2019 while 59% said it was better than business before the pandemic, including 27% saying it was much better. About 57% of retailers say they have sold more online over the last year, 26% say a lot more, showing that the sector has responded to the challenge and opportunity of switch to the internet to protect their business. The use of appointments for retailers, in-store and by video has been a hugely successful outcome of lockdown with many reporting that it is easier to close a sale and stop consumers shopping around in this more personal environment. 63% of our respondents plan to make more use of the approach in the coming year. And only 15% do not have faith in the potential of pent-up demand to boost their business in 2021 – 46% are expecting some additional increase over normal increase while 24% are anticipating a strong surge of extra sales. So overall, by the end of 2021 – if there are no further lockdowns – 56% of retailers expect sales to be better than a typical year with a fifth reckoning to gain more than 10% in extra sales and a tenth expecting sales to be up by more than 20%. Almost everyone is putting up prices! 81% of our survey sample says they’ll be marking up in 2021 with 10% saying they will make significant increases. But this is against a backdrop where over 90% expect prices rises from suppliers of which a third are expecting substantial increases.Despite some issues after the first lockdown and logistical challenges within the UK and
“ The money is there with many consumers – my prices will definitely be going up.” “ I feel bad saying how good business has been for us.”
doing better 57% are business 2021 will be 56% say better still
xpect pent-up 70% edemand be putting up 81% will prices costs 90% expect to rise suppliers have 57% say done OK The Stocklists polled 2,250 retailers during February 2021. Many thanks to all those who took part.
“ Carpet and furniture shops are safe to open by appointment – no brainer. Let’s get the country back to work.”
“ Restrictions should be lifted a little at a time. One thing is for sure, we need no more lockdowns!”
“ I think an element of frustration is growing with lockdown”
“ We love appointments now – every one seems to secure a sale.”
“ Now it’s time to fix the rating system for retail to level the playing field with the online traders.”
from import difficulties, 57% retailers said manufacturers and suppliers have coped pretty well and another 5% said very well. A third did not agree! “Reps being furloughed makes me very angry. It’s been impossible to get prices,” said a retailer in Herefordshire. We asked our readers what the Government should do to help now and the responses were split fairly evenly between those wanting a faster route to end lockdown – “frustration is growing” said one – and those asking for continued caution to ensure we were on top of the pandemic before easing off.
“I do believe that you are safer coming into our large flooring shop than a supermarket, we can make appointments with customers to avoid lots of people being in the shop,” said a retailer in South Wales. But the internet issue has come more strongly to the fore during lockdown with many respondents saying the online-only operations should pay more tax and business rates should be reduced for retail. A reader also suggested “lowering the VAT to 15% for a year for bricks and mortar stores and increasing VAT to 25% for the web stores long-term.”
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Premium quality. Guaranteed
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W W W . C O N D O R - G R O U P. E U THE STOCKLISTS March 2021
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FLOORINGBUSINESSNEWS Action call after £22bn retail decline
Furnishing inflation hits new high
Non-food retail stores lost around £22bn in sales throughout 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, the British Retail Consortium has said. Government action is essential to support the sector it says.
Retail inflation in the furnishing sector has hit a three-year high at 4.5% for the year to January, says the latest data from the Office for National Statistics.
In-store non-food retail declined by 24% compared with 2019 – the worst year on record for retail sales growth, according to BRC data. Looking forward to the Chancellor’s budget on March 3, the BRC believes action on rates, rents and grants is crucial to the recovery of non-essential retailers. Scotland has already announced an extension to the business rates holiday until March 31, 2022. Helen Dickinson, CEO of the BRC, (left) said: “After 2020 proved to be the worst year on record, it is essential that the chancellor uses the spring budget to support those businesses hardest hit by the pandemic. Vital support in the form of an extension to the business rates relief and moratorium on debt enforcement, as well as removing state aid caps on Covid business grants, would relieve struggling businesses of bills they cannot currently pay and allow them to trade their way to recovery. “Tackling the challenge of rates, rents and grants should be the government’s immediate priority to ensuring the survival and revival of non-essential retailers and protecting the jobs of hundreds of thousands of retail workers across the country.
The figure is substantially ahead of overall consumer price inflation which was 0.7% in January and analysts suggest problems in the supply chain are driving up costs for furnishing manufacturers and distributors which is being passed on to consumers. The situation is likely to be exacerbated once flooring retailers re-open and add to the demand considerably as consumers start to invest their unspent savings in home improvments. Price rises from flooring manufacturers and distributors are inevitable in a tight supply situation in Q2 and retailers will have the challenge to pass increases on to consumers – and maybe add a little margin themselves.
Retail space is out of fashion The lack of appetite for retail space is revealed in new data which shows planning applications for new shops dropped 22% across England in 2020 – applications were down 59% in London and 91% in York. Meanwhile, the latest vacancy monitor from the BRC and Local Data Company revealed that 13.7 per cent of all shops were empty during the final quarter of 2020. The planning applications data from research by law firm Boodle Hatfield shows applications fell from 3908 to 3037 as retailers continue to prioritise their online channels during lockdown.
The UK government recently urged councils in England to delay issuing business rates bills until after Rishi Sunak sets out the Budget next month.
Footfall on UK high streets fell 49.5 per cent in 2020 due to the forced closure of non-essential retailers, as well as the lack of office workers to use both essential (food/snacks) and nonessential outlets.
Buying group members recover lost sales
Ignore “retail Darwinism” and prosper
“The investment we provide to retailers now, will be repaid many times over through more jobs and greater tax revenues in the future,” she said.
Major furnishing buying group AIS has reported a 22% decline due to the pandemic, including a 24% drop in their Flooring One transactions, but strong post-lockdown growth meant many recovered the lost sales. In its financial statements for the 12 months ending 30 June 2020, Associated Independent Stores (AIS) said transactions through its Cenpac payment system declined 21.9% to £376m after sharp falls in trading in the last quarter of its financial year – April to May 2020. For its Flooring One business, covering 188 retail outlets, the decline in transactions was 23.8% for those 12 months but the company noted in its accounts that “since the start of the new financial year in July, flooring throughput has been strong and at the end of the first quarter [July– September 2020] was 12.6% up on the same period last year.” The report adds: Furniture, along with flooring, has shown the fastest recovery since the end of the [first] lockdown with some members recovering all of their lost turnover in the period to date since the stores were allowed to re-open in June.
Pent-up demand will prosper over “retail Darwinism’ say analysts as consumer spending reports for January were predictably bad for the nonessential sector. Consumer spending fell 16.3% in January compared with the same month last year, the largest annual drop since the spring, according to Barclaycard data. Furnishing stores were 14.6% down. According to BRC-ShopperTrak data, footfall was down by 78% in January compared to 2019 – this compares to the 76% decline in the November lockdown. Andy Sumpter, Retail Consultant EMEA for ShopperTrak, commented: “while it’s easy to let shuttered stores paint a bleak picture for the future of the High Street - it’s important to remember that when retail has reopened from lockdown, demand for in-store shopping has returned each time. And while the pandemic may have accelerated ‘Retail Darwinism’, those that have used this time as an opportunity to reset and invest in the operational foundations to meet new demands will be well placed to capitalise on pent-up demand for the in-person shopping.
• More business news in this issue on pages 26, 28 and 51
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3L TripleLock and Click4U are strong global technologies providing a unique one piece drop-lock installation system for flooring panels that eliminates the need for an additional insert on the short side. I4F’s technology is being used around the world and is suitable for all materials including laminate, luxury vinyl tiles, expanded polymer core, solid polymer core and wooden flooring panels.
WWW.I4F.COM THE STOCKLISTS March 2021
T HE FL O OR IN G INDUS T R Y ’ S INNOVAT ION PA R T NE R OF CHOICE 31
FLOORING NEWS Prepare for pattern power Pattern is making a strong return to home interiors, so join the first flooring retailers are already embracing its reappearance with the StainFree Wilton collection by Abingdon Flooring. With the launch of Abingdon Flooring’s brand-new StainFree Wilton collection, flooring retailers can celebrate the rise of pattern in the home on two super-stylish lecterns. The dual lectern set brings an impressive array of designs to choose from. From contemporary plaids in Chatsworth, Chequers and Balmoral to the hessian-like Blenheim, the intricate florals of Chartwell and the damasks of Sandringham and Highgrove; StainFree Wilton makes a strong argument for choosing patterned carpet. To make selecting the perfect pattern easy, Abingdon Flooring has grouped the woven Wilton collection on two lecterns. One lectern contains all the modern plaid designs while the other celebrates the elegance of the collection’s floral and damask designs. Millie Barlow, head of marketing, Abingdon Flooring: “It’s important to remember that for many interested shoppers, this might well be the first time they’ve considered a patterned carpet and so we’ve tried to make that decision a little easier for them. Creating a strong group on each lectern keeps the focus on a particular style of pattern – modern plaid or classic floral – and avoids the customer feeling overwhelmed and indecisive.” Colours too have been carefully considered, avoiding bold traditional tones such as red and green. Palettes in each pattern are reflective of today’s interiors with hues of silver, pewter, onyx and harvest. Each style is available four-metre wide and is made from high-quality bleach cleanable stainresistant polypropylene yarn, enjoying a lifetime stain promise and 10-year wear warranty. T 01274 655694 www.abingdonflooring.co.uk
Virtues of virtual training With the pandemic causing companies to rethink product training and professional development, the Academy for Excellence in Flooring has turned its classroom-based sessions into virtual events for one of the UK’s biggest kitchen suppliers. Over 190 employees of Howdens Joinery from right across the UK joined in the Academy for Excellence in Flooring’s virtual product and technical training sessions, demonstrating the reach and worth of online training.
Help to better biz online
Through its Manchester-based facility as well as on-site programmes, the Academy for Excellence in Flooring has been providing highly successful training sessions that have helped service and sales teams to gain knowledge, build confidence and improve customer experience. With the business impacts of Covid-19, the Academy has moved its on-site learning activity to digital platforms, delivering the same highlevel of content within the confines of current working practices and accelerating its digital innovation.
Covid-19 is changing how flooring manufacturers, distributors and retailers use on-line trading, with web-based applications for customer orders, samples and enquiries through the different channels including business to consumer (B2C) and business to business (B2B).
The programme for Howdens involved a series of sessions across LVT and waterresistant laminate floors, delivering a mix of product and technical knowledge. Taking place in group sessions over two days, it allowed depots to involve different employees in-line with availability, boosting the effectiveness of centralised training. Amy Major, Howdens, comments: “We had nearly 200 people attend which is amazing. I think the training is really going to help our teams Howdens depots with their product knowledge and in turn, increase sales. The confidence this extra product knowledge gives them really is valuable.” Alongside its Foundation and Master Installer programmes for professional installers, the Academy for Excellence in Flooring develops flooring-related training for distributors, retailers and merchants. Courses are built around key objectives, providing an effective training solution that can be delivered nationwide.
The move to global web-based platforms includes Amazon, eBay, Magento2, Woo Commerce and Shopify. eCommerce websites all offer technology connection routes for new customers, from web footfall through to established repeat order patterns. The NT Software Consultancy is set up help flooring firms take advantage of these opportunities. MD Neil Gilmartin says; “I can help a flooring business work best with all the new web-based technology platforms, providing you with support and guidance as to the most effective way to solve these problems.” T 07432 141945 www.ntconsultancy.info
www.quick-stepacademy.co.uk 32
THE STOCKLISTS March 2021
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SUMMER READY? I AM... GET YOUR HANDS ON THE NEW EVERTURF RANGE NOW! ASK YOUR REP FOR MORE DETAILS
www.kellars.co.uk 0161 433 0970 sales@kellars.co.uk 34
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FLOORING FOCUS
Grass is greener for growth The grass is greener for UK artificial grass suppliers this year as another summer compromised by travel restrictions focuses consumers on investing in their own homes and gardens. The much heralded unspent savings of £125 billion held by middle-class householders due to the pandemic is likely to accelerate several years of impressive UK growth in the sector which has already proved to be a valuable extra revenue stream for flooring retailers. Market research specialists Data Bridge are forecasting growth of more than 7% annually between now and 2028 and the 2021 season is expected to see an even greater boom. However, logistical disruption to imports due to Covid and to a lesser extent Brexit, may restraint the availability of both fibre and finished product. Key suppliers to the artificial grass market in the UK have been steadily improving their portfolios of products with more variety and greater performance and quality. “Artificial grass has gained an enormous growth in popularity over the recent years. Where a few years ago people didn’t know that artificial grass could be the ‘perfect’ solution for their garden, they are now becoming much more demanding regarding both the look and performance of their grass,” says the specialists at Condor Grass. “As one of the leading manufacturers of artificial grass we listen carefully to both end users and our customers and use their feedback in our development programme. Then Condor Grass can offer an innovative, creative and competitive range of landscaping products that will fulfil all your customers’ demands,” says Netherlands-based Condor.
Betap Parq is designed for the UK
“There has been a strong shift to better end products so retailers shouldn’t be afraid of trading up.” Alongside robust performance, aesthetics are important too. Betap says feedback from consumers is that they don’t want a lawn that looks too fake and so the product development team has worked hard on creating a realistic look. Colour is essential, the north of Scotland has dark green grass whilst Cornwall is light in colour so getting the right combination and balance is crucial. The demand for Betap’s 5m widths has also increased, reducing joins. “There has been a strong shift to better end products over the last few years so retailers shouldn’t be afraid of trading up,” says Andrew. “Consumers see artificial grass as an investment and the recent lockdowns have emphasised how important our own outdoor space is. Our 38mm Greenwich and 40mm Vondel in particular tick this box. Betap has a great reputation for building affordable design into their products and their latest developments are no exception with good-value being the starting point of any new range.”
Condor Grass can tailor a product to suit your needs
“People are now much more demanding regarding both the look and performance of their grass.” If you do not find your ideal landscaping grass in its standard collection, Condor Grass offers to create it for you. “No matter if you are an artificial grass specialist, an independent wholesaler or active in the retail industry; we have proven to be a successful partner no matter what your needs,” says Condor. Another market-leader, the Dutch specialist Betap has chosen 2021 to launch its first collection that has been specifically designed for the UK. “The UK grass market is unique in its demands. There is a strong focus on colour, handle and price and these are the components our R&D and UK team focused on when creating the ‘Designed for the UK’ collection,” says Andrew Bramall of Betap’s grass division, branded as Parq. 36
Andrew also emphasised how retailer displays had played a key role in driving sales: “We have seen everything from amazing window displays to a full scale replica garden. Get creative on how you chose to show off the different grasses, make them eye catching and tell the story of relaxation and lifestyle,” he said. Manchester-based Kellars is one of the fastest growing independent flooring wholesalers in the UK and has developed its offering in the outdoor market with a great value artificial grass collection designed to meet the growing demand for a low-maintenance but realistic alternative to the real thing.
Kellars launch new Everturf
continued overleaf... THE STOCKLISTS March 2021
Premium quality. Guaranteed
Condor Grass bv Euroweg 3, 8061 SB | P.O. Box 21, 8060 AA | Hasselt, The Netherlands T +31 (0)38 477 89 11 | F +31 (0)38 477 89 22 | E info@condorgrass.com
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FLOORING FOCUS Grass is greener for growth... continued from page 36 With various ranges and thicknesses to choose from, Kellars’ grass is perfect for domestic or commercial use and after substantial investment in the company’s logistics over the last two years, artificial grass along with fitting accessories which include adhesive cartridges, adhesive and joining tape, can be delivered the following day. In a major push in this sector, Kellars has launched its new Everturf range in time for the 2021 season and asks retailers to contact its sales team for details of this new development (see advert, pages 34–35). Tradeco have become renown in the carpet industry over the last year, offering some of the cheapest rolls stock trade deals in the wholesale market and now the wholesaler has decided to expand into the artificial grass market for 2021 alongside decking and a host of other exterior use products to add to their well-stocked portfolio with nationwide delivery service.
“ Ball & Young’s Eco Cushion ideal for artificial grass cushioning in domestic, landscaping, cabin decks, hotel roof tops, nurseries, schools and playgrounds installations.” Eco-CutZGrass machinery from Merryfield Engineering is available for retailers and manufacturers to dispense artificial grass with the minimum of effort.
With three different thicknesses of grass, Tradeco offers something to suit the lower, middle and luxury price brackets. The entry level price of just £3.99m2+vat for European quality artificial grass is a great way for traders and resellers alike to get involved and enter the market with Tradeco as a new and exciting partner. Supporting the growth of the artificial grass sector is Cloud 9 Eco Cushion from Ball & Young. Adding to the Cloud 9 brand leader’s portfolio, the product is designed specifically with high drainage characteristics, over 10 times FIFA requirements, making it ideal for artificial grass cushioning in domestic, landscaping, cabin decks, hotel roof tops, nurseries, schools and playgrounds installations Made of different types of polymer Cloud 9 Eco Cushion not only provides efficient water flow, it is also tested to BS EN 1177 : 2008 offering safety solutions for grass installations in modern play areas at 25mm with turf, attaining a critical fall height value of 1.2 m, utilising the available thicknesses of 10 mm and 15 mm.
Merryfield Engineering is cutting the grass!
Developed alongside its bespoke range of carpet and vinyl machinery, this labour saving machine enables you to handle bulk artificial grass with ease using a minimum of cutting staff. Cost effective with low running costs and a full 12 month warranty, the machine is designed to give trouble free service for all your cutting, rolling, measuring and wrapping operations. Merryfield’s track record in the sector means you can Invest with confidence in this market-leading technology to save man hours in abundance whilst complying with all health & safety guidelines normally associated with roll handling. Syd Merryfield said: “You will be astounded just how the Merryfield Eco-CutZGrass saves you time and makes you money… so don’t let the grass grow under your feet!”
Ball & Young Eco Cushion
The product was developed along with Ball & Young’s parent company Vita who created its sports turf shock pad Revo as a solution for artificial turf sports pitches. The original requirement was for a drainable, quicker installation shock pad to supply the Rugby Football Union. As with all Cloud 9 products, Cloud 9 Eco Cushion is made using byproduct P.U. from other industries and so helping to reduce impact on the environment, reduce carbon footprints and help to maintain a sustainable future.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION BALL & YOUNG CLOUD 9 • 01536 200502 • www.ballandyoung.com BETAP • 07903 215 119 or +31 (0)38 386 1060 • www.betap.com CONDOR • +31(0)38 477 89 11 • www.condor-group.eu KELLARS • 0161 433 0970 • www.kellars.co.uk MERRYFIELD • 01422 373799 • www.carpetcuttingmachines.co.uk TRADECO • 0114 000120 • www.tradeco.uk
THE STOCKLISTS March 2021
IT MAKES MORE SENSE TO MAKE IT MODULEO
®
The affordable choice in luxury vinyl flooring, Moduleo® offer an impressive and inspiring choice of designs and colours. Providing the style, durability and ease of maintenance customers want plus the extensive support retailers value and appreciate, choosing Moduleo® makes a lot of sense all round. MORE MORE MORE DESIGNS COLOURS AFFORDABLE
THE STOCKLISTS March 2021
Discover more at moduleo.co.uk 39
Marketing insights Tile styles – design versatility Providing unrivalled versatility in design, material specification and installation, we take a fresh look at the latest styles in tile and learn about broken-plan living - the latest trend in home interiors.
Karndean Designflooring – Heritage Collection, Clifton
They say that good design is timeless and the herringbone configuration is a great example of a tile style that remains a firm favourite. Stella Coyle, national retail sales manager of Karndean Designflooring explains why this enduring design is ever popular, “Our Herringbone designs match effortlessly with many of our full size tiles, so is ideal for the trend of broken-plan living.
BerryAlloc’s Pure Tiles LVT collection features 13 modern tile designs, ranging from the fashionable Terrazzo to the clean Urban Stone and striking Zinc. Bringing authentic looks, the collection also responds to some of the biggest challenges of original floors.
BerryAlloc – Pure, Terrazzo Light
“In recent years there has been a surge in open plan living. Whilst open plan brings many benefits, it can be difficult to concentrate or find a moment of privacy in the midst of a busy family life, which is why many of us are looking to break up large multi-functional spaces. Judicious use of room dividers such as display units, sofas, curtains or glass walls, allow us to create the impression of separate rooms and so find space to be alone yet still together. “If physical room dividers would be impractical in your home, you can also create visual separation by using different wall colours or a subtle change in flooring. Our Opus collection allows you to choose a stone tile design and combine this with the same shade in a herringbone pattern. With Karndean’s durable and waterproof surface, the flooring can run uninterrupted even into bathrooms and kitchens for a seamless room to room look.”
of geometric patterns and border options. Stella Cole adds, “Our Heritage Collection is perfect for hallways, bathrooms and kitchens. This beautiful and highly durable collection comes with all the quality you’d expect from a Karndean floor.”
As well as creating a cohesive living space, Karndean Designflooring also see a trend for bolder and braver patterns, particularly in spaces where consumers want to inject their personality and create a wow factor. Their Heritage Collection and Kaleidoscope range offer impactful contemporary style, in a choice
“Our Heritage Collection is perfect for hallways, bathrooms and kitchens. This beautiful and highly durable collection comes with all the quality you’d expect from a Karndean floor.” Karndean Designflooring – Opus, Fumo
Pure features BerryAlloc’s innovative DreamClick, a 360° locking system for superfast and easy installation. DreamClick also lets floor layouts become creative, with the possibility to mix between tiles and wood effect planks. With a Rigid Composite Board construction, Pure Tiles can be installed over almost any existing floor with very little preparation, something certainly not possible with original materials. Another advantage of Pure Tiles is the unique foamed top layer that helps it to deliver surprising comfort and warmth, while also
“Pure features BerryAlloc’s innovative DreamClick, a 360° locking system for super-fast and easy installation.” 40
THE STOCKLISTS March 2021
by Rita Bancroft Rita is Director of Bancmarketing Ltd and has over 30 years of marketing experience with a proven track record in both business to business and business to consumer multi-channel marketing.
taking the edge off walking and impact noise. When installed with BerryAlloc’s Dreamtec+ underlay, Pure Tiles can deliver a 20dB noise reduction, significant enough to make a really noticeable difference.
Moduleo – Transform, Jura Stone
Each Pure Tile design is ready to withstand family life, with no special sealers or intensive maintenance required. The scratch and stainresistant PU surface keeps looking great with just regular sweeping or vacuuming. With a lifetime warranty and made in Belgium, Pure Tiles is BerryAlloc’s answer to modern terrazzo and stone tiles without the fuss. Harvey Maria’s skilled British team have been creating unique luxury vinyl tiles for over 25 years and they are well known for their award-winning collaborations with some of Britain’s most popular designers. After such an extraordinary 2020, many of us have realised how important our homes are to health and happiness. Installing stylish, patterned flooring as a key feature of both big and small renovation projects, is now a must-do. Harvey Maria customers are creating unique spaces using their rustic MSeries wood effects to border or complement a chic geometric or heritage pattern from The Design Series. This type of zoning and defining of areas is now known as
“All Harvey Maria floors work beautifully in busy homes & demanding commercial spaces alike.” Harvey Maria – Pattern Design Series
broken-plan living. This describes the clever use of a space which still retains the feeling of being open-plan, but distinct zones are created by using different floor finishes, patterns, splitlevels and semi-permanent partitions. We’re all starting to choose products and materials that improve our indoor air quality and reduce energy consumption, pollution and waste. Harvey Maria’s MSeries collection of authentic wood planks is recognised for its low impact on the environment both indoors and out. These hand-crafted designs with ultrarealistic wood grain emboss and a unique matt finish, means that they look and feel like real wood, but are massively practical and durable. All Harvey Maria floors work beautifully in busy homes & demanding commercial spaces alike, and most come with a lifetime residential warranty. With a number of different ranges to choose from, Moduleo provides customers with the opportunity to design a space in exactly the way they envisage it, without sacrificing style or substance. Moduleo’s Transform collection offers a variety of different designs complete with the many benefits of LVT, including durability and being eco-friendly.
“Moduleo’s Transform collection offers a variety of different designs complete with the many benefits of LVT.” The Jura Stone tile from the Transform range brings the ancient elegance of limestone and marble into a room, making for a classic but contemporary floor. Jura Stone’s authentic appearance combined with the floor’s warm tones make it ideal for bathrooms and kitchens. The flooring’s resilient layers anticipate body weight and offer a soft feel underfoot as well as being resilient to heat and moisture. Insulating qualities mean its temperature remains comfortable in every season and the floor’s ease of maintenance makes it a popular solution in the bathroom for customers. One of the main benefits of Moduleo flooring is the acoustic comfort it offers. LVT is resilient, so it reduces reflective walking and transmission sound to a very comfortable level – a valuable asset to the homeowner and any nearby neighbours.
For more information contact: BerryAlloc Harvey Maria Karndean Designflooring Moduleo
T: +32 56 52 84 80 T: 0330 330 1231 T: 01386 820100 T: 01332 851 500
www.berryalloc.com www.harveymaria.com www.karndean.com www.moduleo.co.uk
Join the online community on: facebook.com twitter.com
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pinterest.com instagram.com
youtube.com houzz.com
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Positive POS for smart business POS is essential in a crowded, competitive market but your floor and wall space is a precious commodity that all your suppliers want a piece of. So we’ve selected some of the best displays for retailers to help drive your business in 2021. See pages 43–50
GREAT FLOORING • INVINCIBLE PERFORMANCE
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Always a trailblazer when it comes to branding, Associated Weavers reinvents the in-store display & brings an experience unseen in the flooring business. With traditional samples and an intuitive digital module, Invictus® luxury vinyl flooring invites the customer on a fun-todo purchasing journey. Share your Invictus #invictuscarpetflooring
A UK brand since 1964
THE STOCKLISTS March 2021 www.invictus.co.uk
Special feature: Point-of-sale and merchandising
Adam Carpets Wall Units • Making a bold statement with eye catching imagery and an abundance of colour, Adam’s wall units are designed to allow the retailer to select and display both plain and patterned ranges side by side. Tombolas • The twin drum tombola is still a firm favourite, carrying 11 ranges, 233 samples, 454 options, all in a footprint of less than 1m2. The single 24” wide single drum tombola holds 90 patterned items, both contemporary graphics and unique overtuft ranges. T 01562 829966 www.adamcarpets.co.uk
Cavalier Carpets Select-A-Swatch is the revolutionary new POS offering from Cavalier which puts a stylish end to swatches lying on the floor. Following extensive development and many prototypes, Cavalier is now able to offer the perfect solution for the storage of swatch books. Some of you may have seen the system on the Cavalier stand at Harrogate, where it met with a lot of interest and even generated orders prior to going into full production. The modular wall mounted panel design allows you to display up to twelve Cavalier products within just one metre of wall space. And why not take a look at the years hottest ‘video nasty’ featuring Retail Sales Director, Hans Lowe introducing the new Select-A-Swatch system at https://youtu.be/lqbZ2y4ntao T 01254 268000 www.cavaliercarpets.co.uk
Hugh Mackay Refresh your stores and showrooms with Hugh Mackay’s crisp white unitary. The luxurious white finish stands out from the crowd and brightens up any space. Helping colours to pop, these stands create an eye catching display to attract customers’ attention. Alongside the new modern unitary, Hugh Mackay also has its unique Quintessential Twist lectern, built with glamour and quality in mind. The mirrored finish and perspex front add a contemporary style to this superb range. Contact your local sales agent for more information. T 01429 892555 www.hughmackay.co.uk
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SMG Pure Branding by SMG Now representing over 450 retail outlets, SMG have always offered their members and suppliers ultimate flexibility in developing their businesses and nothing exemplifies this as much as their Pure branding concept. Designed to be a ‘pick‘n’mix’ option for members it gives the retailer everything they need to optimise their de-branded offer in store. The retailer can choose from a range of bespoke unitary and then choose from a basket of products which include some of the top selling ranges from the best suppliers in the industry, at every price point. There is something for every store, large or small – featuring carpet or LVT - they don’t even need to have a direct account with the supplier whose product they feature. Retailers have total independence and can take as little or as much unitary as they would like – from a single tombola to a whole shop fit. It’s an excellent way to give a cohesive look to any carpet section in store. T 0118 932 3832 www.smg-group.co.uk
Interfloor Interfloor is focused on providing retailers with better products, better brands and better service. Providing everything from technical literature and POS, to product training and support to help customers choose the perfect range for their store. Also the Estimator Roll allows estimators to present the product to the customers in their own home. The Gripperrods Premier floor edgings are a high-end addition to the existing range; and the POS provided perfectly captures their high quality and on-trend finishes. The sample box and wall-hangings have been designed to showcase flooring accessories that provide the perfect finishing touch and give retailers an upsell opportunity as they complete their in-store sales process. T 01706 213 131
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www.interfloor.com
THE STOCKLISTS March 2021
“Expect nothing less.”
HAVE YOU GOT YOUR ALLORA COLLECTION YET? All stock now available to order now.
Ask your rep for more information
www.kellars.co.uk sales@kellars.co.uk
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ON DISPLAY 2 0 2 1
Victoria Carpets Victoria Design Floors brand, Distinctive Flooring, offers a dual swing arm that displays their full range across 50 double sided boards. At 3.1m width, the stand is an impressive showcase for any retail space. They have stock available that can be installed for free via their dedicated team of inhouse merchandisers. The Company stands firm in supporting independent retailers with bricks and mortar premises and can offer preferred pricing for stand holders. T 01562 749300 www.myvictoria.co.uk
BerryAlloc British Wool British Wool’s new display stand is currently being trialled in 10 carpet retailers across the country. Graham Clark, Director of Marketing explains “The new stands are designed to drive interest and sales for our licensees (Brintons, Brockway and Alternative Flooring) British wool rich ranges. Feedback so far from the retailers has been very positive and we hope to roll this out to a wider audience over the next 12 months”. Contact the British Wool marketing team to find out more about the new stands. T 01274 688666 marketing@britishwool.org.uk
Providing retailers with an affordable entry to high-end point-of-sale, BerryAlloc’s ‘Brand Corners’ give the opportunity to enjoy the brand’s striking visual merchandising, taking full advantage of the quality and value throughout its wood, laminate and LVT collections. Custom-built to work within the footprint available in store, Brand Corners are a great way to achieve a polished shop-in-shop experience for customers, reinforcing BerryAlloc’s core quality messaging while providing retailers with a tailored product selection. With Brand Corners retailers are free to choose from any of the BerryAlloc’s wood, laminate, HPF and LVT solutions, building a display that works perfectly not only with the footprint available, but also tailored to the requirements of their own consumers. T +32 56 52 84 80 www.berryalloc.com
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THE STOCKLISTS March 2021
Special feature: Point-of-sale and merchandising
Kahrs
Kellars
Shine the spotlight on your Kährs wood flooring and LVT products. Known for their innovative and sustainable floors, with skill and craftsmanship added to every detail, Kährs offers a wide variety of branded retail displays and Shop-in-Shop solutions.
“Expect nothing less”
From swatches and binders, 10-sample toast racks, striking 45-sample wing displays with optional sample add-ons, to bespoke Shop-in-Shop showroom packages, Kährs offers quality showcasing options for every space and every budget.
The range has a wide selection of oak planks with warm aspen and french oak plus on-trend tones including graphite, smoke mist and pewter. There is also a rich walnut option.
To support your commitment to Kährs, you will receive up to 50% rebate of the total display and sample cost based on showroom generated sales. Contact Kährs UK for more information: T: 02392 453 045 www.kahrs.com
The Allora range of SPC plank was launched in December by leading flooring wholesaler Kellars.
The range comes with a smart new display unit which combines a small footprint with large sample sizes. T: 0161 443 0970 www.kellars.co.uk
Furlong Flooring Furlong Flooring are committed to meeting customers’ needs and have consequently introduced brand new innovative POS display stands. The stands are adaptable and can be ordered as a small standalone unit or a larger graphic unit, creating a perfect display stand for any size store. The feedback and demand for these stands has been fantastic, especially with those customers who like to display a mixture of hard flooring, carpet or vinyl together. If you’re looking for a reliable supplier with fast service and innovative displays, please contact Furlong Flooring today. T 01772 316155 www.furlongflooring.co.uk
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Always a trailblazer when it comes to branding, Associated Weavers reinvents the in-store display & brings an experience unseen in the flooring business. With traditional samples and an intuitive digital module, Invictus® luxury vinyl flooring invites the customer on a fun-todo purchasing journey. Share your Invictus #invictuscarpetflooring
THE STOCKLISTS March 2021
GREAT FLOORING • INVINCIBLE PERFORMANCE
A UK brand since 1964 www.invictus.co.uk
THE STOCKLISTS March 2021
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Ten tips for top-selling stores 1. E nsure a large mix of standard and niche products to reassure consumers they have plenty to choose from – even if they ultimately go for something safe. 2. Mix more expensive items with cheaper products so that the opportunity to trade up is always there – don’t place the high end products on their own or in an increasing price layout where they can be disregarded by customers.
The sexiest underlay you will never see
3. U se your window – too often this is a neglected area but a good display reassures consumers that you’re a smart retailer. 4. U se your floor! Have the most popular of your higher margin products laid in sections of your floor. Consumers like to buy what they can see in a larger sample. 5. Keep literature racks full – empty displays look tired and complacent and consumers like to have material to take away – and you can clip your business card to it. 6. Create different areas for different product types so that consumers are not confused by too much on offer in the same place. 7. A void an ‘industrial’ environment – too many stores are sheds with industrial roofs, lighting and ventilation on show. Use suspended ceilings, black paint and screens to hide the worst parts – the buying environment should be as domestic as possible. 8. Use soft furnishing, furniture items and flowers around the flooring displays to create a homely environment – and you can sell them too! 9. A void the dark, dead bulbs and dark video screens. 10. Be careful about locating roll stock – very often it has a prominent position and lures consumers past the higher margin material. Consumers not only know it’s cheaper but the large area helps them visualise it in their own home which is more challenging with small samples.
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Sonic Gold Excel wood and laminate floor underlay
EXCEPTIONAL SOUND REDUCTION EXCELLENT IMPACT RESISTANCE EVENS OUT UNEVEN FLOORS Part of the Novostrat range of polyethylene underlays to suit every application and pocket. From store to floor - there’s no better solution
Sonic range Comfort range HIGH PERFORMANCE UNDERLAYS
TEL: 00353 61-339287 www.novostrat.com info@novostrat.com THE STOCKLISTS March 2021
FLOORINGBUSINESSNEWS Hospitality market “uncertain’ for contract
“Unprecedented demand” for Cormar
Leading UK manufacturer Ulster Carpets says the group’s residential business has returned “very strongly” from lockdowns but that the future for the hospitality sector is “less certain”.
A “strong re-start and unprecedented demand” after the first lockdown boosted the financial performance of Cormar Carpets despite an overall reduction in sales.
“The group’s retail markets, in UK and Europe, have returned very strongly while the contract markets are less certain in keeping with the effects of the pandemic on the hospitality sector,” he said. Ulster has an enviable reputation as the supplier of choice to many of the world’s leading hotel chains, cruise lines and casinos. The company’s accounts said Ulster had “weathered the initial storms” and retained strong cash balances after a programme of careful cost controls, a reduction in non-essential capital expenditure and by taking advantage of Government assistance. Mr Wilson added: “It looks like the pandemic will take some time to properly abate and so the immediate 12–18 months will be potentially difficult. However, backed by strong cash reserves and an ongoing investment programme, we look forward to the future with guarded optimism.” The company’s accounts were reporting for the 12 months ended 31 March 2020 and showed turnover had declined 3% to £72.2 million.
Filing its accounts for the 12 months ended 30 September 2020, the company said they were “very pleased with the financial performance in 2019/20 which presented the most challenging of trading environments seen for decades.” “Despite the impact of the Covid19 pandemic resuliting in a 10-week shutdown, the business saw a strong re-start and unprecedented demand for our products in the final three months of the [financial] year [July to September 2020],” said Cormar. Pre-tax profits jumped to £8.5m from £2.3m in the previous year. though full year sales fell 14% to £111.6 million. Cormar said the improvement in profits was due to better raw material procurement and wider cost control measures in addition to the sales surge after the first lockdown. The company credited the sales surge to three factors: the release of pent-up demand across all channels; the return of housebuilding and the impact of government support for house sales; and the effect of increased remote working and the emergence of the ‘staycation’ as consumers did not take holidays and “invested in home improvements on a scale not experienced before.”
• More business news in this issue on pages 26, 28 and 30
FITA provides short training courses, workshops and assessments for both commercial and domestic markets. Both our fully equipped training centres at Loughborough and Kirkcaldy are run by seasoned professional instructors with specialist knowledge of the flooring industry.
CALL NOW FOR MORE INFORMATION!
Tel: 0115 950 6836 Email: info@fita.co.uk www.fita.co.uk
THE STOCKLISTS March 2021
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Vinyl
Sheet Vinyl Installation — Commercial — Basic/Intermediate Sheet Vinyl Installation — Commercial — Advanced Sheet Vinyl Installation — Domestic Sheet Vinyl — Wetrooms Installation — Advanced
Linoleum
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Resilient
Resilient/LVT Fitting — Basic Resilient/LVT Fitting — Intermediate Resilient/LVT Fitting — Advanced
Wood
Laminate and Floating Wood Fitting — Basic Wood Fitting — Intermediate Wood Fitting — Advanced Wood Sanding and Finishing
Subfloors
Subfloor Preparation — Commercial Subfloor Preparation — Domestic
Supplementary
Cost-Effective Estimating and Planning — Commercial Profitable Measuring and Quoting — Domestic Moisture — Preventing Floor Failures
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Flooring
Factsheet Adhesive Types Acrylic/Resin: Ideal for plasticized PVC and most modern flooring. Bitumen: A tar-like material, bitumen has a high degree of moisture resistance and is used for damp-proof membranes and installing tiles, wood blocks and mosaics. Epoxy Resin: A two-part chemical curing system that is used in aggressive environments such as conservatories, wet rooms, commercial kitchens and exterior installations. Polyurethane: An adhesive with rapid bonding characteristics, typically used for wood floors.
ADHESIVES
SELECTION CHECKLIST
The criteria to select an adhesive will cover the following points. Larger manufacturers offer detailed guides to select the correct adhesive – even indexing floor manufacturer’s products by name to ensure an accurate match. For accurate and up-to-date information consult the F. Ball Recommended Adhesives Guide. Open Time: The time you have to fit the flooring into the adhesive after which the bond will no longer be ideal. The time until the floor may be walked on should be checked. Odour: Low odour, solvent free and low VOC products are increasingly favoured and now have the same performance characteristics of older products.
Polyvinyl Acetate: Typically used for close fitting joints in timber, laminate floors and panels.
Coverage: How thick and how far can the adhesive be spread.
Tackifier: An adhesive for carpet designed to increase the tackiness – or the tack range – of an adhesive.
Application Method: Different adhesives may be applied by roller, trowel or spray.
Water-based Adhesive: Many different types of adhesives now use water as their carrier to avoid odours and flammability issues which are common with chemical solvents.
Strength: Including how quickly the adhesive will “grab” the floor covering and its strength when fully cured. Underfloor Heating: A lot of modern adhesives are suitable for use with underfloor heating but
this criteria must be checked where appropriate. Subfloor: What surface will the adhesive stick to most effectively including concrete, sand cement screeds, levelling compounds, plywood and chipboard. While there are multi-purpose adhesives, specialist products will be better suited to certain surfaces. The porosity of the floor is a key determinant of the type of adhesive to be used and its performance during installation. Special Performance: Certain adhesives are more suitable for damp, humid or high temperature environments. Air Quality and the Environment: The old wisdom that the more it smells, the better it sticks is no longer acceptable to modern consumers and solvent-based products are increasingly replaced by water-based adhesives.
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F. Ball and Co. Ltd.
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GREAT BRITISH INNOVATION
THE STOCKLISTS March 2021
Flooring factsheet Buying Groups Pick the right one How to decide whether to join a buying group – and which one…
• Evaluate all buying groups as they all work differently • Talk to the main marketing contact and/or a member
www.smg-group.co.uk Contact: Mike Reed Tel: 0118 932 3832 info@smg-group.co.uk
of the committee
Why join? Buying groups have been a highly successful feature of the floor retailing scene in the last decade or so, giving independents the extra edge they need to compete effectively with the retail park chains. More than 1000 retailers are now members of one of the several buying groups which operate in our sector and the numbers are slowly, but steadily growing.
• Get a list of members and call up two or three for a ‘real-world’ view
• Establish your territorial exclusivity – where’s the next nearest member of each buying group
• Ensure you understand the financial arrangements, any fees that would relate to your membership, how the bills are paid and whether your fees are refundable if it doesn’t work out. Ask the buying group for a consultation to estimate your potential savings
While the benefits of bulk buying power are self-evident, the resistance to the buying group concept among nonmembers appears to be centred on fears of surrendering some control to a committee – and most particularly compromising long-established relationships and negotiated terms with current suppliers.
• Review all the extra benefits and services to see
The bottom line is the bottom line. A retailer selling across a broad range of products is likely to improve margins within a buying group – but you don’t need a leap of faith to join up. Ask the buying groups for answers...
flexibility to run your business the way you want
Associated Carpet Group www.acgcarpets.com Contact: Richard Moore Tel: 01942 825520 richard@acgcarpets.com
what you would actually use
• Check out the product ranges offered including the own-label options and the UK/European mix
• Ensure you understand any rules that may limit your
www.beautifulflooring.co.uk Contact: Carl Harris Tel: 01527 270775 charris31@sky.com
Key benefits Increase margins • Group purchases to get beneficial rates • Rebates • Exclusive higher-margin products • Special promotions
ne of the key reasons to join a buying group is to O benefit from the discounts they negotiate as a bulk buyer from manufacturers. The way discounts and rebates are passed on to members varies between groups so make sure it’s absolutely clear how this will be done. You’ll need to work out how this compares with discounts you have already negotiated locally with preferred suppliers. Access professional services • Business and financial services • IT and internet support • Training and workshops • Professional bodies Some buying groups offer an excellent range of other services which may be valuable to your business. Financial services include invoice factoring, credit, loans and insurance. Some of the more sophisticated groups provide marketing packages, software systems to help you run your business operations and customised websites ready to use. Relationships with professional and training organisations can also offer discounts. THE STOCKLISTS March 2021
Increase sales
• Best of both worlds’ proposition • Wider ranges and exclusive products • POS, displays and merchandising support
www.flooringone.co.uk Peter Karra Tel: 0121 683 1426 peter.karra@flooringone.co.uk
Your customers will like the proposition that you are independent but with the buying power of a group – this gives them (and you) the ‘best of both worlds’ with personal service and competitive pricing. Most groups will also offer you ‘own label’ ranges and support with pointof-sale, merchandising and displays. Central stockholding may also be on offer. Network with other independents • Members-only exhibitions with preferred manufacturers • Regular meetings and supplier presentations • Regional workshops • Helpline A lot of retailers enjoy the buying group environment of being independent but not alone out there on the High Street. Groups hold regular meetings and some have their own trade shows, regional meetings and workshops to help you develop your business. The network gives you someone to call when you need advice on, for example, an unusual installation, a technical consumer complaint, legal issue or business dilemma.
www.greendalecarpets.co.uk Contact: Rob Harding Tel: 01432 852000 Fax: 01432 852005 rharding@greendalecarpets.co.uk
Metro Group www.carpet1st.co.uk Contact: Jill Coward Tel: 01204 393539 jillcoward@carpet1st.co.uk
53
Flooring factsheet Carpet trouble-shooter
• shedding • pulled loops
Fading on Wool
Carpets made from wool can and do fade in use. The degree of fade can vary depending on the colour chosen and the local conditions to which the carpet is subjected. Fading can be caused by exposure to ultra violet light which is found in daylight, but is accelerated when sunlight shines directly onto the carpet. This has the effect of lightening or “Bleaching” the colour just as exposure to sunlight will lighten human hair. Wool is after all animal hair. Protection should be given to carpets exposed to such conditions just as you would protect other furniture or fabrics. A complaint on fading would be considered justified if it failed to meet the required shade standard when tested to the British Standard BS1006 (1990).
Soiling
Soiling is usually the result of some local condition to which the carpet has been subjected to, or maintenance, or lack of maintenance programme. There is nothing we as manufacturers can do to prevent soiling in use. There are several types of soiling which are quite common: Spillages - Liquids such as soft drinks, cordials or any drink which contains sugar, particularly hot drinks, is likely to leave a stain. In such instances, professional help should be sought.
Colour matching
Carpets are produced in batches - known as creels - and usually each batch produces between 500m2 - 3000m2 in a single width, depending on the creel size. Whilst the recipe used by the dyer remains constant, and is followed to the letter, in each separate production the colour reproduction will vary from batch to batch. However production is matched back to the original or master sample to ensure that the colour remains ‘within a commercial tolerance’. This process if not an exact science and a commercial tolerance is subjective but nevertheless is usually the professional judgement of the head dyer based on his/her experience.
Shampoo - if incorrectly applied, can leave sticky soap residues in the fibres which can result in the soiling reappearing quite rapidly. Dust - which is carried on draughts can soil carpets in various ways, apart from the obvious soiled edges, at gaping skirting boards for instance, dark lines appearing on surface might suggest airborne dust vacuum-drawn through poorly fitted floorboards. Sometimes the shape of floorboards can be seen quite clearly. Air borne dust sometimes shows itself as spots on the carpet, this is due to the air carried on a draught under the carpet escaping through minute holes both in the underlay and the carpet, leaving dust deposited on the pile much like a filter action. In such installations, the use of a lining paper is essential as a preventative measure.
A greater level of tolerance is required on blended colours (Heathers etc). To ensure perfect colour matching it is advisable that a single width be used in any installation requiring exact colour matching.
It is the responsibility of the retailer to advise the consumer when the carpet is measured of any poorly fitting doors, skirtings, or floorboards and the consumers responsibility to ensure any remedial work to seal draughts, is carried out before the carpet is fitted, if a resulting complaint is to be avoided.
N.B. Carpets which are laid with the pile travelling in different directions, even though they be from the same batch will appear not to match. For further information please check with the manufacturers recommendations.
Static
Sprouting
Occasionally an odd tuft or two can work its way to the surface and stand proud of the rest of the pile. This is probably due to one end of the tuft being longer than the other i.e. J shaped tuft instead of V shaped. Remedial action merely requires that the offending tufts be scissor trimmed level with the rest of the pile. They should never be pulled out.
54
Carpets do not produce static but like other household fabrics and objects have the capacity to store it. Static is caused by the build up of static electricity upon personnel in a dry environment and is discharged when a person makes contact with an object which can conduct electricity (i.e. door handle or filing cabinets, etc). The static charges will vary in intensity depending upon the individual, air humidity and the contact materials. Static is more usually associated with synthetic materials as they do not retain moisture very well but it can and does occur with wool in very dry room conditions. Preventative measures include the introduction of moisture into the room or in situ carpet treatment. THE STOCKLISTS March 2021
• sprouting • shading • static • fading • pile reversal • shedding • flattening • soiling
Flattening
Flattening will occur as a result of traffic which eventually flattens the pile particularly in the main areas of use. All pile fabrics will flatten to greater or lesser degree dependant on the amount of traffic to which it is subjected and the construction (tuft density/pile fibre/height/weight) of the product concerned.
Shading
Shading occurs because the pile of the carpet has become crushed, flattened or brushed in a different direction to the natural lie of the pile whilst in situ. This causes light reflection at differing angles resulting in the creation of light and dark patches on the carpet. This will occur on all pile fabrics but can be more noticeable on plainer carpets because the shadows created by pile pressure will not be disguised by a heavy pattern or design.
Pile Reversal
Like shading, this occurs when the pile or nap of the carpet changes direction and thus reflects light at different angles showing the effects of shading which can become permanent. It is also described as ‘watermarking’. This can happen to every carpet construction be it Axminster, Wilton, Tufted, Hand Woven, Persian, Chinese, Indian or even Coir Matting. Like shading it can be more apparent on plain carpet because heavy patterns can disguise the effects. It can occur quite quickly after installation. A tremendous amount of research has been carried out over many years by many institutes to determine the cause of this phenomenon but none of it has proved conclusive.
Shedding
All cut pile carpets will lose short fibre, which is created during production when spun yarn is cut for tuft formation. These fibres fall onto the surface of the pile and appear as ‘fluff’. The effect varies with yarn type and may be removed without detrimental effect upon the carpet by vacuum cleaning. This excess fibre is only a small fraction of the total fibre contained in the carpet.
Indentations
When a carpet is subjected to a heavy point load, such as under the legs of furniture, it is unreasonable to expect the carpet not to indent. Usually, the longer the load is in place, the longer will be the time for the pile to recover. In the case of very heavy loads in place for a considerable time, the recovery time can be very considerable. It must be remembered that it is not only the pile of the carpet that becomes indented. The underlay will also indent and the backing of the carpet may also distort into the indentation in the underlay. Some underlay’s will recover well and some less well depending upon their composition, thickness, density etc. The use of cups below furniture legs can spread the load and the net result is a larger area of less deeply indented carpet. The ability of a carpet to recover from a heavy static load can be measured in the laboratory, using the test method described in BS 4939 and many manufacturers will have data on this aspect of carpet performance. In this test the carpet is loaded for 24 hours and the degree of recovery is measured after 1 hour and 24 hours. Since there are so many different underlay’s however, it is very rare for the recovery from a heavy static load to be evaluated on carpet and underlay.
There is no commonly known manufacturing process which can cause or cure this phenomenon and therefore it is not a manufacturing fault. For further information please check with individual manufacturers recommendations.
Often normal maintenance (vacuum cleaning with a rotating brush machine) will speed up recovery but in the case of serious indentations the use of an iron and damp cloth or a steam iron together with a blunt darning needle to carefully tease up the pile can be beneficial. Care must be take not to over wet the carpet, of course.
Pulling Loops
Samples
Pulled loops occur only in looped pile carpet where one or more loops in the continuous pile is pulled through the primary backing of the carpet. This is usually due to some local condition, possibly some sharp object which has caught in a loop in situ and has resulted in a pull. Pulled loops are easily dealt with by trimming the offending end level with the rest of the pile. They should not be left as this could result in further loops being pulled and developing into a ladder. THE STOCKLISTS March 2021
The original carpet tile
The samples held by individual retailers may not be from the same batch as current production and therefore should be used as a guide and not an exact colour match.
Installation
Telephone National Institute of Carpet Fitters (NICF) for further information – 0115 958 3077.
This information is given by responsible manufacturers to help you help your customer to make an informed choice. 55
Flooring factsheet LVT Supplier Directory
If you would like to be included in this section or upgrade your listing, please contact Diane Martin on +44 (0)1482 659396 or email diane@mayvillepublishing.co.uk
Victorian Treasure by Invictus
Van Gogh Classic Oak by Karndean Designflooring
Stones Collection by Brampton Chase
Abingdon SoftStep info@abingdonflooring.co.uk 01274 655 694 www.abingdonflooring.co.uk
Earthwerks saleseurope@earthwerks.com 0800 689 1657 www.earthwerks.eu.com
Kellars sales@kellars.co.uk 0161 443 0970
www.kellars.co.uk
Adoretouch +1.631.843.0900
Forbo Flooring info.flooring.uk@forbo.com 01773 744 121
Leoline info@leoline.co.uk 0800 032 3970
www.leoline.co.uk
Alsapan g.folkes@alsapan.com 03 88 59 29 89 Altro enquiries@altro.com 01462 489 516 Amtico info@amtico.com 0121 745 0800 Aspecta +31 (0) 88 1662500
www.adorefloors.com
www.alsapan.com
www.altro.co.uk
www.amtico.com www.aspectaflooring.com
Avenue Floors info@avenuefloors.co.uk www.avenuefloors.co.uk Beauflor sales@beauflor.com +32 56 67 66 11
www.beauflor.com
Brampton Chase support@bramptonchase.co.uk 01604 664855 www.bramptonchase.co.uk
www.forbo.com
Furlong enquiries@furlongflooring.com 01772 316155 www.furlongflooring.co.uk Harvey Maria info@harveymaria.com 0330 330 1231
www.harveymaria.com
Lifestyle Floors info@lifestyle-floors.co.uk 01827 831448 www.lifestyle-floors.co.uk Interface interface.uk@interface.com 0800 313 4465 Invictus Info@invictus.co.uk 01422 431100
www.interface.com
www.invictus.co.uk/lvt
IVC – Moduleo + Leoline www.ivcgroup.com Karndean Designflooring 01386 820100
www.karndean.com
Moduleo salesuk@moduleo.com 01332 851500
www.moduleo.co.uk
Polyflor 0161 767 1111 info@polyflor.com
www.polyflor.com
Quick-Step 08448 118 288
www.quick-step.co.uk
Tarkett 01622 854040 communication@tarkett.com
www.tarkett.com
Victoria Design Floors (Distinctive Flooring/Universal Flooring) info@myvictoria.co.uk 01562 749300 www.myvictoria.co.uk Wineo +49 (0) 5237 6090 info@wineo.de
www.en.wineo.de
Westex 01274 861334 www.westexflooring.com info@westexflooring.co.uk
Landscape Parquet by Victoria Design Floors 56
THE STOCKLISTS March 2021
Flooring factsheet Vinyl Flooring Vinyl is a fast growing sector of the flooring market due to its durability at relatively low cost and huge range of designs available. Sheet vinyl and cushion floor by the roll are popular but the sector is dominated by LVT. In reality, most of the products sold today are “LVP”, Luxury Vinyl Planks, as wood decors are more popular than ceramics and stone but the term LVT is still used to cover the whole non-sheet market.
Benefits
• Huge choice in terms of decors across wood, ceramic, stone and geometric designs
• I mpressive realism – not just in the design but infinishing
techniques that allow for wood knots you can feel, tiles you can grout, etc. See appearance options.
• Excellent performance in durability for high traffic areas, scratch resistance and cleanability. Vinyl also tends to be much more nonslip than natural materials. Some products are water resistant for bathrooms and kitchens.
Product options
• Dry back – a sheet or tile that needs to be fixed to the sub-floor using an adhesive.
• Self-adhesive – tiles with a peel-off backing paper to stick to the
sub-floor. Some tiles have adhesive overlaps to stick to each other rather than the sub-floor.
• Loose lay vinyl – tiles that simply drop onto the floor and rely on
a high friction backing to keep them in place – they demand a very sound, level sub-floor but are the easiset type of tile to lay or replace.
• Click – tiles that have a mechanical jointing system to attach to •W arm and soft to touch compared to ceramic and stone floors - and one another (like a locked tongue and groove system) and ‘float’ on a good heat insulator anyhow, and suitable for use with underfloor heating systems.
• Sound reduction – vinyl has neglible impact sound compared
to the tap/click of laminate and transmits less sound and vibration compared to solid floor.
• Considerably cheaper than the ‘real’ thing – both to buy and to fit – and tile/plank approach minimises wastage.
Installation
Installation preparation Vinyl requires a dry, sound, level subfloor as the relative thinness of vinyl and its light reflection performance will quickly reveal imperfections after installation as well as cause potential wear issues. Exisitng wooden/MDF floors may need a plywood underlay up to 6mm thick and then the joints will need to be skimmed or taped. Non-wood sub-floors will need a self-levelling screed to be laid to ensure a suitable base for the floor. A damp-proof membrane may be required depending on sub-floor moisture levels. However, new rigid core products are less flexible and can be laid more easily over existing floors – see Construction.
Top Coating Wear Layer Decor Layer
www.bramptonchase.co.uk
www.invictus.co.uk
the sub-floor without being glued down. There are many proprietary versions of the click system which offer fast, clean installation and stability.
Appearance options Vinyl tiles and planks cover a hugh variety of sizes and shapes and can be mix-and-matched to achieve an infinite number of designs. Current fashions include extra wide and long planks for wood through to very small planks for wood. Border effects can be easy to achieve in LVT.
www.karndean.com
Other notable options include:
• Embossed – this is where the top clear layer of the tile has been
embossed to create a realistic texture that matches the style of the stone of wood decor. Registered embossed is the most authentic – the texture matches the design so that, for example, a wood knot or hand-scraped element in the wood design can be felt on the surface of the flooring.
• G routing and grooving – vinyl tiles can be laid with grouting inlay
www.myvictoria.co.uk
strips or beads of vinyl for addewd realism – and there are acrylic grouts that can be applied. In wood decors, planks are available with v-grooves or bevelled edges between planks for added realism.
LVT construction
Top coating – A polyurethane or aluminium oxide coating provides protection against scratches and stains and gives enhances anti-slip. Wear layer – This is a key layer - determining the performance and resilience of the product. A 0.3mm (12 mil) wear layer is a good for heavy wear areas. Commercial installations need 0.5mm wear layers or above with 0.7mm at the top end. The wear warranties and guarantees carried by products will be based on this thickness. Decor layer – This is the decor itself - in essence it is a paper- or filmbased photographic inkjet print. (A few LVT floors have the image printed directly to the surface of the floor but this implies less image definition and different wear characteristics.)
PVC Middle Layer(s) Fibre Glass Layer(s) PVC Base Layer
THE STOCKLISTS March 2021
PVC and fibre glass layers – The construction ‘sandwich’ can vary between products but a combination of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) layers for strength and flexibility and fibre glass layers for structural stability may be used. Any click-system profile will be incorporated into these layers. Products often use a combination of recycled vinyl which is cheaper and virgin PVC which lasts longer and is more stable. Rigid core LVT has a solid, less flexible PVC layer with maximum stability which means it can be laid over exisiting, less even flooring without showing imperfections and therefore avoiding wear problems. Base (or backing) layer – The final high density PVC layer varies according to the installation requirement and is designed for taking adhesive or as an ‘underlay’ for loose-lay and click installations. 57
Flooring factsheet from Interfloor Best Practice Guide Fitting the Right Underlay Selecting the right underlay is not always easy. There are a lot to choose from and there are many factors to consider such as comfort, durability, suitability with underfloor heating, noise reduction, warmth and more. Interfloor has been advocating the use of underlay with new floorcoverings since the 1940s, pioneering its “British method” worldwide and developing its market-leading brands Duralay and Tredaire to supply hundreds of customers in over 70 countries. Here they offer advice on the key considerations for selecting the best underlay …
Our Underlay Range
Sustainability Re-use and recycling are key considerations for determining a flooring product’s green credentials. Interfloor’s crumb rubber and PU foam underlays contain approximately 80%-90% recycled content. The crumb rubber is made from recycled car tyres and some 3 million are recycled every year to make our underlay. We launched FSC® certified carpet gripper in 2011 and produced the first EC1 and EC2 flooring adhesives in 2008.
Impact sound With more people opting for hard floorcoverings there are major benefits to using a specialist underlay; not least, the reduction in sound impact. Interfloor’s Duralay was the first brand to develop special noise reduction underlays for wood and laminate floors. Independent tests prove our sponge rubber Timbermate underlays, with their superior weight and density, reduce acoustic noise levels by up to 30 per cent.
Underfloor heating It’s important to make sure that the effect of underfloor heating is not reduced by the underlay. Choose a specialist underlay for use with underfloor heating and check its thermal insulation value, making sure the thermal resistance of the total installation doesn’t exceed 0.15m2 K/W. Interfloor’s high tog underlays, including Duralay Heatflow and Tredaire King and Defender, help keep rooms warm and cosy.
Quality standards With greater emphasis being placed on building products’ performance, it’s important that those used in residential and commercial environments conform to British and European quality standards. Interfloor’s underlays and accessories are compliant with the relevant quality and safety standards, including BS 5808: 1991 / EN14499 : 2015. They also hold the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Green Label Plus accreditation, meaning our products conform to the CRI’s high standards for indoor air quality and low VOC emissions.
Interfloor manufactures Tredaire and Duralay, leading brands underlay market, that are recognized by customers as brands of quality, and with over 70 years of expertise, they are trusted by users throughout the world. 58
THE STOCKLISTS March 2021
Flooring factsheet Underlay In a tight market for margins, underlay for carpet and hard flooring offers retailers one of the best opportunities to add value to every sale – with good profitability, trade-up potential once benefits are understood and high customer satisfaction levels.
www.interfloor.com
The Carpet Foundation and its Consumer Code of Practice approved by the Trading Standards Institute (TSI) recommend that new carpet underlay is bought with every new carpet. Many consumers are now aware of the benefits of underlay but more needs to be done to provide information about the different types available and their suitability for different areas of the home.
www.floorwise.co.uk
Setting up in-store demonstrations so customers can walk on samples with different grades of underlay and feel the difference has shown excellent results. Some manufacturers offer point-of-sale units and foot testers.
www.carpenterunderlay.co.uk
Benefits
Types
Poor or old underlay will...
Sponge rubber Introduced in the 1950s, this is a more traditionally manufactured underlay available in flat or waffle patterns in a wide range of weights for different applications. It performs well for comfort and has a durable spring retention.
Good underlay will... • Improve underfoot comfort • Increase appearance retention, reducing flattening • Absorb the pressure of foot traffic and reduce wear • Improve thermal insulation and warmth • Increase sound insulation • Smooth out sub-floor imperfections • Last the lifetime of the carpet
• Feel hard and unwelcoming • Reduce carpet life • Cause wrinkling and premature wear spots • Cause carpet fibres to break down more quickly • Not meet British Standards How thick? A maximum of 12mm is recommended (working with gripper will be difficult thereafter) but rooms with heavy traffic will need a thinner, denser pad. The combination of thickness and density is all important as a thick underlay with low density may not perform well. Typically, the thicker the underlay, the better quality it will need to be – 11mm is often used for luxury installations with 9mm and 7mm the common domestic thickness.
Sponge rubber
Combination
Crumb
PU foam
PU (polyurethane) foam This is now the market’s most popular underlay and is typically made from recycled foam offcuts. The foam provides excellent comfort and performance levels with lots of thickness options and densities and provides great insulation – and its light weight helps handling.
Crumb rubber Flat and dense, crumb rubber is good for heavy footfall – offering maximum protection but a little less comfort (and very good over stair nosings).
www.wilsons-carpet-underlays.co.uk
Laminate underlay There’s still an opportunity to sell underlay with laminate flooring, improving the acoustic performance of the floor and helping the boards float above any imperfections in the sub-floor. Combination A rubber crumb base with a felt top layer offers a good combination of protection, durability and comfort. It also allows carpet with seaming to bed into the top felt.
www.luxeunderlay.com
Underfloor heating underlay Always ask if there is underfloor heating. Most manufacturers offer specialised products. Underlay and carpet with a combined tog rating of 2.5 can be used – which means the underlay would normally have a tog rating of 1.0. Felt This traditional (but environmentally friendly) undelay is made from recycled fibres – wool, jute and synthetic – to create a firm, dense pad with excellent thermal insulation. Still a very popular choice among contractors when stretch fitting woven carpets. Pre-tackified underlay A self-adhesive single stick underlay in both needlefelt and PU. A removable system for heavy use when comfort is desired.
THE STOCKLISTS March 2021
www.underlay.com
www.qaflooringsolutions.com
www.interfloor.com
59
WoolSafe factsheet Caring for carpet the right way The WoolSafe Organisation is the UK’s leading authority for the correct care and maintenance of carpet and offers a range of services empowering retailers to build a reputation for great service and consumers to get the most out of their investment.
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The clean carpet you expect... the service you deserve www.servicemasterclean.co.uk 60
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01943 850817 British Wool makes a better carpet... naturally www.britishwool.org.uk THE STOCKLISTS March 2021
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Environmentally aware for superior carpet care www.cleantecinnovation.com THE STOCKLISTS March 2021
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Vacuum cleaners - the choice of cleaning professionals www.sebo.co.uk 61
The Stocklists Wholesale Distribution Directory National
Fells Carpets Leeds 0113 3071900 carl.cummings@fellscarpets.co.uk www.fellscarpets.co.uk TCS “The Carpet Specialists” Morecambe 01524 840177 info@tcsthecarpetspecialists.com www.tcsthecarpetspecialists.com Tradeco Ltd Sheffield 0114 4000120 sales@tradeco.uk www.tradeco.uk Xylo Wood Flooring London 020 8368 8122 infouk@xyloflooring.com www.xyloflooring.com
North West A&A Carpets Manchester 01204 701188 sales@aandacarpets.co.uk www.aandacarpets.co.uk
Choice Flooring Manchester - see Floorwise page 64 Fells Carpets Goole 0113 3071900 carl.cummings@fellscarpets.co.uk www.fellscarpets.co.uk Kellars Limited Manchester 0161 443 0970 sales@kellars.co.uk
Fells Carpets Leeds 0113 3071900 carl.cummings@fellscarpets.co.uk www.fellscarpets.co.uk Floorwise (North East)Ltd Birtley - see Floorwise page 64 Kellars Limited Darlington 0161 443 0970 sales@kellars.co.uk Tradeco Ltd Sheffield 0114 4000120 sales@tradeco.uk www.tradeco.uk
Midlands
Fitwell Flooring Ltd Redruth - see Floorwise page 64 Fitwell Flooring Ltd Newton Abott - see Floorwise page 64 Flooring Supplies (Wessex) Amesbury 01980 625888 orders@flooringsupplieswessex.co.uk R & M Wholesale Bristol 01179 531222 Tiverton 01884 258266 sales@rmwholesale.co.uk
Solent Wholesale Carpet West Sussex 01243 774623 sales@solentwholesale.co.uk www.solentwholesale.co.uk see page 17 for details
Birch Distribution Hull - see Floorwise page 64 Cornerstone Flooring Doncaster - see Floorwise page 64 Cornerstone Flooring East Midlands and Warwickshire 01159 444711 sales@cornerstoneflooring.co.uk www.cornerstoneflooring.co.uk DMS Flooring Supplies Northampton 0845 643 5601 dmsnorthampton@dmsflooringsupplies.co.uk Floorwise D & J Ltd Southam - see Floorwise page 64
STS Flooring Distributors Watford 0345 899 1000 sales@stsflooring.co.uk www.stsflooring.co.uk
STS Flooring Distributors Cambridge Tel: 0345 899 1000 sales@stsflooring.co.uk www.stsflooring.co.uk
BL Flooring Supplies Gloucester - see Floorwise page 64
Birch Distribution Leeds - see Floorwise page 64
Preston Underlay Centre Ltd Preston/Lancashire - see Floorwise page 64
Salesmark Ltd St Neots - see Floorwise page 64
BL Flooring Supplies Bristol - see Floorwise page 64
Salesmark West Ltd Amesbury - see Floorwise page 64
Matty’s Wholesale Carpets Birmingham 01675 433072 sales@mattys.co.uk
Beds Flooring Bedford 01234 341234 sales@bedsflooring.co.uk www.bedsflooring.co.uk
South West
Birch Distribution Sheffield - see Floorwise page 64
Millbrook Carpets Darwen 01254 703999 millbrookcarpets@live.co.uk
East
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North East
Trade Counter Carpets Leicester 0845 604 3055 tradecountercarpets@gmail.com Woodall Brothers Ltd Shrewsbury - see Floorwise page 64
South East
Acorn Carpet Accessories Bromley, Kent - see Floorwise page 64 Ashmount Flooring Supplies Tottenham 0208 808 2158 sales@ashmountflooring.co.uk www.ashmountflooringsupplies.co.uk Ballister London 020 8570 1668 london@ballister.co.uk www.ballister.co.uk Ballister Reading 0118 931 3535 reading@ballister.co.uk www.ballister.co.uk Beds Flooring Bedford 01234 341234 sales@bedsflooring.co.uk www.bedsflooring.co.uk Clifford Floors Strood 01634 285900 sales@clifford.uk.com Culpeck Strood 01634 299000 sales@culpeck.uk.com
THE STOCKLISTS March 2021
Are you a Wholesaler? If you’re not listed here, please call Diane Martin on 01482 659396
Columbia Flooring Middlesex 020 8443 3322 sales@columbiaflooring.co.uk www.columbiaflooring.co.uk see page 8 for details DMS Flooring Supplies Hemel Hempstead 0845 643 5344 dmshemel@dmsflooringsupplies.co.uk DMS Flooring Supplies Milton Keynes 0845 643 5320 dmslaser@dmsflooringsupplies.co.uk Flooring Storage UK Potters Bar 01707 245999 sales@flooringstorage.com www.flooringstorage.com Littner Hampton London 020 8520 8474 littnerhampton@aol.com www.littnerhamptoncarpets.co.uk John Palmer Carpets Fareham 01329 221933 sales@johnpalmercarpets.uk.net
national institute of carpet & floorlayers
Potts & Ward, Woodcocks Ltd Brighton 01273 557211 sales@pwwflooring.com www.pwwflooring.com Salesmark Lancing - see Floorwise page 64 Solent Wholesale Carpet West Sussex 01243 774623 sales@solentwholesale.co.uk www.solentwholesale.co.uk - see page 17 STS Flooring Distributors Basildon 0345 899 1000 sales@stsflooring.co.uk www.stsflooring.co.uk STS Flooring Distributors Orpington/Croydon 0345 899 1000 sales@stsflooring.co.uk www.stsflooring.co.uk Trade Carpet London Wimbledon 0208 247 3891 sales@tradecarpet.com www.tradecarpet.com
Ireland Flanagan Flooring Distributors Belfast & Saintfield Co. Down Northern Ireland Tel: 028 9751 0932 sales@flanagan-flooring.com www.flanagan-flooring.com Flanagan Flooring Distributors Willow Business Park Dublin Tel: (01) 429 7800 sales@flanagan-flooring.com www.flanagan-flooring.com Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd Dublin - see Floorwise page 64 Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd Belfast - see Floorwise page 64 Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd Limerick - see Floorwise page 64 TCS “The Carpet Specialists” Co. Louth 00353 429 351 351 info@tcsthecarpetspecialists.com www.tcsthecarpetspecialists.com
stand out from the crowd
The NICF offers something for all levels of floorlayers, from Apprentice level all the way through to Master Fitter It not only helps me gain work , but gives my customers the assurance that their flooring will be fitted to the highest of standards Making the most of the benefits on offer from the NICF has helped to enhance my fitting and my business to make me stand out from the crowd Give us a try or you will never know if the NICF is right for you!
Dan Evans
Master Fitter
Joining th e I did since NICF is the best th in deciding to be a fitt g er!
Tel: 0115 958 3077 www.nicfltd.org.uk Email: info@nicfltd.org.uk
THE STOCKLISTS March 2021
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wiseup to floorwise quality&value guaranteed
gripper
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stair nosings
profiles
tools
adhesives + screeds
national distributor network
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Floorwise Group Ltd. Floorwise House, 22 High Street, Kegworth, Derby, DE74 2DA, UK Tel: +44 (0)1509 673974 Fax: +44 (0)1509 674841
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16 Salesmark West Ltd Amesbury, Wiltshire Tel: 01980 880933 mail@salesmark-west.co.uk 17 Acorn Carpet Accessories Bromley, Kent Tel: 020 8462 0422 Fax: 020 8462 0927 sales@acorncarpetsacc.co.uk 18 Salesmark Lancing, West Sussex Tel: 01903 750522 Fax: 01903 851111 sales@salesmark-floorwise.co.uk 19 Fitwell Flooring Ltd Newton Abbot, Devon Tel: 01626 835935 sales@fitwell.co.uk 20 Fitwell Flooring Ltd Redruth, Cornwall Tel: 01209 214344 1 sales@fitwell.co.uk
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1 Neil Smith Ltd 8 Hathaway Flooring Glasgow Trafford Park, Manchester Tel: 0141 552 1141 Tel: 0161 872 8003 sales@neilsmithltd.co.uk sales@hathawayflooring.com 2 Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd 9 Cornerstone Flooring Belfast Doncaster Tel: 028 9075 3202 Tel: 01302 835117 Fax: 028 9075 3901 Fax: 01302 302542 salesbelfast@pfl.ie cornerstonefloor@btconnect.com 3 Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd 10 Birch Distribution Dublin 12 Sheffield, S9 5PH Tel: 00353 (0)1 626 3913 Tel: 0114 243 1230 Fax: 00353 (0)1 460 4669 Fax: 0114 243 5118 salesdublin@pfl.ie n.maude@birchdistribution.co.uk 4 Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd 11 Woodall Brothers Ltd Limerick Shrewsbury, Shropshire Tel: 00353 (0)61 227 100 Tel: 01743 441584 Fax: 00353 (0)61 227 000 Fax: 01743 441629 sales@pfl.ie sales@woodallbrothers.co.uk 5 Preston Underlay Centre Ltd 12 Floorwise D & J Ltd Preston, Lancashire Southam, Warwickshire Tel: 01772 556345 Tel: 01926 814922 sales@pucflooring.co.uk Fax: 01926 817899 sales@fwdj.co.uk 6 Birch Distribution Leeds, LS10 1AG 13 Salesmark Ltd Tel: 0113 244 4363 St Neots, Cambridgeshire Fax: 0113 244 8665 Tel: 01480 212888 l.sigsworth@birchdistribution.co.uk Fax: 01480 218585 sales@salesmark.co.uk 7 Birch Distribution Hull, HU7 0XD 14 BL Flooring Supplies Ltd Tel: 01482 826654 Gloucester Fax: 01482 878693 Tel: 01452 223355 d.ostler@birchdistribution.co.uk Fax: 01452 371284 info@blflooring.co.uk 15 BL Flooring Supplies Ltd Bristol Tel: 0117 955 5454 Fax: 0117 955 2626 info@blflooring.co.uk
THE STOCKLISTS March 2021
StocklistsClassified The
SITUATIONS VACANT
SALES REPRESENTATIVES Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, North East London, West London.
MYVICTORIA.CO.UK
Area Sales Manager NORTH EAST
Circa £50k-plus a year (salary & commission) plus car, pension & holidays.
Victoria Carpets & Design Floors house an extensive portfolio of both carpet and hard flooring (LVT) solutions. We are looking for an enthusiastic, results driven individual to strengthen our UK sales force.
Kellars is a leading flooring wholesale company looking for people who can contact and develop new relationships with independent flooring retailers in the south of the UK. We would welcome applications from those with previous sales experience in any sector (not just flooring).
The ideal candidate must be able to demonstrate: • The ability to build and maintain strong customer service relationships • Be self-motivated • The ability to multi-task, manage time effectively and produce IT based data on time, every time. • Display a ‘can do’ attitude • Residential based customer facing sales experience
Contact Kellars Sales Director Dave Francis on 07841 048413 or email dave.francis@kellars.co.uk
Benefits of the role include a competitive basic salary, uncapped bonus, company car, phone, tablet and expenses. Applicants should send a CV and a covering letter to Mark Paice at mark.paice@myvictoria.co.uk
We are EXPANDING! We are RECRUITING! Furlong Flooring. The people who deliver success. Turn to page 66 find out how to join us... FOR SALE
Super Plus The Rug Tamer! Keeps Rugs In Their Place COMBINATION UNDERLAYS NEEDLEFELT UNDERLAYS For orders and further information, please ring P&R Ratcliffe (Underlays) Ltd. Burnley, Lancashire BB10 3BH Tel: 01282 421026, Fax: 01282 412321 www.foxirugtamer.co.uk
THE STOCKLISTS March 2021
65
StocklistsClassified The
SITUATIONS VACANT
We are EXPANDING! Due to internal re-structuring and expansion plans we are looking to recruit individuals to promote and sell our full offer encompassing carpet, vinyl, wood, LVT and laminate all promoted via our retail in store display offer
We have vacancies for join the most ambitious Sales representatives are required for 3 key territories: 1 West Scotland 2 Yorkshire, East Coast 3 Merseyside, N Wales, Part Cheshire
dam Rec Ad 0321 Scot_Adam Rec Ad 0321 18/02/2021 16:08 Page 1
Furlong Flooring. The people who deliver success.
Adam Rec Ad 0321 NW_Adam Rec Ad 0321 18/02/2021 16:09 Page 1
SALES REPRESENTATIVE
SALES REPRESENTATIVE
After ten years of the previous postholder, Adam Carpets are seeking to recruit a Sales Representative for Scotland, including the Highlands and Islands.
After just two sales people covering the territory over the last 35 years, Adam Carpets are seeking to recruit a Sales Representative for the North West area of England and North Wales.
The role is likely to suit either an experienced Sales Representative from within the flooring industry or a dynamic Sales Person from within the flooring retail sector. Ideally, applicants should reside in the territory and be able to demonstrate an excellent knowledge of customer relationship management together with practical experience of updating point of sale. The right candidate will be offered a competitive basic salary, uncapped bonus, company car, excellent pension scheme and private medical cover.
The role is likely to suit either an experienced Sales Representative from within the flooring industry or a dynamic Sales Person from within the flooring retail sector. Ideally, applicants should reside in the territory and be able to demonstrate an excellent knowledge of customer relationship management together with practical experience of updating point of sale. The right candidate will be offered a competitive basic salary, uncapped bonus, company car, excellent pension scheme and private medical cover.
Applicants should send a covering letter and CV to Chris Adam, Managing Director at careers@adamcarpets.com or by post to: Chris Adam, Managing Director, Adam Carpets Ltd, Greenhill Works, Birmingham Road, Kidderminster DY10 2SH. Tel: 01562 822247. Closing date for applications is Friday, March 19.
Applicants should send a covering letter and CV to Chris Adam, Managing Director at careers@adamcarpets.com or by post to: Chris Adam, Managing Director, Adam Carpets Ltd, Greenhill Works, Birmingham Road, Kidderminster DY10 2SH. Tel: 01562 822247. Closing date for applications is Friday, March 26.
Adam Carpets manufactures high quality wool rich carpet in plain and patterned styles, which is predominantly sold to high street retailers across the UK. Family ownermanaged across four generations, the company's premium product and service levels provide the platform of outstanding opportunity for enthusiastic candidates.
Adam Carpets manufactures high quality wool rich carpet in plain and patterned styles, which is predominantly sold to high street retailers across the UK. Family ownermanaged across four generations, the company's premium product and service levels provide the platform of outstanding opportunity for enthusiastic candidates.
Scotland including the Highlands and Islands
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North West England and North Wales, including Cheshire and Manchester
THE STOCKLISTS March 2021
StocklistsClassified The
SITUATIONS VACANT
We are RECRUITING! top quality people to sales team in the UK If you are ready for your talents to be recognized, your skills to be developed, and are motivated to succeed, we want to hear from you. In return you will be treated as a person, not just a number, and your efforts will be rewarded with a great benefits package (company car, healthcare scheme, attractive salary and uncapped commission structure), and a key role within a company with plenty of potential.
Furlong Flooring is a dynamic, ambitious UK company that produces and supplies a wide range of high-quality flooring to leading retailers across the country.
If you are interested, please send your CV and a personal statement to Janet Jolly, Personnel Manager, Furlong Flooring (Central) Ltd at jjolly@furlongflooring.com T: 01772 316155
Sales Executive
Competitive Package includes Salary + Commission + Car An opportunity has arisen for the right person to join our Retail Sales Team in the following territory:
Yorkshire,NorthEast,E.Midlands
The ideal candidate should reside in the territory and be able to demonstrate the essential drive and commitment to produce the highest levels of customer service to our existing customer base whilst being able to identify and develop new opportunities to grow the business of this dynamic and vibrant company. Experience with both woven and tufted products is preferable but not essential. Applicants should possess the skills and disciplines necessary for the successful management of this important sales area. Requests for an application form should be made in your own hand to:
Mr. Hans Lowe (Retail Sales Director)
THE STOCKLISTS March 2021
Cavalier CA R P ETS
Dixon Street, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB2 1TX. Tel: 01254 268000 Fax:01254 268001 www.cavaliercarpets.co.uk
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www.carpenterconsumer.co.uk
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