Voice of the Trade
Shaun Lewis • February 21, 2020
What’s been the biggest change you have seen over your career?
What’s the best thing about the flooring trade?
What’s the worst thing about the flooring trade?
What would you have done differently?
What is the product/decision you are most proud off and/or which has made the biggest difference?
Will more things change in the next 10 years than have changed in the last 10?
Definitely, change is good and no-one should fear it. Change must happen to move businesses forward, so embrace it and make it work for you.
What’s the biggest single trend you see coming in our sector?
Is Brexit going to make much of a difference medium/ long term?
If you had single out one thing, what do retailers need to
do better?
What do manufacturers need to do better generally?
Is more consolidation inevitable, can smaller companies compete?
Consolidation will continue but smaller, more efficient
What advice would you give to a young person thinking of a career in flooring?
What was the most fun you’ve had in your career?
What will you miss most about the flooring trade in retirement?
What are you most looking forward to doing in the future?
What are you most looking forward to NOT doing in the future?
If you hadn’t ended up in this industry, what might you have done?
I think I might like to have tried my hand at being a professional golfer but those who have seen me play would understand when I say I would not have earnt much money doing that! So, I stayed as a salesman.
The growth in hard flooring has been massive and will continue for some time to come. As a “carpet man” this is hard to accept but it’s up to us to offer the consumer better and differentiated carpet styles to fight back. The continued shift to synthetic carpets is also a major change.
The retailers.
The fitters.
Nothing, I’ve had the best time of my life in this trade. It will appear sad to some but I have now been in it for 50 years and it’s gone by in a flash. Great people, great friends and still a great trade.
All of the ranges we have launched since I have been at Brockway Carpets I have been proud of. Most of them have worked and have helped catapult Brockway into the premier league - now watch this space!
Definitely, change is good and no-one should fear it. Change must happen to move businesses forward, so embrace it and make it work for you.
What’s the biggest single trend you see coming in our sector?
Back to hard flooring and synthetic carpet I’m afraid, until people realise, they are both plastic!!
No, people will still want carpet and it’s up to us to make sure our ranges are the best in style, quality and value for money.
do better?
I love our retailers and our trade but we really don’t help ourselves. For the consumer buying a carpet it’s not a pleasant experience at all, with some retailers it’s like going back in time, broken lights, stained and damaged ceiling tiles and cheap torn cord carpet on the floor. Some stores are so cold it’s better to talk to the retailer outside! So, I single out display! Please change your stores with new displays from your suppliers, make your stores look inviting, it will pay off for you in the long run.
Stop chasing prices down, anyone can do that - sell products for what they are worth, sell at higher prices and all make money, don’t be afraid to sell quality.
Consolidation will continue but smaller, more efficient
companies like ours will always succeed and compete by being more flexible, giving a better service and sometimes by carving a niche for themselves.
If it’s in manufacturing, just do what you say you are going to do and don’t take anything for granted, be yourself. If it’s in retail, set your store up with professional displays, deal with a limited number of suppliers (less is more) and pay your bills on time!
Simple - just taking any order. I still get a buzz today but also meeting some lovely people who will remain friends.
The people.
Playing more golf and seeing my two grandchildren who I adore.
Driving - it’s a nightmare on the roads and it will only get worse - good luck everyone!
I think I might like to have tried my hand at being a professional golfer but those who have seen me play would understand when I say I would not have earnt much money doing that! So, I stayed as a salesman.
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