Platinum, polished
Website Editor • July 19, 2019
ACG showcases the strength of its members’ buying power
ACG’s Platinum event offered a polished performance at the stunning lakeside location on the campus of the University of Warwick.
The annual ACG exhibition, AGM and gala dinner, now in the second year at Warwick, demonstrated the group’s attractive approach to mixing business with pleasure for its members.
The event was also a showcase of the latest suppliers’ launches and Group promotions. Highlights included the arrival of Lano and Phoenox Rugs as new supplier partners, new LVT offers from Furlong Flooring and Distinctive and the debuts of the Sedna recycled nylon yarn from Associated Weavers, Abingdon’s extra soft Sophisticat, Hugh Mackay’s Quintessential Twist and the latest from Cormar. New IT solutions for flooring visualisation, business management and payment systems were also on show.
very professionally organised but has an intimate feel among retailers who understand the importance of relationships
in business.”
The event creates a focus for promotions and incentives, many of which are exclusive to those who attend the show and it is well supported by some 23 suppliers. “We have developed great relationships with suppliers who have invested strongly in supporting this event to provide an ideal platform to do better business.,” adds Richard.
“There are still some people who are unsure about the buying group experience – they value their independence and often think they’re already getting the best deal,” said Richard. “We encourage these retailers to talk to our members directly so that they can get it first-hand how they can keep all of their independence while doing an even better deal with their suppliers.”
That independence is underwritten by the unique way in which ACG organises its operation. Unlike some buying groups, all rebates are paid directly to members from the group suppliers. This maximises a significant return on membership fees without making any changes to their business.
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The British Furniture Confederation (BFC), the public affairs umbrella body of furniture and beds, furnishings and flooring sector trade associations, has unveiled its new Plan for Growth. The document is said to support BFC’s advocacy across four key pillars: skills and education; trade and exports; standards and regulations; and the environment and circular economy. It has been developed over the past few months, the organisation says, evolving from a combination of position papers written by the associations’ executives and a comprehensive survey of their collective members.
Consumer card spending grew 1.0% year-on-year in February – lower than January’s 1.9% increase and less than the latest CPIH inflation rate of 3.9%, according to recent figures reported by Barclays. In anticipation of higher bills, consumers are said to be cutting back on essential outgoings, but still prioritising discretionary purchases, contributing to an uptick in optimism in the health of personal and household finances.
Kellars, which describes itself as the largest independent flooring wholesaler in the UK, saw another year of “substantial growth” to July 2024, according to its strategic report for the period. With six depots across the UK and a team of more than 100, the company has reportedly grown at a “rapid rate,” with the year leading up to July 2024 seeing a dramatic rise.
Victoria PLC, an international designer, manufacturer and distributor of flooring, today announces the planned appointment of Alec Pratt to the Group board as Chief Financial Officer Designate, who will replace Brian Morgan after three years’ service as Victoria’s Chief Financial Officer in June.
Based on data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS), carpets and other floorcoverings saw inflation of 0.6% in January, though this is set against a 2.5% fall last month. In January of last year the same category saw a 0.5% decline.
GfK’s long-running Consumer Confidence Index increased by two points to -20 in February. All measures were up in comparison to last month’s announcement.
Mohawk Industries has announced fourth quarter 2024 net earnings of $93m (£71.8m), with adjusted net earnings at $123m (£95m). Net sales for the fourth quarter of 2024 were $2.6bn (£2bn), an increase of 1.0% as reported and a decrease of 1.0% on an adjusted basis versus the prior year.
Likewise Group, a UK flooring distributor, has announced the completion of its purchase of a freehold Logistics Centre in Ivybridge near Plymouth.
VAT and PAYE records from HM Revenue and Customs, compiled by The Furnishing Report, have revealed the number of flooring retailers with sales over £1m reached a record high in 2024.
GfK’s long-running Consumer Confidence Index decreased by five points to -22 in January. According to the organisation, all measures were down in comparison to last month’s announcement.
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