Harrogate REVIEW
The happy family reunion Harrogate brings the industry back together again and we loved it!
LOOPS AND LEOPARDS We’re going to give you a taste of the trends in this issue with our snapshots on pages 42 and 44 – and then our November issue, out on October 25.
The flooring industry is celebrating the success of The Flooring Show at Harrogate, described by many as a “family reunion” for the trade after a two-year absence. Many key exhibitors said it was among the best shows ever as visitor numbers were comparable with 2019 and levels of business in a buoyant flooring industry were high.
The mood was bullish – most of the industry seems to be trading 10-20% up on 2019 levels – and the market seems less price sensitive than ever before. There’s a good margin to be made. Neil Valentine of Furlong said: “I have been coming to these shows since I was 19 and in all those years, I can’t recall a better show. There is a real appetite to do business and long may it continue. We’re already looking forward to 2022.” Martin Peace at Abingdon agreed: “This is one of the best Harrogate shows ever. There has been a great response from the trade.” ACG director Mike Sutton commented: “The industry has enjoyed getting back together and there has been a real warmth to the event that made it seem like a family reunion. There are a lot of happy people in Harrogate.”
Christmas is coming and the order book is getting fat – but there’s bad tidings of stock issues and a famine of fitters. But Harrogate was happy in Autumn sunshine! “Nobody knew what to expect this year but it has been a great success with a really good quality event and strong business all round,” said Lisa Shirley of F Ball, who were one of many exhibitors who showed their confidence by extending their stand space this year.
LOTS MORE NEXT MONTH BUT NOW TURN TO PAGES 42 + 44 FOR SNAPSHOTS 40
For your quick fix for now… in carpets, wool in general and loops in particular are continuing to build in public appeal, and polyester is more popular for its enhanced performance vs. softness, helped by the happy fact that the fibre has increased less in price than PP! More colour is coming through – we say this every year but this time it appears to be true! Blues – both dark and denim – are doing well and flavours of orange are everywhere – it goes so well with grey! And yes, more subtle patterns too and animal prints (lots of leopards) are everywhere. LVT is a shorter discussion – its more and more herringbone and parquet which is universally adored. Muted, faded ceramic designs in tiles make a sophisticated contribution to the smooths offer.
BRAND NEW
Wondering what some of the trade’s major marketing departments were doing during lockdown? Plenty!
See page 42
LAUNCH PAD
Some substantial new products have had an exended countdown on the launch pad during the pandemic but now they’ve blasted off.
See page 44
THE STOCKLISTS October 2021