Scott Levy, president of Arley Wholesale, distributor of ceramic, natural stone, and marble based in Scranton, Pa., discusses the economy and what it has meant for the tile sector as he compares it with other sectors of the industry. Levy talks about the consumer, ceramic, and how they view ceramic, as well as the varied looks of ceramic including wood looks and what they have meant for growth in the sector.

Mike Newberry, chairman of the FCICA and Inside Edge Commercial Services, discusses the prospects of various solutions to the installer shortage and if an industry-wide solution is likely. He also talks about the advantages and disadvantages to contractors and retailers of hiring installers as opposed to using contractors. Also discusses are the advantages of developing a working relationship with clients.

Mike Newberry, chairman of the Floor Covering Installation Contractors Association (FCICA), and Inside Edge Commercial Services, based in Eagan, Minn., talks more about the shortage of qualified floor covering installers in the U.S. and specifically efforts to recruit and train young installer candidates. Newberry discusses Inside Edge’s scope and the types of contractors they use in various regions of the country and how the company has managed installer shortages. He also talks about the rate being paid installers and if it is increasing.

Mike Newberry, chairman of the FCICA, Floor Covering Installation Contractors Association and Inside Edge Commercial Services, based in Eagan, Minn., discusses the turnout at the association’s recent convention in Biloxi and the jump in attendance over the prior year’s convention. Newberry also talks about the association’s Certified Installation Manager (CIM) program and its growth in popularity over the past year as he discusses the nature of Inside Edges’ nationwide installation business. He also talks about the prime challenges facing contractors today.

John Simonson, president of Webstream Dynamics and 5 Star Store Reviews, estimates the percentage of current retail floor covering websites in the U.S. that are sufficiently developed to help those retailers remain in business. He also talks about the need to have specials and items on sale online at all times to entice consumers to action. He also talks about Google Local Service ads, which are available in select markets for specific business and service types.

John Simonson, president of Webstream Dynamics and 5 Star Store Reviews, talks about the reaction he has had to many of the retailers he has met with to assess their overall digital needs and their general level of awareness to their needs. He estimates the percentage of deficient retail websites in the U.S. and the some of the common misconceptions retailers have about their websites and digital marketing in general, the elements of a quality site, and the advantages to retailers of having their website developed by an industry professional.

John Simonson, president of Webstream Dynamics & 5 Star Store Reviews, talks about the importance of a retailer’s website in delivering consumers to the retailer’s brick and mortar store. Simonson reviews the points that make websites productive and how retailer's can evaluate their current site to determine its effectiveness. He also talks about the range of costs in developing and maintaining a first-class site and how a retailer can identify exactly where to direct improvements.

Chris Ramey, president The Home Trust International and Retail Rescue, talks about the types of products higher end retailers most often carry, noting that they should have some level of exclusivity and craftsmanship. He talks about additional factors that distinguish higher end retailers, including their overall presentation and the look of the store, the look and demeanor of the sales people, as well as the level of service offered by the organization and sales technique in including higher end merchandise in sales presentations.

Chris Ramey, president of The Home Trust International and Retail Rescue, talks more about conspicuous consumption purchases, meaning higher-end retailers sell to aspirational middle income consumers. Also discussed is the concept of apparent value, being an agent of your customer rather than your suppliers, editing your operation’s selections, and serving the community. Ramey also discusses sharing values reducing the cost element of the decision.

Chris Ramey, president The Home Trust International and Retail Rescue, discusses the Retail Rescue organization, a service formed to help retailers compete more effectively. Ramey talks about the high end flooring market, touching on the changes that have occurred in the sector since the recession and recovery. He talks about the need to create distinction as an element crucial for both manufacturers and retailers, as well as producing a connection with customers. Also discussed is the conspicuous consumption element of high end purchases, and how higher end purchases are not necessarily to wealthy consumers.