Last week Lord Harris of Peckham announced he is to step down as chief executive of Carpetright. This boardroom shake-up at the flooring retailer comes as it attempts to reverse weaker sales and a spate of profit warnings.

Will it be enough to stop the slump of the largest carpet retailer in the UK? Or was it just time for one if the leading lights in the carpet industry to step aside?

Lord Harris is hardly retiring. He still remains chairman and at 69 will probably have many years to come at the forefront of British retail.

It is unlikely the UK general public would have heard of the Headlam Group but it would not be out if the way to say everyone will walk on a floor covering provided by them each and every day!

Do not think that could be true? Think again……

Headlam own a multitude of flooring supply companies. From well known ones such as Crucial Trading to lesser known wholesale distributors. They provide a huge number of carpets and other associated flooring.

Some might say they control the whole UK flooring market. Whilst they are undoubtably a monster in the flooring industry it is perhaps surprising to realise that the most important and influential group in the flooring Market is the independent retailer.

Go on support them!

With recent 70% reductions in profits many people believe the carpet giant is in serious trouble.

Whilst all retailers, and those particularly in home furnishings, finding the current climate very tough you would have to be brave to bet against Lord Harris turning things around.

But will CarpetRight change?

Less stores – perhaps.
Less aggressive marketing – unlikely

It will be an interesting 12 months for the UK’s leading carpet retailer.

Whilst the most traditional felt carpet underlay is becoming less and less popular is rubber underlay now the leader?

Rubber underlay is fast being outsold by it’s modern counterpart, PU. This “new” underlay has long been popular in the USA and has become more prevalent in the UK in recent years.

PU carpet underlay has many benefits over rubber. The most obvious being it’s environmental advantages. It is made from recycled material and is far lighter than rubber so transportation costs are lower.

What is the best way to buy cheap carpets ?

Is it from CarpetRight with their 70% off sales? HIGHLY UNLIKELY!!!! These discounts do not usually reflect a true saving to the market price.

The best way to save money is to buy a carpet remnant  With a roll end you can make a genuine saving on RRP.  The most comprehensive choice of carpet remnants can be found on www.carpetremnantsonline.co.uk and there is even free delivery for orders over £50.00!

It is now nearly a year since Tarkett bought the Rhinofloor brand from Armstrongs.  Has anything changed?

Many people were concerned that Tarkett’s purchase would see a weakening of this household name but following an initial clear out of the ranges the core products remain the same and the specifications are still market leading. So things are looking good for the continuation of the Rhinofloor name.

You can buy the full range of Rhinofloor at vinylflooringshop.co.uk

The Vinyl Floor Shop by Burts has added a new product line today!

Rubber flooring is becoming increasing popular for kicthens and bathrooms.  Originally designed for commercial applications rubber flooring has many attributes to suit a domestic location.

Rubber flooring is hygienic and is  easy to clean.  It is is the new designer look which can easily be fitted for a reasonable price and  as it is soft and hardwearing its perfect for any area of the house.