Floor Covering Weekly

Tarkett recently released its 2024 Sustainability Statement, fully audited by independent third parties. See the full announcement here: https://bit.ly/4iwy8ij

From apartment buildings to condos, when it comes to multifamily buildings, flooring needs to balance functionality and style — all while serving needs for tenants and building managers. “Durability isn’t optional — it’s essential,” said Adam Cnanni, vice president of sales, Republic Floor. “Multifamily environments take a beating from constant foot traffic, furniture being moved in and out and the everyday wear and tear that comes with apartment living.” Multifamily buildings combine residential and commercial needs. While individual units will serve a family, common areas or hallways need tough flooring that can take extensive foot traffic. What’s more, multifamily flooring solutions need to be cost-effective and high-performing, whether it’s hard or soft surface, so building managers need long-term value. See the full story here: https://bit.ly/4lKExJp

The multifamily segment is seeing a slight turnaround, even as economic conditions continue to impact the business. That is not to say the business is booming, but “multifamily developers are slightly less pessimistic than they were at this time last year,” said Danushka Nanayakkara-Skillington, assistant vice president, forecasting and analysis for the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). “But supply chain problems and high interest rates remain serious barriers to a stronger market.” While occupancy rates for owners of rental properties remain solid, they are struggling with high operating costs. In addition, NAHB’s Multifamily Market Survey shows that confidence in the market for new multifamily housing reflected mixed results year-over-year in the fourth quarter of 2024. Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/4d3LB05

It’s going to be a bumpy ride. Where tariffs will land is anyone’s guess. And a guess it is with stops and starts, markets around the world fluctuating greatly and “what ifs” contemplated. If deals are struck with major trading partners, trade could be leveled. Then there are nations such as China that said it will “fight to the end.” For example, April 7 brought a deep dive on Wall Street followed by an April 8 rally. And so it goes. There is no crystal ball or cards to read — it’s all speculation at best. And indeed, it changes every day. April 9 brought a pause on some reciprocal tariffs while those on goods from China jumped to 125 percent. Still, along with all of the question marks, we do know a few things to be true. Disruption and chaos will likely continue as trade talks take place — no one knows for certain where it will land. But what is under our control is how we all respond to the unknown and what is sure to be continued turbulence. See Amy Rush-Imber's perspective here: https://bit.ly/4jG4MyN

Following the election at the end of 2024 and a tumultuous first few months of 2025, the builder market continues to face challenges — as well as opportunities. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) said while the industry is hopeful that fewer regulations will spur growth, lingering issues and uncertainties — from tariffs, immigration and the overall economy — are putting pressure on the business. “The 2024 election offers a mix of opportunities and challenges for home construction,” Danushka Nanayakkara-Skillington, assistant vice president, forecasting and analysis, told FCW. “Potential regulatory reforms and cost reduction provide some optimism by mitigating cost burden on builders and improving housing affordability constrained by limited inventory. To read the full story, click here: https://bit.ly/42JYTtE

During periods of unpredictability, it’s critical to rely on strong vendor partnerships and that’s exactly what Mohawk Industries is providing its customers with an extensive line of domestically made products. “This is a unique time for the industry, but we are in a strong place to deliver customers our broad portfolio and access to soft and hard surface products,” Mohawk president Ken Walma shared with FCW. This portfolio, including PureTech, RevWood and Pergo Elements, he said, features exactly what today’s customers are looking for—best-in-class aesthetics and visuals, waterproof performance, durability and more. Click here to see how Mohawk is guiding customers through uncertainty with their domestic supply expansion: https://bit.ly/4jgUjtT

With a history of quality, innovation and design supported by its 160-plus year heritage manufacturing hardwood flooring, Kährs - Americas and its global team of designers have identified four key trends — Authoring Spaces; Narrative of Nature; Eternal Icons; and, Chapters of Change — to guide the development of its new product introductions for this year. To develop these trends, explained director of marketing Renee Tester, “we pulled from what we’re seeing in Europe, in North America, in the Asian market. We then took all of that information, along with what’s selling, for each new coloration.” See the full story here: https://bit.ly/42wdZmj

Shaw Industries Group, Inc. (Shaw) announced organizational changes to further align its structure with the company’s customer-centric strategy. These moves reinforce Shaw’s continued investment in delivering differentiated products and services, customer experience, and operational agility. As part of this evolution, the leaders of Shaw’s three core businesses have been named Presidents of their respective divisions: • Benjamin Liebert, president, Shaw Residential • Kelley Fain, president, Shaw Commercial • Chuck McClurg, president, Shaw Turf See the full announcement here: https://bit.ly/4jsuUgA

Engineered Floors, LLC (EF) is going all in on its U.S. manufacturing strategy, leveraging its position in digital LVT printing to stake a claim as a dominate, domestic supplier in the industry. At the same time, the company has refocused its branding to create a cohesive identity for its hard and soft surface lines. EF unveiled its LVT direct digital printing plant here about two years ago and has worked to establish itself as a trusted, viable player in the category. “We are in year two now,” said Joe Young, vice president of product and marketing. When the company launched its digital LVT facility, it was sort of the “new kid on the block,” but given the quality control issues with other imports, the extraordinary visuals of EF’s product, coupled with the trust that the EF brand had with its customers, the company was able to make significant headway into the category. Making it domestically was a bonus, he said. Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/4ltNtCU

The footprint here in the Val Müstair region — which borders both Italy and Austria, is a well thought-out blueprint of production, warehouse, design and laboratory. On LICO’s premises, there is a warehouse that stores phthalate-free vinyl slabs purchased in Asia and Europe and then transformed with HDF or rigid core here. Read more here: https://bit.ly/42kuK5r