Las Vegas—Undaunted by the continuing presence of COVID-19 and the Omicron variant, flooring retailers who trekked to Las Vegas for Surfaces 2022 say they were happy to have made the trip. From seeing new products to connecting with customers, dealers gave the show rave reviews and agreed there is nothing quite like Surfaces.
FCNews rounded up a cross section of retailers to get their thoughts on this year’s show.
I was really impressed with the new RevWood products from Mohawk. Compared to luxury vinyl, the ‘waterproof’ laminate category seems like a better value when comparing the benefits—and has a better story. It’s made domestically, or in Europe, and is environmentally friendly. Also, I heard several companies talking about PVC-free flooring, which currently costs more to manufacture than LVP but may become more popular down the line. I also liked the new CraftedEdge bevel from Mannington and also the COREtec product with attached acoustic underlayment. Torlys also had a great product called Everest XP, which is a wide-plank click hardwood with attached cork underlayment.
–Raffi Sarmazian, Sarmazian Brothers, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
I accomplished all I needed to and could have used a couple more hours on the show floor. I was happy to see as many vendors present as there was. Product-wise, I liked Cali—good styles and designs as well as price points and distribution strategy.
–Ben Case, The Carpet Collection, Lockport, N.Y.
Surfaces is a time for us to reconnect and reinvigorate our people to bring our customers the best of the industry’s products. At least on the vendor side, it felt like more people participated and even some folks who don’t typically show were there, like Shaw and Cali. Almost everyone we saw had something new and exciting to offer. For example, Shaw and Anderson Tuftex had some nice new integrated bevel LVP and wood, respectively. Cali’s new outdoor turf is very interesting as is Daltile’s new concept boards.
–Susan Hadinger, Hadinger Flooring, Naples, Fla.
The product that stood out for me was the new Dream Weaver Select carpet introductions. I really liked the new patterns and the use of color within the pattern to make a subtle statement. I thought the vendors that were at Surfaces did a great job of showing product and creating excitement. I felt attendance was down, but the energy level was good.
–Jon Dauenhauer, Carpet World Bismarck, Bismarck, N.D.
Shaw/COREtec/Anderson Tuftex had some great offerings and products, and their booth was very impressive. A number of their WPC/SPC introductions were great and they also have taken some of their carpet stylings to the next level.
–Dan Mandel, Sterling Carpet, Anaheim, Calif.
Karndean had some great new patterns that I think will serve our market well. It was great to see Shaw at the show. Overall, a much better show than back in June.
–Sam Locher, A.J. Rose Carpets & Flooring, Burlington, Mass.
I thought the 1866 by Masland introductions were beautiful. I also thought the new turf at Cali was awesome. Daltile had a beautiful booth full of new introductions that were also beautiful. I thought it was a good show; not as many vendors but all the vendors we wanted to see were in attendance.
–Penny Carnino. Grigsby’s Carpet, Tile & Hardwood, Tulsa, Okla.
We were really impressed with everything Mannington debuted at Surfaces this year, especially their waterproof hardwood along with their engineered hardwood that is made using three different species of hardwood. Their looks and patterns are second to none. We had a great Surfaces. It was much better and busier than we had anticipated. We got a lot more accomplished than what we had hoped.
–Ted Gregerson, Abbey Carpet & Floor, Anniston, Ala.
As a first-time attendee, The International Surfaces Event was unlike anything I’ve ever been to in my 15 years in flooring. It was electric! I loved the energy of everyone I met—they all seemed excited to move our industry forward into the future; perhaps even re-inventing what it looks like to be a part of this industry. The Women’s Leadership Conference was amazing and inspiring, and I hope to grow that event in the years to come—and the Women of the Flooring Business is prepared to do just that. There are always so many ways to grow, and with new products, technologies and the connections created at Surfaces, the sky is the limit! I’m excited to see what’s to come.
–Rachel Berlin, Precision Floors & Décor, Sheboygan,Wis.
