The North American Association of Floor Covering
Distributors (NAFCD), in partnership with the World Floor Covering Association
(WFCA), said it will conduct a comprehensive research study called
“Understanding the Needs of the Floor Covering Retailer.” The study is aimed at
helping NAFCD members and their dealer customers develop a deeper understanding
“of the pressure points in their channel of distribution,” the group said.
“Oftentimes, there occurs a lack of understanding
between distributors and their customers,” said Jack Lindenschmidt, NAFCD
president and director of product management for ISC Surfaces in St. Louis. “By more
completely understanding the needs of their distribution partners, NAFCD
distributors will be ready to modify their selling behavior, distribution
policies and technology offerings to better align with their buyers’ ability to
implement objectives in the marketplace.”
The study will focus on: distributor-retailer
relationships; best practices for distributor and retailer policies and
processes; retailer buying decisions; and effective marketing and sales
promotions. It will be conducted by Jason Bader, managing partner of the
Distribution Team and president of the Specialty Tools and Fasteners Distributor
Association (STAFDA).
“We hope this study and subsequent presentations will
help facilitate better communication and understanding between the members of
NAFCD and the distribution channel,” noted Fred Reitz, vp NAFCD and vp
operations at JJ Haines and Co.
The study will be unveiled during NAFCD’s 38th Annual
Conference on September 22-24, 2009, at the Renaissance Glendale Hotel in
Glendale, Ariz. As part of the study and presentation, Bader will emcee a
moderated roundtable discussion with retail floor covering customers.
“We are extremely pleased to co-sponsor this study
with NAFCD,” said Chris Davis, president and CEO of the WFCA. “In these
challenging times, the more we can do to help our members’ firms with ideas and
solutions to survive and thrive, the better and stronger the entire industry
will be.”
NAFCD to conduct new retailer study in partnership with WFCA
June 10, 2009
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