David Hartman, president of Alexandria Associates, from Coverings 2017 discusses the show, its exhibitors, the new products as well as the new technology and designs on display. Hartman shares his thoughts on consolidation within the European and U.S. ceramic sector and the forces that make it attractive for many players. He also discusses movement among distributors and manufactures in opening retail locations, attrition in the U.S. retail community, online retail activity, and service levels among independent retailers.