7 June 2004 - The Stocklists

7 June 2004
News Service
The colour section of The Stocklists for news & reports
BRITAIN’S No. 1 FLOORCOVERING MAGAZINE FOR THE RETAIL AND CONTRACT MARKET
FOR FURTHER DETAILS CONTACT OUR SALES OFFICE
Unit 3, Grey Street, Denton, Manchester M34 3RU, United Kingdom
Sales Direct No: 0161-320 2530
Email: sales@flairflooring.com
Head Office: 0161-320 7146
Fax: 0161-335 9095
Website: www.flairflooring.com
The Stocklists News Service June 7th 2004
The Joy Lawrence Column
30
*
Some retailers would have it that even a pin-dot effect is
too much patterning for the majority of consumers.They welcome
texture, but design? As far as the lower end is concerned, it's argued,
Belgian Wiltons have lost the edge and are now struggling to maintain a
niche, and as for cut pile print.Well, there's nothing to excite the
imagination and swing opinion about that, the critics maintain.True,
sophisticated avant garde designs are available which might appeal to a
minority, but its volume sales which are essential to keep plant running.
Naturally, those heavily involved in the sector take the opposite view. Cut
pile print has a future as well as a past. A manufacturer dedicated to the
sector is the newly-created Donaghadee Carpets Ltd which forecasts that
like the rest of the market print is following trends and moving to more
simple designs with very large open backgrounds. In a word, plainer. Subtle
more modern styles are taking a bigger slice, but, conversely, the company
perceives a growing demand for more traditional 'woven' patterning
countrywide. Base cloth choices and qualities have improved and tight
'twist' surfaces are growing in popularity. And coiourwise? Still the
neutrals/naturals with soft accents in greens, blues and reds.
man-made rug products which it regards as second to none.The new
trading title of Shenkin Rug Innovations has been adopted and the
operation will be centred on a single site, namely Forrest Rugs' original
premises at Lanark.The combined company will have a national customer
base supported by a network of representatives and agents.The
management team running the new venture are Antony Shenkin, md,
formerly the financial director of Mercado; Michael Shenkin, merchandise
director, who will split his time with Shenkin Rug Innovations and keep his
role within Mercado, and the former md of Forrest Rugs, Alan Fellows, will
be the new sales director.
Discussion at trade get-togethers
no longer seems centred
on downward spiralling carpet prices. Instead there's been a shift
of focus. It's laminates which are now put firmly in the price-cutting frame.
And what about future sales of the product? Not good, say those who
profess to be au fait with market movement, pointing out that
dissatisfaction with a floor which could well have been low-end product and
may have been installed by a diy enthusiast means that the consumers
effected are unlikely to opt for the same type of flooring twice.The bubble
has burst; there's bound to be a fall-off. On that basis it's difficult to
disagree: volume demand for laminate 'cheapies' may have run its course.
But the good quality products? They're here to stay.
*
With the fashion for multi-type
flooring surfaces in the home
and commercial buildings along with more creative installations a
new product from Gradus is likely to have considerable appeal. Clip-Top fx,
an addition to the Clip-Top range, has been introduced as a cost-effective,
easy to install transition strip that can be curved on site without the need
for any heat application or special equipment.The product allows a safe,
continuous transition between various flooring surfaces including carpet,
vinyl, laminate and ceramics and through its design reduces the necessity
for pre-fabricated curves and ensures bespoke specifications can be met
with minimum wastage and no lead times or templates.The top profiles are
available in six colours and are designed to be easily replaced in the case of
damage or refurbishment without the need to renew the base or disrupt
the fitted floorcovering.
*
A new product
from the 'new'
Donaghadee:
Classique,
described as a
modern geometric
aimed at the mid
to higher end of
the market.
Professionalism
always pays in every area of a business, as a retailer
in the West Country recently pointed out. 'We don't advertise a
lot, but we do treat customers properly right from the word 'Go' and we
get the business. I spoke to a lady on the phone the other day, gave her
quite a lot of advice, and she asked me to drive out to her home with
some samples and do a measure. It was an incredible house and the area
she wanted carpeted was really substantial.When I got there, she chose
what range and colour she wanted and I worked out how much it was
going to cost. "Fine," she said, "go ahead". I was so surprised I couldn't stop
myself asking about competitive quotes. "I don't want any," she replied, "I
rang three companies and you had the most professional approach, and on
that basis you will do the most professional job."' But would the response
be the same in Wigan?
*
B Shenkin and Co, the rug division of the Shenkin Group, recently
*
completed a deal designed to double its turnover within the next
12 months and give it a greater degree of autonomy .The company has
taken over the trade and customer base of W Forrest Rugs and is pulling
the two businesses together giving it a combined portfolio of wool and
Interested in
curves? Then the
new Clip-Top fx
transition strip
from Gradus
provides the
answer.
The Stocklists News Service June 7th 2004
31
The Stocklists News Service June 7th 2004
Treadplates craft in wood
32
Only the finest quality woods selected from sustainable forests are used in
the manufacture of Treadplates stylish and individual solid wood door
thresholds and stair rods.
Treadplates hand-crafted products are available in a choice of woods
imported from the USA and Europe, including beech, white oak, tulip and
yellow pine.They come in a range of beautiful colours and finishes or, for
that special finishing touch, hand-set with one of a selection of elegant
decorative wooden inlays.
A solid wood threshold from Treadplates is the perfect flooring accessory
which can be used in doorways linking carpet to carpet, carpet to wood
flooring and carpet to vinyl. Available in 86cm, 91.5cm, 122cm, 152cm and
190cm widths, thresholds come with full installation instructions and fittings.
Treadplates traditional solid wood stair rods complement the range of
wooden thresholds.These are made from the same woods and inlays can be
added.The rods are supplied with solid brass fixing brackets and can be used
on fully fitted or runner carpets.
Treadplates is one of the original wooden threshold manufacturers,
established 19 years ago.The thresholds and stair rods are created by skilled
craftsmen in workshops in the village of Brailes which is in the heart of the
English countryside.
Slimline wooden threshold from Treadplates in Georgian
Oak featuring a Sheridan wooden inlay.
Revival boosts yarn business
CFS adds broadloom range
British yarn producer Richards of Aberdeen Limited who was bought out
of receivership in December 2002 has announced a dramatic upturn in
business.This has resulted in a recruitment drive to employ at least 80
extra staff.
CFS Carpets is pleased to announce the latest addition to its range of
broadloom carpets.
Chief Executive, John Martin has announced that the new spinning
operation is forecast to be profitable in the year to April 2005.Turnover
targets for the first twelve months of operations have been met and in
October 2003, Richards sister company, Arnlea plc acquired a controlling
interest in the Ayrshire carpet manufacturer, Kingsmead Carpets Ltd.
‘There has been a significant growth in the demand for production from
both Richards and Kingsmead in the past six months’ he said.
Constellation is 100% nylon, plain twist pile carpet available in 10 striking
contract colours as well as 5 natural colours. A pile weight of 1275 gsm
makes Constellation suitable for use in areas where a heavy contract
specification is required, while the twist pile construction gives the carpet
a luxurious feel.
Constellation is Teflon® coated to give added protection against staining
and also passes European flammability, anti-static and castor chair tests.
Constellation is available on synthetic jute backing.
The yarn producer has just completed a successful £1m move to a newly
refurbished factory in Northfield, Aberdeen where a seven figure
investment has already been made in new plant and a further six figure
investment in new equipment.
Richards of Aberdeen reckon to return to profit in 2005
Constellation from CFS - 100% nylon plain twist pile
The Stocklists News Service June 7th 2004
Bond Worth is back!
by Jack Rowe
The illustrious name of Bond Worth has re- emerged on the carpet scene
after many years following a decision by Carpets of Worth to revert to its
original corporate title with immediate effect. Service provided to
customers both by the Kidderminster headquarters and the company's area
sales force will continue as usual but naturally the usual selling aids,
tombolas and display stands are being revised with prominence given to the
new name style.
This move is part of strategic planning by Tony Hinett who took over as
managing director within the last two years following the retirement of
Robin Axford. Mr Hinett envisages further expansion by Bond Worth, as
the company will be known in future, with focus not only on further
development of their well known axminsters but on phasing in more high
quality, competitively priced tufteds as market demand is researched.
L to R Sue Brady (design studio manager), Eamon Prescott (UK sales manager),
A. R. Hinett (managing director), Peter Mills (general manager),
Barry Carrigan (contract & export sales manager).
Severn Valley Mills Recalled
Bond Worth originated in Kidderminster when there were many small carpet
manufacturers offering an assortment of weaves including plain and Brussels
wiltons, Chenilles and axminsters made on manually-operated looms but
eventually moved to Stourport "to escape the clutter of Kidderminster"
leading eventually to the development of the massive Severn Valley Mills site.
Innovation was always one of their specialities and Joseph and William Henry
Worth embraced the revolutionary new power loom technology, for which
John Crossley & Sons of Halifax held the patents, but which had eliminated
many other small carpet manufacturers who could not meet the costs involved.
Worth's were also in the forefront of the new spool axminster technology
which transformed the number of colours possible in carpet designs.
Tony Hinett,
Managing
Director
Broader Ranges Promised
Tony Hinett says: "As a company Carpets of Worth is perceived
particularly if not exclusively as a supplier of high grade axminsters and
although woven products will remain at the core of our business I believe
our customers – and new customers we hope to attract – will welcome a
broader range of choice from a reliable and respected source to include
fashionable tufteds."
Mr Hinett is speaking with the advantage of 16 years spent as a marketing
executive with Bond Worth at Severn Valley Mills, Stourport before taking
up other opportunities at Board level elsewhere in the carpet
manufacturing sector.
Bond Worth was formed
as a limited company in
1896 when records show
they had at that time 75
Brussels and wilton
looms. By 1903 they had 120 Jacquard and axminster looms, five hundred
workers and a thriving export trade with Australia, New Zealand and
Canada. However Bond Worth returned, to the "clutter of Kidderminster"
in 1964 when they acquired the family axminster weavers, Jelleyman & Sons
at Townshend Works, Puxton Lane where the company will remain based.
The Bond Worth
logo familiar to
the carpet trade
in the 60s
Customers and suppliers should note that VAT and E-mail numbers have
changed as follows: new VAT registration number is 833 2818 30 ; new Email address is sales@bondworth.co.uk or accounts@bondworth.co.uk.
Telephone number for Kidderminster is unchanged at 01562 745000 and
Fax: 01562 732827. Usual internal helpline extensions are also unchanged.
The nucleus of Worth's new tufted portfolio is already well-established by
the recent launch of AFFRA TWIST, NATURAL ARABIA in a two-fold wool
pile and VELVET STYLE in 100% New Zealand Wool and described as
having a "billiard table" finish. All in a range of high fashion colours, 4 & 5
metre widths and very affordable prices.
At the same time Worth's axminsters have been upgraded in quality to
heavier count yarns, principally in the favoured 80% wool/ 20% nylon blend,
and additional designs have been brought forward in several of their
qualities. Giving effect to these advances in their portfolio Worth is
introducing two brand new tombolas resplendent in their new corporate
Bond Worth livery. One is for tufted ranges and the other to display
axminsters – carrying around 80 patterns on each tombola.
Bond Worth
sales executives
L to R
Andrew Hitchen,
Peter Lawrence,
Peter Seddon,
Eamon Prescott,
Paul Fox,
Nick Bull
33
The Stocklists News Service June 7th 2004
Celebs parade on red carpet
34
Judging of the 2003/2004 Red Carpet Awards, the flagship public
relations activity of the Carpet Foundation designed to encourage
greater editorial exposure for carpet in the media, took place recently in
London. Awards were given for 4 categories: - Best article or feature;
best use of carpet in an interior/decorating scheme; best makeover and
best TV programme. Now in their fourth year, the Awards are firmly
established with the media and the quantity and quality of entries
received this year was higher than ever.
As in previous years, a tremendous panel of judges was assembled.This
year, Eamonn Holmes,Ann Maurice, Fiona Fullerton, Cath Kidston, Sir Nick
Lloyd and David Penton-Voak, buyer from the John Lewis Partnership,
were joined by for the first time by new CF chairman, John Duncan and
Geoff Covey, editor of CFR. Competition was fierce and the winners will
be announced at an Awards ceremony in London on 2nd September.
Rupert Anton, marketing director of the Carpet Foundation, was
delighted at the response: "There has been a marked change in media
attitudes to carpet in recent years and this has been reflected in the
media exposure for carpet.
We, in turn, have no doubt that the Red Carpet Awards have played their
part in this attitudinal shift and this is in no small part down to the gravitas
and kudos given to the Awards by the celebrity panel of judges we manage
to attract."
Pictured at
judging are LtoR
John Duncan,
Sir Nick Lloyd,
Eamonn Holmes,
Ann Maurice,
Geoff Covey
and David
Penton-Voak,
New options for Simply Natural
Ball solves sub-floor challenge
Tintawn Carpets, pioneers of the natural look in carpets for over 40
years continue to innovate new styles and textures.
The installation of vinyl flooring onto a non-absorbent subfloor was made
possible by the use of F. Ball's Styccobond F46 Pressure Sensitive Acrylic
Adhesive which was recommended to flooring contractors working at
Tropical Blinds Ltd's manufacturing premises in Sidcup, Kent.
To their Simply Natural Range of quality wool carpets,Tintawn have
added new colour options. Simply Natural, part of the Celtic Mist
Collection, already boasts 42 colourways in a choice of Ribgrass or
Grosgrain textures.
Tintawn has added Oak, Rye and Beech to both Ribgrass and Grosgrain
plains along with Cornsilk Berry and Wheat Hemp in the coloured
Ribgrass. Simply Natural has a 100% Pure New Wool Pile where the 6 ply
Cable-Tec yarn is used for enhanced wear and appearance retention.The
range is recommended for extra heavy domestic use and is available in
4m and 15 feet widths.
Simply Natural Ribgrass in Wheat/Hemp from Tintawn Carpets
Working closely with Freestyle Flooring of West Kingsdown, Kent, F. Ball
advised using F46 following a visit to the site which houses an 1800m2
manufacturing facility with a power-floated concrete subfloor. Although a
long term user of other F. Ball products, this was Freestyle Flooring's first
time use of F46, a specially formulated solvent free adhesive for nonporous and porous surfaces which dries to a permanently tacky film and
which gives excellent installation flexibility.
In addition, carpet tiles which had to be installed in a showroom and
office areas were secured with Styccobond F41 Surface Tackifier. An
acrylic polymer adhesive, F41 is designed to provide a permanently tacky
film to prevent loose lay carpet tiles from moving and to allow tiles to be
lifted and replaced without remedial work.
F. Ball’s Styccobond F46 pressure sensitive adhesive being applied at
Tropical Blinds Ltd’s manufacturing premises at Sidcup , Kent
The Stocklists News Service June 7th 2004
Britannia rules at Gleneagles
Almost 1500m2 of hard-wearing Britannia felt underlay from Gaskell has
been specified to provide superior levels of underfoot cushioning and to
maximise the lifespan of new carpets at The Gleneagles Hotel, the worldfamous AA Five Red Star resort.
proofing qualities are excellent, and it has good fire resistant properties. As
the carpets were a plain fit with no borders, we didn't need to use a doublestick product. All in all, Britannia offered the best possible value and we were
able to provide our client with a high quality product at a competitive price".
The underlay was specified and installed by Ardayre Interiors Flooring
Specialists in East Kilbride. Ardayre owner, David Abernethy, said: "As part
of the hotel's latest phase of refurbishment, new carpeting and underlay
was required to maximise underfoot comfort in the suites and bedrooms
at this prestigious hotel.We decided to go for Gaskell's Britannia felt
because it is a well-known, respected name with a strong reputation for
performance. Its specification met our requirements - the sound-
Gaskell's Britannia felt underlay is one of the most environmentally friendly
products manufactured for today's interiors. Made from recycled yarns,
woollens and sacking materials, it produces superb cushioning effects
underfoot, and excellent thermal insulation.
Harrogate show 99% full
With just over 3 months to go until the UK's premier floorcovering
event, the National Floor Show is 99% full.The show has continued to
receive major support from the industry, with a good and varied blend of
major players and first time exhibitors.
The National Floor Show 2004 will be held at the Harrogate
International Centre from 7-9 September and will be host to around 200
exhibitors, presenting a comprehensive product mix of carpets, rugs,
wood, laminate, vinyl, underlays, accessories, tools and in-store display
equipment.This year there are a number of exhibitors promoting
products from different sectors within the industry such as rubber
flooring from MRi Polytech and unique vinyl floors from Aikona Ltd that
have the appearance of wood.
Visitors to the glorious Gleneagles Hotel are walking on Britannia felt
underlay from Gaskell
With these exciting products being introduced into the 2004 show and
many companies using the show as a launch pad for their new products,
The National Floor Show 2004 is one not to be missed!
35
The Stocklists News Service June 7th 2004
36
1979 ~
METRO’S MILESTONES
Given the current healthy state of the independent sector it seems
impossible to believe that there was a time when it looked as though small
carpet shops would be swept out of the marketplace. But that was the
dismal prospect facing the industry back in the late 1970s.The multiples
were on a roll, their rapid development spurred on by the advantageous
deals they were negotiating with manufacturers. How to compete? Who, or
what, would be able to stop them?
over as chairman, supported by Iafford Heginbotham; Alan Hopkins and Ken
Smart. Ian also left the Group to be replaced later in the year by John
Sylvester who put Metro even more firmly on the map and as a result was
appointed chief executive in 1991.
Fortunately the trade found an answer: the buying groups. And this year,
Metro celebrates its 25th anniversary. Highly regarded by suppliers: well
supported by its 169-strong membership it continues to carry the
independent banner.
It was 1979 when John O'Brien decided it was time to take on the
multiples. At a meeting at the Tickled Trout at Preston he put his point: we
have to beat the multiples at their own game, find a way to get the same
low prices as they do.
The Metro group was born. Gradually things took off. More deals were
done, more retailers came on board, and when Kosset invited the Group to
meet at Brookfoot Mill, the news spread and those in the north-east began
to express interest.
Axminster Carpets is a firm supporter of Metro, and a range which has been well
received by members is Devonia Plains.With a practical twist texture it is produced
in 80/20 wool/nylon and comes in 4 and 5m widths.The 48-strong colourbank
includes the full spectrum from neutrals and taupe through to vibrant blues, greens
and reds, each colourway grouped to co-ordinate with the most popular paint
shades from the Crown Period Colours Collection. Devonia Plains is recommended
for extra heavy domestic use.
New parameters
David Moran, residential sales director of Ulster, along with his colleagues, regard
many Metro members as friends as well as customers having been associated with
the Group for many years.This milestone, he believes, clearly indicates the
dedication of the ' Metro executive and membership.The Gold Ribbon Range is
popular with members - Glenavy and Glenavy runners in Axminster -and shown
here is the Ethnic Panel design in broadloom with a runner.
Administrative back-up
The need for greater co-ordination grew as additional manufacturers saw
the potential of supplying Metro.The committee, which included the
stalwarts Joe Gittins, Alan Hopkins and Bill Toon, decided to take on Jim
Livingstone as a part-timer to cope with administration.Then, in 1981,
Metro set up its own offices at Salop Street, Bolton and a year later
appointed Ian Carruthers as its first full-time Group secretary.
Metro was fortunate in its choice. Ian pulled the strings of the Group
tightly together and for the next seven years it made immense strides.
Change was to come yet again, however, when, at the 1989 agm in March it
was decided to reduce the committee from six to four, Bill Toon taking
The exact time when the term buying groups was replaced with the title
marketing groups is difficult to pinpoint. It was, rather, a gradual process.
The groups were getting the terms they needed, but discounts began to be
perceived as only part of their raison d'etre.The multiples capitalised on
own-brand, why shouldn't they? Action followed discussion and in 1987, in
came Metro's Gold Ribbon Collection. Some years before, Metro had
started marketing a twist under its own name.This assumed the new label
and was closely followed by other products.
The initiative did well, but it was to be under the chairmanship of Phil
Cotton, essentially an ideas man, that own-brand sophisticated marketing
really took off.The name Gold Ribbon was jettisoned in favour of Carpet
1st which immediately identified the nature of the product and its planned
market position. Launched in 1995, the name soon became widely
recognised in the high street and the Collection grew rapidly.Today, 15 per
cent of the Group's total turnover at cost is represented by Carpet 1st
products, not only carpets, but underlays, accessories and laminates as well.
Marketing is regarded as an essential tool to build business, and the Group
now employs a freelance marketing consultant, Steve Moralee, to ensure
the elements of the package are effective.With his help, the Group has
created a series of Premier Collection wall units along with Carpet 1st
headers and pos material, a recent addition being a ticketing system
whereby the information sheet is standard but members are able to display
their own individual prices.
The Stocklists News Service June 7th 2004
~2004
by
Joy Lawrence
Comprehensive collection
Essential feedback
The aim of the Group is to offer its members a comprehensive portfolio both
of own-label and standard ranges.The committee along with John Sylvester
A major challenge to any voluntary group is staying in contact. John
Sylvester drives over 30,000 miles a year getting around members, but he
freely admits that were it not for the structure of Metro it would be all too
easy to lose touch. As it is, as well as attending the agm and 24-plus
meetings he also organises and gets to twice-yearly sessions for
merchandise meetings.
Regional feedback is the bedrock of Metro.The country is divided into eight
Highgrove Twist is a 40oz
product manufactured
exclusively for Metro by
Stoddard. Available in 4 and
5m widths and 30 colours it
is in two-ply 80/20 British
wool/nylon. Highgrove Twist
continues a highly successful
collaboration between
Metro and Stoddard, offering
Carpet 1st retailers desirable
products which represent
excellent value for money.
and the head office team research the market thoroughly, identify weaknesses
within the Group's offering and select products suitable for those areas.
Choice is based not only on the range but on how it is sampled and displayed.
These recommendations are then fed back to the membership for reaction.
Over time, Metro has built up excellent relationships with suppliers and
once a year, in May, the Group puts on a small suppliers' show in
conjunction with the agm/annual dinner, which, for the past few years has
been held at The Belfry,Wishaw. It is an opportunity for mutual support,
Consistently best-sellers in the Carpet 1st Collection are Cormar's Brunswick
and Brunswick Supreme 80/10/10 wool twists. Roger Clarke, the company's
Metro account manager says: 'Brunswick is a great product for selling in rolls and
cuts, in a choice of heathers and plains, and with the addition of a 5m width
option it has gone from strength to strength. Shown here is Brunswick in
Kingfisher.
Metro members enjoy a wide
portfolio of products, but twist
ranges continue to be immensely
popular. From Victoria is the
Viceroy Collection comprising two
weights of 40 and 50oz. A massive
40 ^ colours are available in a
multi-width offering - 2m, 4m and,
the latest introduction, 5m, which
the company believes will enable
the range to stay well ahead in the
marketplace.
and during the dinner the names are announced of those suppliers which
have been voted by members as having given the best level of service
during the year. Coming out in front in the 2003 Good Service awards
was......named top in the tufted category and .... which carried off the woven
award.The choice of the Metro board for the company having given
exceptional service during the year was ....
areas, each of which has its own chairman, and meetings take place three
times a year. Members exchange views and these are passed back to head
office through the chairman's report. In addition, two further meetings are
held in each region every year, one in the spring the other in the autumn
which are also attended by John Sylvester and board members.These latter
events give a vital overview. All eight take place over a period of only three
and a half weeks which means that if there is a problem affecting the
majority of the membership it can be immediately identified.
A great source of information for the membership is the 8-page Newsletter
in full colour sent out each month.The content covers a wide range of
topics such as the chip and pin credit card programme to manufacturer
support initiatives and marketing activities.
Long-serving board
The board of Metro is obviously the driving force behind development and
all four of its retail members have been in place for some time. Keith Harris
since 1992, with only a year's break in 2002; John Keyworth, 1993; Martin
continued on page 40
37
The Stocklists News Service June 7th 2004
38
The British Wool Column
New Axminster designs needed for US Market
Carpets of Kidderminster Launch ‘Optima 101’
Last month we told you that Tim Booth, Product Development
‘Service yesterday’ – for the pub, club and soft contract business is
Manager had just set off for the USA with a brief to meet
what is promised by Carpets of Kidderminster, who are launching
manufacturers, buyers, and agents as part of a strategic plan to
‘Optima 101’ this month. Offering 101 alternatives on design and
develop the growing interest in British Wool across the water. This
colour, this product can commence delivery within 14 days of ordering.
was following on from progress made by BWMB through attendance
Available in 27” wide, in 80/20 wool/nylon using 3/40’s yarn, the cloth is
at the major North American carpet show ‘Surfaces’ held annually in
produced in both 37oz and 42oz weights. Bill Kay of Carpets of
Las Vegas.
Kidderminster said, “Optima 101 is a totally new approach to carpet
Now returned from his two week trip, in which he visited
Dalton/Calhoun, the centre of the carpet industry and interior design
centres in Los Angeles, Boston and New York; his feeling is of great
encouragement as the prospects for British Wool carpets aimed at top
end users are extremely favourable.
manufacturing for the contract customer.”
Goodacre Carpets of Kendal Re-structure
Goodacre Carpets have embarked on a fundamental restructuring of
its business, appointing Michael Cornish as new Chief Executive to
guide the business through a period of change, which will include a
American buyers consider British woven carpets to offer cachet with
number of redundancies. He told British Wool. “We are building the
irrefutable quality but….and it’s a big ‘but’…the designs and colours,
new “New Goodacre” which involves keeping traditional values but
which the UK manufacture, are often completely out of line with their
ensuring we also reflect modern trends.” Mr Cornish commented that
buying trends.
these changes would not affect their customers in any way and that a
“There is great scope for British manufacturers, UK manufactured
Axminster has a ‘second to none’ reputation for quality and
two year review of the entire product range was planned, with exciting
contemporary designs due in six months.
craftsmanship. However, the colours and designs do not meet
American design tastes and fashions.” Tim added “Time and time again
Apologies
we were told that if manufacturers invested in new design, rather than
relying on age-old styles, they would ‘sell by the lorry load’! We really
Last month a picture of carpet samples was wrongly credited as being
feel there is a market to be exploited for British Wool and for the
William Pownall’s Avant Garde, Pied a Terre and Carte Blanche. In fact
shrinking Axminster section.”
this should have been titled ‘The Shires Collection’ from CFS Carpets.
Apologies to both William Pownall and CFS Carpets.
Wool markets currently account for 3.5% of the total US carpet
market, but as the market is so vast, the BWMB feel convinced that a
small percentage of these sales would prove very worthwhile.
Richard Passmore, BWMB Promotions Manager, who accompanied Tim
on the trip, urged British manufacturers to send their designers out to
the USA and “get a feel for their market” he added “they need to go to
the Interior Design Houses and talk to them about what buyers want.”
Thomas Witter launch ‘Cotswold Berber’
Back in Britain, British Wool licensee,Thomas Witter has launched
‘Cotswold Berber’ as part of the company’s product development
drive. Designed to give the look of quality, warmth and Cotswold
countryside comfort to the home, it is a 45oz cut pile Berber, made
with 80% British wool, 10% nylon and fibre-loc. Available in 10 coordinated natural shades and in both 4 and 5 metre widths, ‘Cotswold
Berber’ will be marketed using the British Wool Quality Mark.
Carpet swatches from
Thomas Witter’s
‘Cotswold Berber’ range
The Stocklists News Service June 7th 2004
Orchid blooms for Hayley
The winner of the annual Wool Interiors Rug Design Competition,
run in conjunction with the Textile Department at Huddersfield
University was won by Haley Mills, an undergraduate on the BA
Creative Crafts course. Haley presented an excellent portfolio of
work based on "Greenhouse" from the Wool Interiors 2005 Colour
Palette. Greenhouse is a bright and fun range of eight bold colours
which, when combined with black and white, offer wonderful
graphic opportunities.
Haley, whose work focussed on a simple and abstract orchid design,
produced some inspiring and very commercial designs, concentrating on
Cerise, Iris, Black and White. Ideally suited to the new trends towards
pattern. In addition to receiving an engraved silver trophy, Haley will
undertake a paid secondment at the Wool Interior's Design & Development
Centre, Ilkley, where, as part of her agenda, she will produce the winning
rug design to be featured at on the Wool Interiors stand at Harrogate in
September 2004.
Tony retires
in glory
Haley Mills holding her winning design and design award trophy with judges
(from left to right) Gillian Craven (designer),Janine Cashin (Axminster
Carpets) and Joanna Ramsden (Wool Interiors)
Victoria Carpets Ltd
recently announced Tony
Clark as Salesman of the
Year. Tony, who recently
retired from the Company
received the Stewart Anton
Cup along with a cash
prize. The award was made
in recognition of Tony's
efforts over the years and
his worthy performance
over the last year.
Tony Clark (right) receives the Stewart
Anton Cup from John Duncan,Victoria
Carpets.
39
The Stocklists News Service June 7th 2004
Shaggy’s luxury massage
40
Heuga, the inventor of the original carpet tile, has developed a new
luxurious carpet.The new product has been developed to provide a
carpet tile for the home that is both comfortable and sensuous.
Shaggy is a new
luxurious carpet
tile launched by
Heuga.This new
product has been
developed to
provide a carpet
tile for the home
that is both
comfortable and
sensuous.The
deep pile of this
carpet tile has
been designed to
give a sheer sense
of luxury to the
home.
The deep-pile of this carpet tile has been designed to give a sense of
sheer luxury to the home.The long, soft fibres massage your feet as you
walk and create a warm atmosphere.
Shaggy, like all carpet tiles, is practical to clean and is moisture resistant. It
can fit any room of any shape or size with very little trimming loss. Soft
to the touch but durable, Shaggy can take the wear and tear of busy
home life and still retain its luxurious look.
Why not use two contrasting colours to produce a totally unique
flooring design. Shaggy is available in Cream, Burgundy, Delft, Sesame,
Biscuit, Denim, Papyrus, Coral and Black panther.
The retail price is around £27m2.
Koch buys Invista business
Metro’s Milestones continued
DuPont and subsidiaries of Koch Industries, Inc. finalized the sale of
Invista, formerly DuPont Textiles & Interiors, for $4.2 billion, including the
assumption of debt and certain joint venture and equity interests. Going
forward, the company will conduct business as Invista.
Ward, 1998, and chairman David Kipping since 1995.They meet, together
with John Sylvester, once every six to eight weeks.
"The new Invista has many capabilities, recognized brands and an innovative
team, and we believe our long-term outlook is excellent," said Jeff Walker,
Invista's chief executive officer. "Our focus for the near future is to enhance
this business' ability to create superior value for our global customers.We
believe that this combination of Invista's strengths, primarily in nylon and
spandex, and KoSa's polyester capabilities will position us to compete
successfully in the global resins and fibers markets."
And there doesn't seem any doubt that the current board has its finger on
the pulse. In the early years, the agm would start at 10am and run through
to the early evening. Now official business is completed within a couple of
hours: the content is well structured, the presentations informed and the
objections few.
"The fibres businesses of Invista have been an important part of DuPont
for many decades.We look forward to a continuing relationship with
Invista as a key supplier," said Charles O. Holliday, Jr., DuPont chairman
and CEO. "We believe these businesses can best realize their potential
as part of a company like Koch which is fully committed to Invista and
the markets it serves.We highly value the contributions that Invista
employees have made to DuPont over the years and wish them well as
part of Koch."
Metro is essentially a voluntary Group.There are no contracts to sign;
nothing specific that members have to do other than toe the line with
regard to the constitution, which requires amongst other things that they
settle with suppliers on time. Members simply pay an annual subscription
and for that they receive the services of the Group and staff at head
office working on their behalf. At the offices in Chorley New Road are Jill
Coward, now in her 17th year with Metro whose official title is
marketing co-ordinator but in essence is in charge of administration and
secretarial work; Gill Caldwell with the Group for eight years and
Eleanor Wilson, currently on maternity leave..
Denise incredulous
Vetting programme
I would like to thank everyone for their kindness
and generosity. I have worked in Mercado’s sales
office for 14 years and have made many friends
in that time. Last October I became ill and spent
some time in hospital after being diagnosed with
malignant melanoma. Everyone at Mercado and
many of their customers have been really kind
and thoughtful, sending me numerous cards,
flowers and gifts. Just before I started radiotherapy
I called into work and Keith Yates, our managing
director asked if I would be interested an all expenses paid holiday for my family and
myself in Florida. I jumped at the chance, and as word got around, many customers
sent in money for me to spend in America. I cannot believe how kind everyone has
been, and I would like to thank everyone at Mercado - Mr.Yates, the board, my
workmates and everyone who contributed to my holiday.
Thank you so much
Denise Dunston
Despite Metro's somewhat loose structure, few members fall by the
wayside. Anyone wishing to join has their business thoroughly vetted. If
things aren't running as they should be they are politely turned down.
The latest recruit is Dickinsons of Hexham bringing the total number of
Metro members to 169 with 211 outlets.The Group now covers the entire
country; even so there remain areas where it would like better
representation.A major appeal of Dickinsons was that the business is
located between Newcastle and Carlisle, and there are other 'gaps', notably
on the Scottish borders between Carlisle and Edinburgh and in certain areas
of Wales.
The aim is to build membership in a constructive way to perhaps 200
with 60 or 70 branches. After that the emphasis will be on selling
product. Currently there are 100 ranges within the Carpet 1st portfolio.
If, in the long-term, 25 per cent of members' sales at cost could be
channelled through the brand then Metro would have achieved its latest
objectives.
The Stocklists News Service June 7th 2004
Star is re-born
41
Four Star from Cormar Carpets - probably the most successful carpet range of all
time with sales well into the millions of square metres - has been relaunched with
brand new graphics in a collection of 15 best selling shades.
"Four Star has been one of Cormar's great success stories and has continued to
come up trumps time and time again," said David Cormack, marketing director of
Cormar Carpets. "It's been running now for fourteen years and has gone down in
the annals of Cormar as being our most successful range ever.”
Only two of the original colours - fern green Myrtle and nutty brown Peppercorn
- are still in the range today. Back in the early 90's the most popular colours from
Four Star were pinks and greys.Today Cormar customers favour a more neutral
backdrop with ivories and fawns particular favourites.
Made with 70% polypropylene and 10% polyester and available in a felt and
secondary back in a choice of 3 & 4m widths, the velour-finished tufted pile will
continue to retail at £13 per sq m.
In terms of presentation, as with all Cormar Carpets, Four Star will be backed by
attractive new, full colour point of sale material to support the launch.
Four Star velourfinished tufted
pile carpet from
Cormar
Bondax is back… too
Chic highlights from Interface
Bond Worth Ltd are pleased to announce the return of Bondax
carpet tiles.
For chic composure, Highlighting Your Floor is a new collection of colour
co-ordinated and highly textured flooring tiles from Interface.The range
that it embraces - Equilibrium, Menagerie, Mineral, Acceleration and
Proportion - may be used individually or, for optimum design possibilities,
in combination.
Renamed Bondax II this totally custom made carpet tile features
axminster type designs in a pile content of 80% wool, 20% nylon or 100%
nylon. Manufactured using state of the art machinery and available in
three weights: 1050g, 1250g and 1550g, the designs are injection dyed
giving a clarity of design previously only available in woven products.The
backing is Easylift® a revolutionary new backing system conforming to all
fire tests and is environmentally friendly, containing no hazardous
materials, and can be safely incinerated at the end of its useful life.
The tiles are laser cut ensuring a pattern match on all four sides.Tile
sizes available are 457 x 457mm, 600 x 600mm and 914 x 914mm.The
average lead time is 4 weeks.
The tiles display a sculptural quality due to the interplay of light and
shade on the surface patterning. Each range has a distinct character and
may be used individually, freely mixed and matched to create an overall
effect that is cool, calm and collected.
Each of the ranges is manufactured using 100% BCF solution dyed Alto
Chroma nylon 6 yarn which provides high levels of appearance retention
and is suitable for heavy contract use.
The special polymers used to manufacture Alto Chroma provide high
resistance to staining and make the tiles easy to clean.
All the ranges are tested to ISO 9239 pt 1 flameproof standards, so are
suitable for commercial and public buildings in Europe.
Vibrant designs from injection dyed technology
For chic composure, Highlighting Your Floor is a new collection of colour
co-ordinated and highly textured flooring tiles from Interface
The Stocklists News Service June 7th 2004
Underlay launch ‘exceeds expectations’
42
Gaskell claims to have scored a massive hit with retailers, consumers and
contractors alike with Fomalux Royale, the new premium quality felt and crumb
rubber underlay with its distinctive rich red colouring.The company says Royale
sales have "surpassed all expectations", and the high spec product is not only
selling well in retail but is being specified widely in the hotel sector, and also in
showhouses for its underfoot comfort and acoustic insulation properties.
One of the first retailers to take delivery of the new underlay was W Horton &
Sons of St Helen's.The family firm has been in the carpet business for 55 years mainly retail, with some 'soft contract' installation work. "This really is a high spec
product, and it's top quality," says proprietor Philip Horton. I'd always recommend
a rubber and felt combination for hall, stairs and landings and for any other heavy
wear areas, and this is ideal."
He adds, "We've used a an awful lot of Fomalux in our time, and now for just a
small increase in price I would say we're getting better value and better margins
with the new Royale."
Gaskells latest new
addition to the
underlay sales team,
Michael Steel, rolls out
the Fomalux Royale.
Cavalier offers 20 year warranty
Bagpuss purrs over Pownall
Cavalier Carpets commitment to producing the finest quality carpets is
highlighted by the twenty-year warranty awarded to The Decades Collection.
The new Comfort range of carpets from Pownall enjoys the endorsement
of Bagpuss, one of the most family friendly and well-known of TV
characters.The new range of woolrich twist pile textures is backed by an
imaginative, and entertaining marketing concept, which uses the popular
Bagpuss character to put across the message of underfoot comfort.
The premium quality Decades Collection is the very best in traditional
Wilton, and incorporates an exclusive double density pile to provide the
highest possible level of performance and comfort.
Made with the finest New Zealand Wool,The Decades Collection is
available in two qualities (Double Decade and Triple Decade) and is
endorsed with a 20 year warranty for added peace of mind.
The range is made with a recognised blend of 80% wool and 20% Nylon,
and comes in a choice of 20 plain colourways.
Complementing the plain colour palette are two eye catching designs,
Minitex and Maxitex, each of which add an elegant stripe effect.
Even with 3 designs, 20 colours and 2 grades giving 120 attractive
options, Cavalier Carpets will also custom make carpet to your chosen
colour for orders over 50 metres square.
The Decades Collection is available in 4 metre widths.
'Explains Maxine Whitham, Pownall Sales and Marketing Director. We
chose Bagpuss to front this new range as he instantly conveys the
Comfort qualities of warmth, cosiness, tradition and timeless charm that
people look for in a floorcovering."
The Comfort range is made with 80% British Wool specified for its
superior resilience and recovery properties, blended with 20% synthetic
for exceptional wear. Available in two weights & 4 & 5 metre widths:
Easy Comfort, a 40 oz cloth recommended for Heavy Use and Extra
Comfort, a 55oz carpet suitable for concentrated foot-traffic areas, in a
choice of twenty colourways, fifteen plain and five heather shades.
The marketing campaign is carried through bright, colourful point-of-sale,
window and door stickers each of which feature Bagpuss and the new
Comfort range.
Maxine Whitham added "We are dedicated to help consumers to find the
right carpet for them through our retailers shops, and our research
identified key areas that help attract the consumer.Through adopting
bright, colourful point of sale material associated with a character the
public have an affinity with, we aim to offer a brand that consumers can
immediately identify, and one which will stand out in a crowd".
Cavalier Carpets
Double Decade
“Maxitex” design in
Granary Gold
Pownall’s adopt Bagpuss to front Comfort marketing initiatives.
The Stocklists News Service June 7th 2004
Retailers offered
‘own style’ displays
Classic Harleys ride out
on Polyflor
Gaskell Wool Rich is investing in stylish new point of sale displays in order
to raise its profile in retail outlets across the country and to help lift
perceptions of its premium collection of wool rich axminsters and tufted
carpets for the home.
Dramatic stone effect luxury vinyl tiles from the Polyflor Expona art &
design collection have been used to create the ideal setting for classic
motor cycles and accessories at the Harley Davidson showroom in
Tinhau, Hong Kong.
Bernard Corrigan, National Sales Manager for Gaskell Wool Rich says that the
brand new lecterns and tombolas are now available, in styles to suit the
needs of each individual outlet. Retailers should speak to their local Area
Sales Manager to let them know their requirements.
Polyflor Expona features a specially formulated polyurethane surface
treatment, which provides an excellent foundation for on-going
maintenance regimes, leading to maintenance cost savings.
The Expona art & design collection provides designers with innovative
and exclusive design options - including 101 wood effect, stone effect and
art and design colourways and featuring textured and embossed finishes
for the authentic look and feel of the materials -which help to create
stunning visuals and a distinctively stylish appearance.
A comprehensive range of classic motifs, decorative borders, inlays and
feature strips complements these standard design options, with a bespoke
design service catering for total originality.
Available in a variety of tile and plank sizes in 3mm gauge with a 0.7mm
wear layer, the Polyflor Expona art & design collection is a heavy
commercial range with a minimum wear life of 10 years.
The new-look tombola
from Gaskell Wool Rich.
"Over the years we've provided quite a diverse range of merchandising
materials into our retail customers' premises", said Bernard. "We
recognised that we should be presenting the Gaskell Wool Rich brand in a
more consistent and upmarket way and we've developed a new style of
presentation that will stand the test of time."
"We wanted to move away from the standard wooden finishes that you
see in almost every outlet", said Bernard. "That's why we've gone for a
more stylish and contemporary look, using modern materials to make our
displays more prominent.We wanted to create a very distinctive look
which is unique to Gaskell and which clearly differentiates us from our
competitors. I'm sure our customers will appreciate the way we've
achieved this."
Dramatic stone effect luxury vinyl tiles from Polyflor Expona art & design
collection have been used to create this setting at the Harley Davidson
showroom in Tinhau, Hong Kong
Robin comes in
Causeway Carpets Limited is delighted to announce the appointment of
Robin Rowberry from 01 June 2004.
Robin comes with a wealth of knowledge and experience of the carpet
industry and will represent Causeway in the West Midlands area.
Mark Jones of Gaskell Wool Rich (left) ensures that Macclesfield carpet retailer
Mark Ewer of Carpet Trade Supplies is happy with his new-look tombola.
Steve Evans (Managing Director) says "I am confident that this
appointment will be a resounding success for both parties and that Robin
will exploit the area to its full potential, I look forward to the increased
business levels that will follow".
43