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Flooring outpaces inflation rise

Jul 15, 2021
Price inflation in flooring is almost three times higher than the general surge in retail prices, with sustained strength led by consumer demand.

While general price inflation rose to 2.5% in June, the highest level in almost three years, carpet and flooring has surged ahead to 6.9% according to the latest data fro the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The flooring figure is a little ahead of the furnishing trade in general which is running at 6.5% inflation. However, the May for flooring was 8.3% which suggests the market may have peaked but is sustaining a high level of demand-led price increases.

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25 Mar, 2024
Karndean Designflooring is looking ahead to a greener flooring industry as the first flooring manufacturer to sign up to The Anti-Greenwash Charter. The move demonstrates the company's commitment to the development of a greener built environment and it has also published the Karndean Evolve strategy and Sustainability Report 2023 to map out how it is working to create a better future with a promise to think differently, act decisively, and create real change.
By Rita Bancroft 23 Mar, 2024
Our hallways probably withstand the greatest footfall in our home – it’s where we welcome guests and connect from room to room. First impressions count, so entrance areas need to be welcoming, durable, practical, and beautiful. Putting your best foot forward is made easier with Ulster Carpets , regardless of your taste. Combining style and substance, their range of Axminster and Wilton carpets, manufactured in the UK, and loop carpets, made by Danish specialists, Danfloor, mean you can make the right first impression at your entrance. Added to that is the option of complementing your choice with coordinating designs and colours throughout your home. Their popular plaids are a great way to include pattern and colour. Choose from Braeburn, Beaumont, Glenmoy or Boho Hamilton designs which range from the more traditional styles to the modern take on this classic design. For plains, finding the right colourway won’t be an issue with Ulster’s extensive Wilton offering. Opt for the high twist plain and heathered yarn of Grange Wilton, the gently textured twists of York Wilton, the smooth finish of Ulster Velvet or the 100% wool option of Natural Choice Plains. "Their popular plaids are a great way to include pattern and colour. Choose from Braeburn, Beaumont, Glenmoy or Boho Hamilton designs...”
04 Mar, 2024
Effective POS is essential in a crowded, competitive market but your floor and wall space is a precious commodity that all your suppliers want a piece of. So we’ve selected some of the best displays to help retailers drive forward your business in 2024 with the latest from Abingdon, ACG, Cormar, Furlong, Harvey Maria, Invictus, ITC, Likewise, Tarkett and Victoria. Also, check out our ten top tips for successful POS.
26 Feb, 2024
If you’re looking for that competitive edge that sets you apart from your rivals, well look at the “edge” of your actual flooring installations – the trims, tramlines and edge enhancements that make all the difference. Smart finishing touches to carpet and LVT projects are increasingly popular with discerning consumers and can be the difference between customer satisfaction and customer delight – and an opportunity to add value to your sale. Consumers with higher disposable incomes tend to be less price sensitive on up-market accessories which represent a small part of their total investment in new flooring. Manufacturers have risen to this opportunity with premium products that can be highly profitable for retailers and installers. A prime example is the highly popular range of profiles from Gripperrods , part of the market-leading Interfloor portfolio.
By Rita Bancroft 19 Feb, 2024
Providing unrivalled design choice and installation versatility, we discover the unmatched durability and design diversity in our latest review of Tile Styles. Furlong Flooring offers a comprehensive selection of Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) and Stone Plastic Composite (SPC) flooring options, including the Endura, Sirona, Carina, and Aurora ranges. These ranges exemplify cutting-edge technology and design, providing unparalleled benefits for both residential and commercial spaces. One of the key advantages of Furlong Flooring's LVT/SPC tiling is durability. The Endura range, for instance, is engineered to withstand high-traffic areas, ensuring longevity without compromising on aesthetics. SPC construction enhances resilience against scratches and dents, making it ideal for busy environments. Moreover, Furlong Flooring's LVT/SPC offers versatility in design. The range boasts a wide array of colours and patterns, allowing customers to achieve their desired aesthetic effortlessly. Whether replicating the look of natural wood or contemporary stone finishes, the Endura, Sirona, Carina and Aurora ranges offer limitless design possibilities to suit various interior themes.
By Rita Bancroft 29 Jan, 2024
Technological strides in synthetic fibres have given rise to a multitude of new carpet collections, offering unmatched softness underfoot, easy maintenance and viable end of life recycling options. Simultaneously, there has been a noticeable consumer shift towards a growing desire to incorporate natural materials into our homes and a greater all-round focus on sustainable flooring solutions. For the second year running, sustainability, circular economy and environmental protection played a key role at Domotex , the world's leading trade fair for carpets and floorings which took place in Hannover, Germany on 11 to 14 January 2024. This included four Green Collection Awards, which were split into categories to reflect different aspects of sustainability, ranging from using sustainable materials, evaluating flooring emissions, demonstrating sustainable production, and the social responsibility of employees. Sonia Wedell-Castellano, Global Director of Domotex said, "In a world where resources are becoming scarcer and the consequences of the climate crisis are starting to hit us more frequently, sustainability must become an integral part of everything we do. That is why we have made the decision to maintain and expand our value-based keynote theme Floored by Nature and the special display The Green Collection .
26 Jan, 2024
Retail analysts report "exciting" trends in consumer confidence, including for big ticket items like flooring, with the best headline score for optimism in over two years. GfK’s long-running Consumer Confidence Index increased three points to -19 in January. The Major Purchase Index which cov ers furnishing, flooring and appliances, also rose three points to -20; this is 20 points higher than this month last year. “Consumer confidence has started the year well with all measures up," says Joe Staton, Client Strategy Director GfK. "Importantly, the view on our personal financial situation for the coming year has gained two points and now stands at zero. This is exciting as it ends 24 consecutive months of negative scores for this measure and this significant change is the best single indicator for how the nation’s households feel about their income and expenditure." Mr Staton added: “Despite the cost-of-living crisis still impacting many households across the UK, consumers appear to be encouraged by the positive news about falling inflation. On balance, while there is national and global turmoil, the Consumer Confidence Index has started 2024 on a positive note – let’s see if this optimism continues.”
25 Jan, 2024
The Flooring Show has announced its expansion into Hall Q at the Harrogate Convention Centre in response to the demand for stands being higher than it’s ever been before, say organisers. The national event, taking place from 15-17 September, will be 30% bigger than previous years. "This firmly cementing the event as the market leading flooring exhibition in the UK," says organisers Ocean Media. "With over 120 exhibitors already confirmed to showcase their innovative flooring products, this year’s event is tracking 21% ahead of 2023." 3,500 buyers, specifiers, contractors, fitters, architects, and interior designers descend on Harrogate every year for business, networking, and education. The expansion into Hall Q provides opportunity for more extensive show features for visitors to enjoy, including the new ‘Designer Spotlight’ feature which has been developed in response to interior designers, property developers and high-end retailers looking for premium design led flooring solutions. The Flooring Show attracts manufacturers and suppliers of carpet, laminate, LVT, wood, vinyl, cork, grass, as well as underlay, adhesives, and tools. Confirmed exhibitors include Abingdon Flooring, Ball & Young, Bostik, Brampton Chase, Cavalier Carpets, Cormar, COREtec Flooring, Kellars, Furlong Flooring, F Ball & Co, Hugh Mackay, Interfloor, Lifestyle Floors, Likewise, Penthouse Carpets, Tarkett, Westex and Wilsons Underlay and many more. www.theflooringshow.com
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BUSINESS NEWS
28 Mar, 2024
Polyflor manufacturer James Halstead plc has reported improved profits despite a dent in UK sales, and the vinyl specialist is positive about the future. In its results just filed for the six months ended 31 December 2023, sales were down 8.8% to £136.5m from £149.6m in 2022. Within these figures, UK sales were down 5% compared to Europe which declined 15%. But p re-tax profits for the group were £27.4m, up 18% from £23.2m recorded in the previous year. “Our UK businesses (Polyflor and Riverside) fared well with manufacturing efficiencies through increased output more than offsetting the slightly lower sales in the UK . The principal area of sales shortfall against the prior year was in the product group of luxury vinyl tiles which was unsurprising given these ranges cross into the domestic consumer market ” said the group's statement to investors. But the directors said export markets were growing and added "UK activity is showing improved confidence against the last six months."
27 Mar, 2024
Cormar has taken delivery of 10 new trucks over the winter which will roll out a million square metres of carpet in the coming year. The new DAF units will operate out of C ormar distribution centres in Bury, Lancashire and Hemel Hempstead as part of one of the industry's largest fleets comprising 75 vehicles. Southern Logistics Manager Joseph Kiernan comments “We continue to invest in new trucks to ensure we achieve the high service levels that our customers have come to rely on, whilst complying with environmental standards. DAF trucks are a favourite with our drivers and it’s great to work with another business local to our northern distribution centre.” All of the new vehicles are fitted with DVS camera systems and sensor alarms, to aid the driver in detecting vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists on the nearside of the vehicle. www.cormarcarpets.co.uk
26 Mar, 2024
UK specialist contract manufacturer Airea plc has boosted sales and profits on the back of increasing demand in the commercial sector for sustainable products.  Best known for its Burmatex brand, Airea reported sales up 14.1% to £21.1m and profits up 13% to £2.6m in their final results for the twelve months ended 31 December 2023. "AIREA made excellent progress in 2023, says Médéric Payne, Chief Executive Officer. "The growth was driven by an increase in demand for our more sustainable product ranges, with limited cost increases as raw material inflation eased through the second half of the year." The group highlighted of the successful launch of two carbon-neutral products, arctic and osaka, and the refresh of two low-carbon products, infinity and go-to as key factors driving sales growth. " This is a significant step change in the business, and we intend to continue to invest for future sales growth, incorporating the eco2matters principles and the journey towards net zero. ," says Médéric. "Despite the current challenging economic conditions, we are pleased to report the Group has experienced a good start to the year. " As announced in J anuary 2024, a £5.0m investment in the Company's manufacturing facility in Ossett, West Yorkshire will substantially increase capacity and include the automation of certain processes using the latest cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence imagery and inspection technology. https://aireaplc.com/
25 Mar, 2024
The key retail confidence index for big ticket items such as flooring has slipped again causing analysts to speculate if the recent signs on recovery are on pause. The Major Purchase Index from leading retail analysts GfK fell two points to minus 27 this March, following a five point slide in February. The data reverses an improving trend that had started last October. "Is there a note of worry this month? Look back to last year and it’s clear the improvements in consumer confidence seen most months since January 2023 have vanished,"says Joe Staton of GfK. “Are we temporarily on pause, or are consumers about to press ‘reverse’? In the run-up to the next UK general election, these are important questions for the future health of the economy,” he said. However, there are reasons to be cheerful. The latest Major Purchase Index figures are six points higher than this time last year. Also the GfK survey reports that expectations for the general economic situation over the next 12 months increased by one point to minus 23 – 17 points better than last March – and confidence in personal finances for the year ahead saw an “encouraging” two-point rise to positive two, which was 23 points higher than this time last year. GfK client strategy director Joe Staton said: “The improved personal finance measure at positive two is encouraging because it’s the first positive and the highest score since December 2021."
23 Mar, 2024
Employee-owned Penthouse Carpets is confident of future performance from a solid base after tough trading conditions in 2023 hit turnover by nearly 14%. Filing accounts llast week for the full year to 30 June 2023, Penthouse said: “It has been a challenging financial year as the flooring market struggled against a harsh micro economic trading environment with persistent inflation and rising interest rates putting pressure on consumers’ discretionary spending.” Turnover was down 13.8% to £14.6m and the directors said they did not expect the trading environment to change in the short term but added that they had “immense confidence in its products, personnel and customer service” which were vital to the company’s trading success.
22 Mar, 2024
The weather wash-out in February led to sluggish sales for floorcoverings according to the latest retail sales data from thre Office for National Statistics. February's flooring sales were down 1.9% from January and 2.8% compared to the same month last year. The furniture sector saw a more substantial decline - down 4.9% on January and 5.7% below the same month in 2023. Kris Hamer, Director of Insight at the British Retail Consortium, said: “February sales were hit by the wettest February on record, which dampened demand and depressed footfall. This was felt most in the more high-ticket categories such as furniture and electricals. Retailers are hopeful that with warmer weather and potential interest rate cuts around the corner, consumer confidence will soon spring back."
21 Mar, 2024
While the furniture sector sees deflation with the fastest fall since 2016, carpets continue to buck the trend with prices still going up. The monthly inflation figures from the Office for National Statistics saw consumer inflation reduce in February to 3.4% but in furniture, prices are now coming down i.e. deflation – 1.5% lower in January, 1.6% lower in February. Floorcoverings appeared to be finally coming down in January too with a modest 0.5% decline but while smooth flooring is continuing this trend, carpet retail prices have turned up again, driving overall flooring inflation up again by 1.7% year-on-year in February.
15 Mar, 2024
Confirming a slow start to the year across all flooring sectors, imports into the UK declined 6.8% to £115m in January compared to 2023. Carpet imports declined 5.5% according to HM Revenue & Customs figures compiled by The Furnishing Report . This figure highlights a continuing shift away from Europe, notably a 27% fall in the value of incoming goods from the Netherlands while Turkey's sales into the UK were up 26%. Other flooring sectors saw greater import declines with wood flooring down 12% and vinyl down 7.9%.
14 Mar, 2024
Major flooring conglomerate Victoria plc says wider market demand for flooring is 20% down with subdued but stable trading in the UK.  However, in a trading update to the City, Victoria was optimistic about the future saying "the medium-term macro-economic outlook is generally improving as well as key leading indicators for flooring demand." These indicators cover housing transactions, mortgage rates, consumer confidence, employment, consumer savings, real wage growth and increased construction activity. Victoria has already told the markets that its annual sales figures for the year ended 30 March 2024 will be below 2023 levels and has been working to maximise efficiencies and cost management across the Group, including a 16% reduction in workforce. Executive chairman Geoff Wilding told investors: "We emphasise that we are not expecting some immediate improvement in flooring demand. However, we are confident of the impact on earnings and cashflow of management's actions, and are certain demand will inevitability revert to the long-term mean." Meanwhile, the Group has said it will use cash generated from the sale of non-core and surplus assets to buy back up to £25m worth of shares which it believes are under-valued at present. It will also repay debt which was reported at a level of £670m in Victoria's half-year statement to September 30, 2023. www.victoriaplc.com
11 Mar, 2024
The Carpet Foundation has said it will not be honouring orders from an insolvent retailer under its deposit protection programme, citing a "blatant abuse" of the scheme which threatens its viability. Under the Foundation scheme, consumers' deposits of up to 50 per cent are guaranteed under its Code of Practice but the organisation says it will now have to re-write its rules after being inundated with calls relating to Cullingford Carpets of Wincanton. Cullingford filed for insolvency in November but prior to the collapse the Foundation says that the business continued trading while knowing it was insolvent and used the Foundation's protection scheme to tell customers their deposits were safe. The Foundation says in many cases, Collingford did not then place customers' orders with manufacturers. After taking legal advice and discussing the situation with Cullingford's administrators, the Foundation wrote to its members: "While there are moral and ethical issues, we fervently do not believe that the Carpet Foundation should be held accountable for the blatant abuse of the scheme by one of our retail members, nor should the malpractice of one retailer threaten the viability of the Carpet Foundation. "The money entrusted to us by you, our law-abiding retail members, should not be spent on making good the foul play of one rotten apple. As a direct result of the actions of Cullingfords, we will be making changes to the Code of Practice to avoid a repeat of this behaviour and to reassure both members and the public, that it is fit for purpose," said the statement. https://carpetfoundation.com
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23 Mar, 2024
The legendary hold of Diamond Gripper can now be enjoyed on the thickest underlay and carpet combinations with new floorwise Diamond XL9 Gripper. The rise in thicker underlays beneath carpet has seen some fitters install double-runs of gripper, but even then, the thickness of gripper and pins is often not enough to get a good and reliable grip. So, floorwise has introduced Diamond XL9 Gripper. Using the wide 25mm format which has made Diamond Gripper the go-to product for installers, XL9 is now thicker at 9mm. Combined with the high nail and pin count, this means that Diamond XL9 Gripper brings the legendary hold to carpets with underlays 10mm thick and over. Diamond XL9 Gripper comes pre-nailed for wood floors or with dual purpose nails for use with both concrete and wood floors, its zinc-coated nails and pins are rust-resistant and with 12 nails per five-foot length, Diamond XL9 Gripper also has a stronger fix to the subfloor. The extra-wide gripper is easier and safer to fit than conventional gripper as the nails are further away from walls and skirting, while 78 pins per five-foot length provide a superior hold of the stretched carpet.
28 Feb, 2024
Demonstrating the versatility of its woven wilton programme, Louis De Poortere lets anyone create their own bespoke runner with Richelieu Classic, choosing a bordered design in any two colours from 144 options. That’s 20,000 possible combinations to transform any staircase into a striking and personal feature of the home. Available in four widths (60,70, 90 and 120cm) to provide the ideal fit on stairs, landings and hallways; a Richelieu Classic runner brings quality and sophistication to the home with a heavyweight wool-rich yarn. In fact, Richelieu Classic runners have such enduring quality that they are also suitable for use in commercial projects such as boutique hotels. Retailers and homeowners alike will also be pleased to learn that this added-value service doesn’t come with a long-list of minimums or requirements. Thanks to the 144 yarn colours permanently held in stock, Louis de Poortere offers Richelieu Classic bespoke runners from just eight linear metres - the same for its entire Richelieu runner programme. Designs can be created and downloaded in the easy to use Mix & Match tool on the website. Alan Russell, sales director, tells more: “With a Richelieu Classic runner, homeowners can become really engaged in the process of creating their runner and deciding on just which combination is right for them. The programme is a great way for the best independent retailers to offer added value to their customers and provide a unique shopping experience.  www.louisdepoortere.com
26 Feb, 2024
Today, homeowners can choose between a wide range of long-lasting laminate, vinyl and wood floors that all share the same DNA: striving for perfection. So, whatever Quick-Step floor they choose, homeowners can be confident of beauty that lasts. Since it first entered the flooring market in 1990 with its laminate floors, Quick-Step has been responsible for a long list of market-leading technologies. From the Uniclic joint that revolutionised installation in 1997 to Wood for Life that made wood flooring easier to live, the Quick-Step name has always stood for premium quality flooring. Quick-Step’s latest ranges are the pinnacle of nearly 35-years of intensive research and development into how to make floors more beautiful, practical and durable. For example, its Capture laminate range is indistinguishable from real wood, 100% watertight and comes with 10 times the scratch and stain resistance of other laminate floors. Every design is thoughtful and true to nature, so that the detail of every knot, crack, grain and joint is brought to life. Cascada is the first watertight wood floor that comes with a Lifetime warranty in kitchens and bathrooms. Not only this, but it comes with Wood for Life moisture-repellent technology to stop mud, spilled foods and other dirt from sticking to its surface. With beautiful natural woods in unique finishes like Wintry Forest Oak Extra Matt, Cascada brings the enriching charm and true warmth that can only come with a wood floor. Quick-Step has continued its know-how built over years of refining and innovating in laminate and wood floors into the world of luxury vinyl flooring and with the new Alpha Vinyl collection, it has set a new benchmark. With up to 20 times the texture and detail of other luxury vinyl, the clever Unizip joint for easy herringbone installation and built-in underlay across the range, Alpha Vinyl is packed with leading technologies that make it a premium choice. It also makes use of Quick-Step’s Hydroseal water repellent for a 100% waterproof floor, and with Scratch Guard for stain and dirt protection, Alpha Vinyl shows Quick-Step’s DNA in every plank and tile. www.quick-step.co.uk
21 Feb, 2024
Joining a wide selection of plank and tiles, including XL formats for impressive spaces, Herringbone Classic is the new luxury vinyl floor from Moduleo. Its plank size (40.8 x 10.2cm) has been carefully considered to maintain a striking herringbone look in a range of rooms. So, whether master bedroom, open plan kitchen, downstairs WC or a cosy living room; Herringbone Classic is the smartly sized herringbone floor. As with the rest of the Roots collection, Herringbone Classic exudes the quality that comes from being made in Belgium. It’s authentic textured surface, matt finish and exclusive wood decors come in a floor that’s easy to look after, resistant to scratches, stains and water, and which comes with an impressive 25-year warranty. And with selected floors like the new Galway Oak available with EIR (emboss in register) for a true to nature feel, there’s no mistaking that this is another quality option from Moduleo Roots.
20 Feb, 2024
Furlong Flooring has introduced its latest breakthrough innovation - River Laminate Flooring, a cutting-edge, water-resistant laminate floor which boasts durability and superior aesthetics . Sustainably sourced and crafted for durability, River Laminate sets the stage for stylish and long wearing living spaces and delivers on price, quality and appearance. River Laminate features the Uniclic® system for faster fitting and is compatible with underfloor heating systems. The on-trend decors range from light to dark and are inspired by authentic wood types – plus with its 72-hour water resistance, River really is the perfect hard flooring choice. With a Class 33 and abrasion AC4 rating, it is designed to withstand the rigours of everyday life while maintaining its impeccable appearance. The distinctive 4V bevel edges add a touch of sophistication to the overall design. At Furlong Flooring, environmental responsibility is a driving force. River Laminate is Blue Angel certified, reflecting the company’s commitment to sustainable sourcing and environmentally friendly practices. This certification ensures that your flooring choice is also a responsible one. River Laminate is more than just a flooring solution; it's a harmonious blend of traditional oak laminate features and contemporary innovation. The Oak collection offers a unique style to suit a variety of interior designs and includes an enticing range of eight oak décor options. River Laminate measures 1205mm x 197mm x 8mm, striking the perfect balance between form and function, ensuring a seamless fit for a myriad of applications. "As a trusted single supplier, Furlong Flooring is dedicated to delivering flooring solutions that seamlessly blend style and durability," said Richard Richman, National Hard Flooring Sales Director at Furlong Flooring. "River Laminate is testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering the forefront of flooring innovation to our valued customers." Furlong Flooring remains committed to its core mission: offering customers the most stylish, contemporary, and well-fitting flooring solutions. Whether you're working on a residential project or a commercial venture, the launch of River Laminate Flooring promises to elevate your space to new heights of elegance and sophistication. www.furlongflooring.com
19 Feb, 2024
Whether outdoors or indoors, Riviera Home TufStrand handwoven carpets bring comfort and luxury that lasts. Renowned for its fine-quality handwoven carpets, Riviera Home has launched two new ranges made from premium TufStrand yarn. Suitable for outdoor and indoor use, TufStrand is an all-weather yarn that’s stain-resistant and bleach cleanable. Soft enough to be comfortable and luxurious indoors yet durable and practical enough to resist the elements, the yarn brings unity between indoor and outdoor living. Thanks to TufStrand, these new carpets are protected from household spills, easy to clean and represent great value for money. Part of Riviera Home’s Italian inspired collection, Livorno is handwoven from 100% TufStrand polypropylene. Incorporating two distinct designs: a wilton textured basketweave and a flatwoven herringbone, each in two complementary duo-tone colourways, Livorno adds elegance to any home. With Livorno, homes can seamlessly flow from open plan living to outdoor relaxing with the comfort and luxury that comes with Riviera Home. Medina is also from Riviera Home’s Italian collection, this time presenting wilton textured basketweave and flatwoven herringbone designs in three multi-tonal colour combinations. The carpet’s rich design makes it a statement in style and the multi-tonal yarn also helps to disguise dirt and spills more readily before cleaning. Kuldeep Singla, chairman, Riviera Home UK, says: “The growth in outdoor living spaces in the UK has seen homeowners look for ways to add layers of comfort to terraces and balconies and to complement relaxed seating areas and entertaining. Outdoor rugs can achieve this, but these outdoor spaces are often connected by doors that open right up, so there’s a natural flow inside to out. With rugs it can be hard to find complementary finishes between indoors and out. Our 100% TufStrand carpets bring fine-quality, luxury and comfort indoors, but as TufStrand is weather resistant and durable, they can add all this to the outdoors as well, and create a sense of unity that make these spaces feel completely connected.” T 01299 871446 • www.rivierahomeuk.co.uk
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