Chattanooga, TN — 10/30/15 CarpetsPlus COLORTILE®, the business networking and resource-licensing group, recently held its second annual buying committee meeting here at the Spring Hill Suites at Cameron October 27-29, to evaluate, strategize, discuss and plan the group’s merchandising and programs for the coming year.
Five main objectives were presented on Tuesday morning to begin the event. The meeting included subjects such as roll stocking program strategies as well as product and merchandising plans for 2016.
Kevin Logue
During his opening remarks, Kevin Logue, co-COO and vice president marketing for CarpetsPlus COLORTILE, thanked the buying committee for their efforts to attend the meeting. He stressed the importance of what they were about to do and gave them instructions for their meeting.
“Thank you for making the trip to Chattanooga to preview and discuss our new product and merchandising strategies for 2016. These next few days will be busy but are very important for the success and profitability of our entire group,” said Logue. “We really value your input and opinions and so do your suppliers.”
Logue was telling the truth when he said they would be busy. After this short session, the group hit the road and traveled south down I-75 to Dalton and then to Calhoun for mill visits.
Missy Montgomery
Ten member stores were in attendance this year with twelve total representatives from those stores. Member Missy Montgomery, Venice, FL, was happy with the way things played out. “I feel the representation of this year’s committee was very diverse. We did a good job of representing everyone from the smallest of companies to the largest and I believe the decisions made will benefit all.”
Picking blanket swatch color
Open discussions of each objective, with feedback from all attendees, ensued during each destination stop. Copious notes were taken to record reaction and what would come out of the event.
The group reviewed new products and special buys as well as discussed 2016 strategies at each of their stops. Their last day was spent seeing new products from a few suppliers and then reviewing new 2016 proposed merchandising. They saw carpet and hard surface displays and provided excellent feedback for display improvements.
Ryan Dunn
Speaking of the feedback, Ryan Dunn said, “These programs are for our members. It’s invaluable getting their input at the beginning. We can use their ideas to help shape the upcoming merchandising.”
At the end of the meeting on Thursday, everyone was ready to move ahead with what the group had just accomplished. Member Ben Case, Buffalo, NY, appreciated being able to pick product and give recommendations to the group, “The buying committee meeting was an awesome three days. Having input on what styles will be highlighted and how they will be implemented in our programs was a great experience. This is such an advantage for our group.”
Members visit IVC plant in Dalton
Mohawk wood intros
That feeling was echoed by member Josh Elder, Gainesville, FL, “Being able to give input is the biggest and best part of this group. Having a say in the product selection is a big deal and with the Buying Committee being from all different regions of the country, we got a lot of different perspectives.”
Logue spoke about the challenges they faced and the goals he felt they accomplished. “I believe we developed programs and selected products that closely align with the needs of our members’ retail customers. Getting input in advance from our CarpetsPlus Buying Committee is highly beneficial in creating an impactful product strategy for both carpet and hard surface.”
CarpetsPlus Buying Committee
Reviewing new styles
Logue said, “We were looking for input from this focused group of members who represented different areas of the country, on strategies for merchandising, products and to select products for our roll stocking programs. Everyone seemed to be really pleased with how it went. Mission accomplished.”
