Article Number: 3626
Contest Update - Armstrong’s “What’s the Big Deal?” spotlights laminate in its competition
With monthly prizes and $94,000 up for grabs in Armstrong’s “What’s the Big Deal?” contest, Armstrong retailers are selling. And they are selling a lot. FCNews spoke with two dealers showing early leads in the competition to find out which products are particularly hot this season.
“Our Grand Illusions line is absolutely our best seller,” said Tina Stidham of A Better Way Floors in Charleston, Ind. “Most people who come into the store want hardwood. When they see Grand Illusions and realize it looks just like hardwood but has the durability of a laminate, they go crazy over it. Grand Illusions sells itself. All I have to do is lay it on the floor.”
Al Bosdell, Costen Floors, Mechanicsville, Va., was also singing Grand Illusions’ praises. “The line sells very, very well,” he said. “We work with a large builder who has standard laminate in the homes he sells. When customers come into the store, they are shown the upgrades, Grand Illusions being one of them. It is our easiest upgrade and best seller.”
Bosdell also cited the ease of installation and distributor support. “The installation is like spreading butter on a bagel. And our distributor, J.J. Haines, works closely with us. We have a terrific relationship.”
This “premium laminate,” introduced by Armstrong in 2007, mimics the look of real, exotic hardwood and comes in five distinctive patterns. The product’s realistic looks come from a combination of features, including its patented premium exotic finish offering incredible realism and 5-inch-wide planks that show only one “board” visual. This creates a more realistic overall appearance. When installed, a “kissed edge bevel” that is one half the size of a standard bevel helps to accentuate each strip. In addition, Armstrong’s HydraCore Plus high-density board provides a coordinating stained edge for a “throughcolor” appearance. Each plank is a full 12mm thick, which provides improved “in-room sound,” meaning it actually sounds more like a genuine 3/4- inch hardwood floor.
Another selling point used by retailers is the Lock & Fold installation system. The tongue-and-groove panels are fitted together, then folded down and locked into place. This quick, two-step process does not use glue, which eliminates chemicals that may harm the installer or the environment. The laminate surface also provides easier cleaning and helps protect the floor from stains, fading or wear.
Armstrong began its “What’s the Big Deal?” competition on Aug. 1 in the quest for the top retailer in the country. The contest will run through Nov. 30. It’s never too late to join with prizes being awarded monthly. The largest cash prize will go to the retailer selling the most Armstrong products by the end of the competition.
For more information on “What’s the Big Deal?” visit armstrongrewards.com .
“Our Grand Illusions line is absolutely our best seller,” said Tina Stidham of A Better Way Floors in Charleston, Ind. “Most people who come into the store want hardwood. When they see Grand Illusions and realize it looks just like hardwood but has the durability of a laminate, they go crazy over it. Grand Illusions sells itself. All I have to do is lay it on the floor.”
Al Bosdell, Costen Floors, Mechanicsville, Va., was also singing Grand Illusions’ praises. “The line sells very, very well,” he said. “We work with a large builder who has standard laminate in the homes he sells. When customers come into the store, they are shown the upgrades, Grand Illusions being one of them. It is our easiest upgrade and best seller.”
Bosdell also cited the ease of installation and distributor support. “The installation is like spreading butter on a bagel. And our distributor, J.J. Haines, works closely with us. We have a terrific relationship.”
This “premium laminate,” introduced by Armstrong in 2007, mimics the look of real, exotic hardwood and comes in five distinctive patterns. The product’s realistic looks come from a combination of features, including its patented premium exotic finish offering incredible realism and 5-inch-wide planks that show only one “board” visual. This creates a more realistic overall appearance. When installed, a “kissed edge bevel” that is one half the size of a standard bevel helps to accentuate each strip. In addition, Armstrong’s HydraCore Plus high-density board provides a coordinating stained edge for a “throughcolor” appearance. Each plank is a full 12mm thick, which provides improved “in-room sound,” meaning it actually sounds more like a genuine 3/4- inch hardwood floor.
Another selling point used by retailers is the Lock & Fold installation system. The tongue-and-groove panels are fitted together, then folded down and locked into place. This quick, two-step process does not use glue, which eliminates chemicals that may harm the installer or the environment. The laminate surface also provides easier cleaning and helps protect the floor from stains, fading or wear.
Armstrong began its “What’s the Big Deal?” competition on Aug. 1 in the quest for the top retailer in the country. The contest will run through Nov. 30. It’s never too late to join with prizes being awarded monthly. The largest cash prize will go to the retailer selling the most Armstrong products by the end of the competition.
For more information on “What’s the Big Deal?” visit armstrongrewards.com .
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