All the world's a stage

By Amy Joyce Rush

Last year we launched our first World Marketplace issue. It wasn’t on our edit calendar or something that we had planned for the year ahead. But early on in 2013, we identified that as Made in America had gained substantial traction, it wasn’t at the cost of what imported products have to offer. And in fact, as our staff went to three different Domotex shows last year alone — Hannover, Istanbul and Shanghai — it became ever more apparent that it is indeed a world marketplace and often it is the things created in far-flung places that bring differentiation to floor coverings.

I love buying homegrown when I can. There is nothing like a ripe Jersey tomato or a Napa Valley Cabernet. But I’m also a big fan of Swarovski crystal made in Austria. There are in fact products that are associated with different parts of the world like Rolex and Cartier watches, which are still made in Switzerland. I read that each 30ml bottle of Chanel No. 5 contains 1,000 jasmine flowers from a field in Grasse, France. Each of these products and brands carry something distinct and original that was developed in a place that fostered creativity for that consumer product.

Flooring is no different. The U.S. is hands down the innovator when it comes to carpet. But there is almost a mad scientist feel to the endless possibilities that come out of other countries when it comes to hard surface. Our assistant managing editor Mallory Cruise came back from her first trip to Shanghai with so much to talk about and share with the editors here — things to follow up on and keep on our radar.

FCW has been talking about wood powder technology from Välinge for years now, for example, and our then senior editor made the trip to Viken, Sweden to witness the technology firsthand. That product has yet to see commitment by the U.S., but it no doubt will in the coming year or so.

In this issue, Jim Gould talks about many exciting developments — some of which never see the light of day but others that have been transformative like Pergo laminate and Unilin’s Uniclic locking systems that were both first shown at Domotex in Germany years ago.

Sure, there are logistical and sometimes quality issues that at times favor Made in the USA products, and that is a good thing. As FCW showcased back in June, there is indeed a trend to on-shoring manufacturing and that will have a positive impact on our economy and our workforce.

But extending our reach outside of our borders to find new and unique ideas and products is also a good thing. It too is good for our economy and business in general. Importers and distributors are of course American companies, regardless of the products they carry. Imports also often help create differentiation in a highly competitive marketplace.

As Gould pointed out, it’s not un-American to look elsewhere for something different. Rather it is entrepreneurial and often smart business.


              Amy Joyce Rush