Meet your new installation partner - Transitions Polishing & Grinding
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june/july 2012
Meet your new
installation
partner
™
Introducing LokDots™, a system
of pressure sensitive adhesive
dots and a lightweight hand held
applicator that will revolutionise the
way you install carpet tiles.
Fast, efficient, easy
shaw contract group®
1800 556 302 | shawcontractgroup.com.au
floor coverings love level floors Whether it’s carpet, tiles, vinyl, parquetry or timber laminate, floor coverings love level floors. And when it comes to floor levelling, you can’t go past BASF’s range of specialist floor levelling solutions. From residential installations to the largest commercial and industrial projects, new buildings, old buildings and everything in between - at BASF we have a high performance floor levelling solution to meet the needs of even the most challenging installation. Contact your local BASF branch to find out how we can help to get your floors on the level. At BASF, we create chemistry. 1300 2273 00 (1300 BASF 00) www.basf-cc.com.au
incorporating
FLOORS
june/july 2012 | vol 30 no 03
www.flooringmagazine.com.au
News SpecialReports RegularFeatures FrontCover
05 Jack Andersen farewells 16 Focus On Buying Groups, 12 Airstep Retailer of 01 Shaw Contract Group
the flooring industry Co-ops and Franchises the Month – Odyssey
Carpets and Flooring,
06 Desso receives Red Spot 22 Resilient flooring Glandore, SA
award
28 Underlays 43 PIC Floors
08 New manufacturing plant
for Parex 30 Laminate 45 Surfaces Today
10 United Bonded 32 Carpets & Rugs 50 Exhibition Calendar
Fabrics inducted into
Manufacturers Hall of 36 Eco Floors and Advertisers Index
Fame Floorcoverings
Subscribe Now
40 Alternative Floors
42 Software
Flooring June/July 2012 3
Upfront
ELITE PUBLISHING CO PTY LTD
ABN: 27 006 876 419
PO BOX 800, Templestowe
Victoria, Australia 3106
Ph: + 61 3 9890 0815
Fax: + 61 3 9890 0087
Email: info@elitepublishing.com.au
Website: www.elitepublishing.com.au
PUBLISHERS
Vicky Cammiade
Email: vicky.cammiade@elitepublishing.com.au
Maureen Horne
Email: maureen.horne@elitepublishing.com.au
GROUP MANAGING EDITOR
Jennifer Curtis
Email: jennifer.curtis@elitepublishing.com.au
NATIONAL SALES MANAGER
Traditionally, Australia and New Zealand haven’t been big on Ashley Cooper
floorcovering exhibitions. In fact, around the world exhibitions Email: ashley.cooper@elitepublishing.com.au
CIRCULATION MANAGER
dedicated to floorcoverings are few and far between – think
Georgia Gilmour
the three Domotex fairs and Surfaces. Email: georgia.gilmour@elitepublishing.com.au
However, the numbers do seem to be growing and, while PRODUCTION
For artwork and production enquiries please
there still aren’t that many dedicated fairs, there are more
email: production@elitepublishing.com.au
shows including floorcoverings in their offerings. PRE-PRESS
From 19 to 22 July 2012, for the first time in Melbourne, Prominent Digital
Flooring & Finishes with ATFA will showcase an impressive PRINTED BY
Prominent Group Pty Ltd
line-up of over 80 companies at the Melbourne Exhibition FLOORING MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION RATES
Centre, co-located with the furniture and furnishings fairs, AUD$57.00p.a. (Incl. 10% GST)
Furnitex and Decoration + Design. AUD$95.00 (overseas airmail rate)
EXHIBITION ORGANISERS & PROMOTERS
Launched in Sydney in 2011, this floorcoverings
Elite Media & Marketing Pty Ltd
showcase will now run annually, rotating between Sydney P O BOX 800, Templestowe
and Melbourne. It is expected to attract thousands of Victoria, Australia 3106
Ph: + 61 3 9890 0815
industry professionals from Australia and overseas, including
Fax: + 61 3 9890 0087
architects, interior decorators, interior designers, specifiers Email: info@elitepublishing.com.au
and retailers. (See page 14) Website: www.elitepublishing.com.au
In this issue of Flooring Magazine we also turn our
ELITE PUBLISHING CO PTY LTD
attention to the retail floorcoverings groups in Australia and PUBLISHERS OF:
New Zealand. We provide informative snapshots of many Supplier Magazine, Furniture & Bedding Magazine, Flooring Magazine
(hopefully most) of the major buying groups, co-operatives Members of the Publishers Australia Association
and franchises operating in these markets.
If you are an independent retailer thinking of throwing in
your lot with one of the groups, perhaps this will give you an
idea of which one suits you best. Member of the Australian Furniture Association South West
ELITE PUBLISHING CO PTY LTD
(established 1985)
All rights reserved – No part of this publication maybe reproduced, transmitted or copied in any
form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording, or any infor-
mation storage or retrieval system, without the express prior written consent of Elite Publishing
Jennifer Curtis editor Co Pty Ltd. Viewpoints, opinions, claims, etc expressed in articles appearing in this publication
are those of the authors. The Publishers accept no responsibility for the information supplied
Ph: 03 9890 0815; Fax: 03 9890 0087 or or for claims made by companies or their representatives regarding product performance, etc
or for any errors, omissions, misplacement, alterations, or any subsequent changes, or for any
Email: jennifer.curtis@elitepublishing.com.au consequences of reliance on this information or this publication.
"Your Industry - Your Magazine"
4 Flooring June/July 2012
News
Jack Andersen
farewells Inspiration at Protect Crete’s
the flooring
industry Build and Design Queensland new group
One of the most respected
As designers, architects and
specifiers descended on the
and designers. “Within four
hours of opening the expo,
headquarters
men in floorcoverings, Jack
Brisbane Convention and we had enough genuine
Andersen, has retired.
Exhibition Centre, exhibitors leads to pack up and go
Jack built Andersens group
continued to floor visitors home very happy, which is
from one store in the small
with inspirational ideas for just amazing,” he said.
town of Gatton in the Lockyer
building better and designing It wasn’t only traditional
Valley, Queensland to a strong
smarter. wooden flooring such as
retail group of 49 stores in
Exhibition Manager, Kennedy’s Classic Aged
Queensland and Northern NSW.
Michael-William Kelly, said: Timber, Wilson Timbers
Over 280 people including
“The talk on the exhibition and Queensland Timber
many of his past staff, industry
floor was that visitors were Flooring that have attracted
friends and colleagues attended
highly targeted while visitors attention, but also new
a gala night to farewell Jack. After 15 years of operation in
commented that they saw products like environmentally
Bob Barnett hosted a This Melbourne’s eastern suburbs,
many products that they friendly flooring from
is your Life, Jack Andersen, Protect Crete has relocated to
hadn’t known existed”. Polyflor’s vinyl range, which
which was both humorous and the south eastern suburb of
Michael Kennedy from is 100% recyclable.
emotional at times. Braeside.
Kennedy’s Classic Aged Exhibitor Cavalier
Jack gave a heartfelt speech Managing Director John
Timbers was ecstatic with Bremworth Carpets and
reflecting on the people, some Daymond said: “The move
the results at the inaugural Kimberley Carpets had their
amusing customer stories and consolidates our operations
expo. 100% New Zealand wool
his confidence that the group is from three separate sites to
"We thought Build & collection on show, while
in good hands and will continue this modern spacious site.”
Design Queensland would Bayliss Rugs showcased
to grow with the same culture Protect Crete has been
work well in attracting our a trend of grey and cream
that he has built over the last producing Densi-Proof and
target market of architects hues.
50 plus years. Moisture-Fix under licence
from the USA for the last
eight years. “With acceptance
Carpet layer turned dancer returns for 2012 event of the product continually
Local Gippsland, Victoria Craig Monley and Sriani growing we had a constant
business owners are dusting Argaet, who are the current challenge to manage stock
off their dancing shoes again Australian Latin Champions. levels with very limited space.
as Dancing With Our Stars Also performing will be Braeside has over a 1000
returns for 2012. Youth Ballroom champions, metres and allows plenty of
Following the success Christopher Wilson and stock to be held ready for
of the 2011 Dancing with Victoria Ngau and junior latin orders of any size.
our Stars, owner operator dancers, Michael Wilson and “We have also developed
of W.A.M Floors and 2011 Annamieke Viesser. new products and continue
dancer Wayne Mundy has Deputy Premier, Peter to formulate and test others
repeated his support, this time Ryan, will also return as judge. under a new company
sponsoring dancers, Daniel With the 2012 event selling called Oxtek,” John said.
Smolenaars and Jodie Willis. out in one week, organisers “Our charter with Oxtek is
With the event raising are hoping to exceed the to formulate products that
$60,000 for local organisation amount raised in 2011 with won’t cost the earth and
the Five Star Project, the all proceeds aiding both the be sustainable, safe, green
support of the 2011 dancers Five Star Project as well as the solutions.
for the 2012 event has Sale Elderly Citizens Village. “We have also just signed
continued with many of them Having experienced the a National Master Distribution
either becoming sponsors or side of performing in 2011, agreement with Skudo
volunteering their services Wayne is looking forward temporary floor protection.
to assist on the night. This to enjoying the night and This is a company that
includes 2011 dancer, Geoff watching the six couples manufactures in Australia
Newby, who has returned compete for the 2012 and exports around the world
to act as the local trainer. Dancing with Our Stars trophy. with this brilliant, easy to
In turn, two of last year’s He is still amazed by what he use concept that properly
sponsors have signed up to achieved on the night last year Right: Wayne Mundy and dance protects and has no slip
dance. and how he managed to find partner Kate Perillo dancing at related issues. The product is
the 2012 event. Below: Dancers
Also returning is host, the time to train in the three sponsored by W.A.M Floors, Daniel sustainable and uses recycled
Mark Wilson, and dancers months preceeding the event. Smolenaars and Jodie Willis. PET plastic.”
Flooring June/July 2012 5
News
In the latter years, with with members’ issues, territory
Bill Tovey companies, Victoria/
SA/Tasmania, NSW and
restructuring, he became the allocations, new memberships
General Manager Franchisee and training.
retires Queensland. Initially WA was
not part of the newly formed
Services, moving away from Bill made a great
the product and marketing contribution to Carpet Court
Well known flooring Carpet Court Australia (CCA)
areas, which were then and the Board, Management
identity, Bill Tovey group, of which Bill was the
managed by product and and members wish him and
has retired. very first employee.
marketing managers. In his his wife, Jan, all the very best
Bill originally Over the years the
last role his involvement was in a well-earned retirement.
joined Minster various businesses were
Carpets as consolidated and, when
National Sales Manager in eventually WA came on brought together in an unusual
1984 and that began his board, Carpet Court became a
Desso receives ‘red way. By doing so, we were able
association with the Carpet complete national group with dot product design’ to create a unique layered
Court group of whom Minster common ranges and national
was a major supplier. When advertising activity rather than
award dimension where the flooring
experience changes at every
Shaw Industries Australia was the previous very fragmented European carpet manufacturer angle it is viewed.”
formed, Bill was appointed as position. The group grew from Desso has received a red dot The ‘Visions of’ range
Group Sales and Marketing strength to strength over product design award for its consists of three different
Manager and worked with these years to be the largest ‘Visions of’ carpet line. products, each with a unique
the sales teams of Minster, retail floor covering retailer in Desso-CCO Alexander design. ‘Visions of Flowers’
Redbook and Invicta to market Australia, with a strong store Collot d’Escury said: “Winning offers a pronounced floral
their products to the trade. network and significantly this award, of which we pattern which is incorporated
In 1999, he was increased respectability and are very proud, is a great in the carpet tile design. A
approached by Carpet Court credibility in the Australian acknowledgement of their effort.
surprisingly abstract pattern is
and became National Product market place. At that time It’s an example of our ambition
what gives ‘Visions of Shards’
and Marketing Manager. He Bill managed all the product to be world design leader
its distinctive look, whereas the
worked to bring the product programmes with the exception in carpets by creating floor
inspiration for ‘Visions of Lines’
and marketing side of the of the warehouse ranges fashion.”
comes from linear elements
businesses together for a truly (around 15% of the turnover) “ As a team we designed
in monumental architectural
national approach. At this time and handled all the marketing a unique combination of
design.
there were three operating activity. techniques that have been
Hycraft Carpets congratulates
Engadine Carpet Court
Brett and Jill Haddock of
Engadine Carpet Court have
won a fantastic $15,000 travel
voucher courtesy of Hycraft
Carpets. The prize was drawn
recently during the Carpet
Court conference at Hong
Kong.
Brett and Jill were delighted run their business in an area
with the win, said David that has a very strong family
Mitchell, Hycraft Business influence with a high number
Development Manager. of local schools and young
“Hycraft Carpets is a very children.
good wool range for us. We “This is a reasonably
have been impressed with affordable area well south of
the popularity, the ongoing the city that is surrounded by
colour upgrades as the market National Parks and has limited
fashions change and the point expansion opportunities,” said
of sale material available: we Brett.
look forward to the continuing “We are undecided on
our established partnership where we want to go at this
with Hycraft,” said Brett on time, however, a continent
receiving his award. in the southern hemisphere
Engadine Carpet Court was has some appeal. I guess
established five years ago after that leaves South Africa or
Brett’s father sold the Kogarah South America, if we don’t do
Carpet Court business south of something here in Australia,”
Sydney. Brett and his wife Jill said Brett.
6 Flooring June/July 2012
Now there’s
a smarter way
to install
carpet tiles
™
LokDots™ is a system of pressure sensitive Fast, efficient, easy
adhesive dots and a lightweight, hand held
O Reduces floor prep time and cost
applicator that will revolutionise the way you
O Odourless, non toxic, low VOC adhesive
install carpet tiles.
O Can be used in occupied spaces
Designed for EcoWorx carpet tiles, LokDots is a
O Easy to use applicator, little training required
non-toxic, low VOC alternative to traditional wet
adhesives that makes installation easy in the most O Ideal for high moisture environments
demanding spaces. O Uses 97% less material than wet adhesives
The unique LokDots applicator is lightweight, durable
and ergonomically safe for repetitive use. It requires no
maintenance and little training. Introductory
The intuitive LokDots system requires minimal floor Special
preparation enabling flexible installation.
FREE applicator* when you mention
LokDots allows carpet tile to be installed at pH 12 code ‘floormag’ with purchase of
and 95% RH, saving on remediation in high 200m2 or more EcoWorx tiles and one
moisture applications. sleeve of LokDots.
LokDots eliminates the mess, curing time and odours * limit one per customer
of typical wet adhesives giving your clients immediate
occupancy without disruption.
And you can use LokDots on virtually any surface…
concrete, terrazzo, timber, VCT, VAT, raised access
shaw contract group®
floors… even over pressure sensitive and 1800 556 302 | shawcontractgroup.com.au
multipurpose adhesives. ™ LokDots is a trademark of Shaw Industries Inc.
® Shaw Contract Group is a registered trademark of Shaw Industries Inc.
News
Tony Carr joins Golden Field
Andrew Verstak hands over the reins of
Golden Field Corp recently China and, most recently, in Tuftmaster Carpet to John Roberts.
announced the appointment North America.
of Tony Carr as National Golden Field Corporation
Sales and Marketing is a national timber flooring Andrew Verstak
Manager.
Tony brings an extensive
importer and wholesales
specialising in the sales
retires
background in sales, and marketing of bamboo, After 27 years in carpet
marketing and management engineered hardwood, manufacturing with Godfrey
within the flooring industry laminate and pre-finished Hirst and Tuftmaster
in Australia, New Zealand, solid timber flooring. Carpets, Andrew Verstak has
announced his retirement.
“With memorable stories,
New manufacturing plant for Parex in Victoria colourful characters and
fondness I reflect back to the
ParexGroup Pty Limited’s we have achieved our 1980s and to the present day
new manufacturing plant current position as on how quickly changes have
in Dandenong, Victoria an Australian market come upon us. However, there
was officially opened in leader through an is one constant throughout
May by Tim Holding, MP. ongoing commitment this period and that is the
Andrew Nunn, to research, wonderful people I have met –
Managing Director of development and some of whom have become
ParexGroup Australia, said hi-tech manufacturing close and personal friends,”
that the initial startup technology,” said said Verstak.
would create eight new Nunn. “We lead the “My plans are to enjoy
positions, increasing to market with innovative the next few years travelling
14 in the first 12 months industries, the ParexGroup technology such abroad and locally, primarily
as the market grows, as well markets the Davco, as being the first in the focusing on the places
as creating opportunities for Ormonoid and Lanko range Australian market to launch which, previously, time
other affiliated businesses of products. the award winning dustless constraints would not allow
such as transport, packaging The company is part of technology, providing a me to enjoy for any lengthy
and so on. the international ParexGroup cleaner, more comfortable period.
ParexGroup is an with operations throughout working environment “So, on behalf of my wife,
Australian leader in the globe and key locations and faster clean-up for Cheryl, and myself, thank
the manufacture of tile in the USA, Europe, Asia tradespeople.” you for a great ride.”
adhesives, grouts, sealants, Pacific and South America. ParexGroup operates a John Roberts, who has
waterproofing, technical “With the Davco brand number of manufacturing, been with Tuftmaster for the
mortars and building established for over 40 warehousing / distribution past two years, will now be
products. A major supplier to years, and the Ormonoid and administrative facilities responsible for all marketing
the building and construction brand celebrating 100 years, around Australia. and sales of domestic and
commercial product.
8 Flooring June/July 2012
Introducing the new Sika® Ceram Tiling range suitable for interior and
exterior tiling applications. Sika offers a complete range of cementitious
polymer modified tile adhesives and grouts to suit all your tiling needs.
Whatever type of wall or floor tiling situation, Sika has the system.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
CONTACT SIKA
1300 22 33 48
www.sika.com.au
News
United Bonded geotextiles and hygienic UBF has been at the From selling
wipes, automotive felts and forefront of novel technologies
Fabrics carpet underlay. and product innovation and floors to
UBF commenced operations holds a number of important
inducted into almost 50 years ago in 1963, product patents. Over the years cleaning them
Manufacturing but parts of its business have
a heritage which reaches back
it has also made a significant
capital investment in the
The flooring
industry
Hall of Fame to the 1870s. It’s head office is
located at its factory in Coburg
maintaining process capabilities
at world best standards to
has lost an
experienced
United Bonded Fabrics (UBF) in Melbourne where there ensure it remains globally and valued
has been inducted into the has been continuous textile competitive. member with
Victorian Manufacturing Hall of manufacturing since the early “We are committed to the departure
Fame* at a gala event in May. 1930s. The Coburg facility is an Australian manufacturing of Henry Placek
which celebrated those elite one of six factory operations industry, as this is how we from Gerflor.
manufacturing organisations around the nation from which can best support the needs Henry recently left his position
which have demonstrated the company services its of our customers and ensure as National Sales Manager at
a long term commitment to customers, many of which we stay at the leading edge of Gerflor to pursue a new career
manufacturing excellence and require just-intime supply. new developments,” Liaskos in the cleaning industry. A valued
continual innovation. “As an Australian said. “Australia needs a strong member of the Gerflor team for
“It came as quite a surprise manufacturer we can react manufacturing sector as this is the past 12 years and part of
when we were approached,” quickly to our customers’ how we create meaningful jobs the flooring industry for more
said Jim Liaskos, Managing requirements and supply and develop important skills for than 24 years, Henry decided it
Director. “We are delighted product from our inventory a large part of our community, is time to seek a new challenge.
to have recognition for the holdings or manufacture and and it is also the best way to “The industry, in particular
hard work of those many supply within a few days,” create and distribute financial Gerflor, has been very good
people in our organisation, Liaskos said. security. to me and I have valued my
who are committed to making He added: “Most of our “I can’t think of anything time here and the tremendous
high quality products for our customers recognise that, while more satisfying than being able professional friendships
customers,” he said. the initial cost of products may to say ‘I made this’.” that have come from it. But
UBF is the nation’s leading be a little higher than imports, *The Victorian Manufacturing there is another side of me
non-woven textile products they actually enjoy overall Hall of Fame celebrates that welcomes a fresh set of
manufacturer, and supplies savings by not having to hold the heroes of Victoria's challenges so I am looking
a diverse range of products and finance their own large manufacturing sector – those forward to my new role as
under the Crestell and inventories and, of course, we companies and individuals who National Sales Manager for the
Tontine brands from pillows are there to stand by their side are leaders in their field, locally direct business with Karcher.
and thermal insulation to if something goes wrong”. and internationally. “I have every confidence that
my successor at Gerflor will enjoy
Changing of the guard at Airstep Embelton is the same support I have and
will revel in forging partnerships
Will Verschaeren, the plant nicely bedded down, going social with the contractors and retailers
that look to Gerflor for innovative
General Manager of Airstep our overall business just
Embelton Flooring has launched products and quality service.”
Australia, has announced continues to grow on a
a new Facebook page, www. Henry said.
his impending retirement at daily basis – in a very tough
facebook.com/embeltonflooring,
Christmas 2012. market place, I might add.
which will be constantly updated
“It gives me great “There is no doubt that, Protect Crete at historic
with relevant and interesting
pleasure to announce that with the team we have in Giants win
information about its product
our directors have chosen place at Airstep, this terrific
range, upcoming trends in the
Paul Verschaeren to replace business will just go from
flooring industry, interesting
me as General Manager, strength to strength and the
news items, discounted offers,
effective 4 June. I will future for everyone at Airstep
and lots more.
remain on board to provide is extremely bright.
People who ‘Like’ Embelton
as much assistance as I “To all our customers
on Facebook can also become
can,” said Will. and suppliers, the message
eligible for free Medallion Club
“I believe the timing is is ‘steady as she goes’. We
footy tickets at Etihad Stadium. Enjoying Protect Crete hospitality
right. I turn 60 years of age don’t foresee any drastic
Embelton has also launched at the recent historic GWS Giants
shortly and my wife Pauline changes with us only making first win in the AFL at Manuka Oval
a new bamboo flooring website:
and I still have plenty of subtle improvements as we in Canberra are (from left) Kayne
www.embeltonbambooflooring. Bull of AFS Canberra, Damian
things we want to do outside proceed. Ross of CE Industries, Dave
com.au
of work. Moreover, our “Thanks for all your Heritage of AFS Canberra, John
In other news, Richard Daymond, Protect Crete and Gary
Airstep business is really support over the years and
John has been appointed as Curwood, Protect Crete. Protect
steaming along now. With we look forward to mutually Crete is a sponsor of the new club
Embelton’s State Manager for
our new foam underlay profitable times ahead.” and its captain, Callan Ward.
flooring in NSW.
10 Flooring June/July 2012MOISTU R E - F I X 1
TM
THE NAME
S A R E A T H ING OF THE PAST SAYS IT ALL
R E P R O B LE M
SUBFLOOR MOISTU
T
Eliminates moisture problems
A NEN
PERM
on new and old concrete
Fast Safe and Clean
Minimum downtime
Walkable in 1 hour
Install Áoor coverings
after 24 hours
Friendly •
No Mixing ta
lly Ve
en
ry
Environm
Lo
Withstands hydrostatic
w VOC
pressure
• G
t •
ee
an
r
i
nS pl
tar C o m
Simply Pour and Spread
Specially Formulated to Save you Time & Money
Pour and Spread Applied
Formulated over 14 years ago for the Flooring Installer / Contractor an
easy and simple to apply alternative to messy two part epoxy systems etc.
MOISTURE-FIX is a single pack (no mixing) ready to use, easy pour, broom
applied liquid that deeply penetrates, forms a non destructive colloidal gel
which provides a permanent moisture and vapour barrier which withstands
hydrostatic pressure. MOISTURE-FIX has proven to be highly cost effective
and allows early access with minimum disruption. It is user friendly, non toxic,
non Àammable, zero VOC, environmentally safe and odourless. Available in
5,10 & 20 litre re-sealable pails. With an extremely long shelf life, always have
www.protectcrete.com.au
Protect Crete Pty Ltd 3 Phoenix Court Braeside 3195
Victoria: +61 3 9587 1377 New Zealand: 0800 336 747
Wa: 1300 721 148 - Qld: 07 5520 3391 - Nt:1300 721 148 - Sa: 1800 500 803
Nsw: 02 9725 1666 - Tas: 03 6234 9855
Manufacturers of the world’s most technically advanced systems for permanent concrete repair, moisture proo¿ng and protection treatments
CONCRETE DENSIFYING SOLUTION - PENETRATES TO EXTRAORDINARY DEPTHS PERMANENTLY WATERPROOFS AND IMPROVES NEW OR OLD CONCRETERetailer of the month
Doing O
dyssey Carpets and
Flooring opened for
business in 1979 and
has remained a locally
to expand his knowledge in
restoration and cleaning in
the flooring industry.
Still remaining in the
business
owned family business ever industry Frank remembers the
since with a large showroom day he received a phone call
and warehouse located in to advise him that the current
Glandore, South Australia. owner was closing down.
The business is owned and Acting very quickly, and with
with a smile
run by Frank and Aleksandra the support of his wife, he
Pinner, who purchased it six immediately set up a meeting
years ago. A very hands- with the previous owner and
on person, Frank oversees the next thing he knew, he
all parts of the running was back in the business –
of the business. In doing but now as the owner.
this, he is assisted by Ray Ray Brice has been in
Odyssey Carpets and Flooring, Brice, assistant manager, the flooring industry since
and Luigi Antonuccio, the 1966. He recently joined
Glandore, South Australia restoration manager as well the company as assistant
as Aleksandra Pinneri, the HR manager but his wealth of
and marketing manager. experience allows him to
Frank Pinneri has been oversee all aspects of the
involved in the flooring day to day running of the
industry for 21 years. business. His background
He started as a trainee involved the installation of
accountant back in 1992 floorcoverings and running
for Odyssey Carpets and a successful wholesale
found that, after two years distribution supplying major
in the organisation, he was a brands of both Australian
bigger asset in running and made and imported
co-ordinating the installers floorcoverings to the local
and carpet cleaners and was South Australian market.
thus appointed to assistant In later years Ray has
manager. He continued with been involved with a number
this role for nine years before of flooring associations – he
he decided to venture out became a part time lecturer
on his own and continue at TAFE holding a certificate
Owner Frank Pinneri
12 Flooring June/July 2012IV in workplace training and assessment, a specialist for many years in a number situation, and is very much dependant
and holds a professional certificate in of areas including residential flooring on the strong housing sector. In turn; a
arbitration and mediation, becoming an (carpet, vinyl and timber); insurance strong housing market means people
accredited mediator with the Institute of claims including the repair and need new flooring, thus when building
Arbitration and Mediation Australia. replacement of damaged flooring, and stops so do many of the ancillary
Experienced in installing all aspect of restoration work including water, flood, businesses,” said Frank.
floorcoverings Ray has many skills that storm, fire and smoke damage plus “Given the challenging business
help Odyssey Carpets meet their current mould and mildew removal. conditions, Odyssey has somehow
and future goals in both the commercial “Achieving excellence in these areas managed to hold its position while
and residential markets of today. gives Odyssey it’s competitive edge, others have seen a decline. This can
Luigi Antonuccio has been along with our experienced team of only be attributed to the way that we
in the industry for eight years. He specialists,” explained Luigi. go about its business of servicing our
joined Odyssey just four years ago Odyssey has recruited and built customers.
to run the insurance and restoration a strong team of professionals that “It would also be fair to say that we
side of the business dealing mainly are ‘second to none’ in the industry. use the best flooring installers available,
with large loss claims. His current This team includes six sales and who are more than happy to assist with
supervisory role includes large loss administration staff who oversee the any difficult situations that might arise.”
claims and complicated situations, warehouse, cleaners and technicians Frank’s secret for success in business
which he handles swiftly and efficiently and around a dozen flooring installers. today is simple: “Your business must
on behalf of Odyssey. He is IICRC Odyssey also has several mobile give your customers the best value and
certified including colour repair, fire and showrooms that service the entire service always – with no exceptions.
smoke restoration, carpet repair and metropolitan area and beyond. These “This principle is even more important
installation, water damage restoration, showrooms are based on the philosophy today due to the tough economy
odour control, carpet cleaning and spot of complete customer service. and with customers becoming more
removal making him perfectly suited for “There are many advantages for discerning when making any purchases.
the role. selecting flooring from your own home,” Odyssey Carpets and Flooring is
“Odyssey Carpets and Flooring is explained Luigi. “This includes colour also a Bronze sponsor to Variety The
the only carpet and flooring store in matching, fabric and pattern matching Children’s Charity and, in fact, won the
South Australia that is IICRC certified,” and convenience. Bashers Award in 2010 as the Bananas
explained Frank. “Through the extensive “Your flooring is going to be in your & Pyjamas (and yes, Frank was B2).
support from our suppliers in the flooring home, so you should be able to select it “Odyssey is always planning and
industry, Odyssey has become one of the in the comfort, privacy and convenience looking for ways to make the business
few stores that can obtain and supply a of your own home. Odyssey’s philosophy and customer experience better. In
very large range of flooring. is all about making things easy for the practice Odyssey works hard to keep it
“Odyssey Carpets is one of the very customer.” simple – give people what they want,
few complete one-stop shops for all “Retail flooring, as an industry, has when they want it, and do it with a
flooring needs. The business has been been hit hard by the current economic smile.”
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Flooring &
Finishes with
ATFA debuts
in Melbourne
From 19 to 22 July 2012, for the first Boral Timber has become one of the
time in Melbourne, Flooring & Finishes largest suppliers of certified hardwood
with ATFA will showcase an impressive and softwood in Australia, with a
line-up of over 80 companies. The latest wide product range including flooring,
developments across all the flooring and structural timber, decking, furniture
surface finish disciplines will be on display timber, decorative and cladding. Boral
at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. Timber will reveal its latest innovations for
After its exciting launch in Sydney the structural, commercial and renovation
2011, this showcase of design excellence markets, all of which are sourced from
will run annually, rotating between sustainably managed and legal forestry.
Sydney and Melbourne. Thousands of Embelton focuses on timber flooring
professionals from many sectors of the and noise and vibration isolation, with
commercial and residential interior/ further manufacturing operations in
exterior design industry are expected cork, rubber and metals fabrication. The
to flock to see the latest developments company will unveil its latest offerings to
in flooring texture, style, colour, safety, acoustical consultants, structural design
versatility and sustainability. engineers, architects, builders, and
Held in conjunction with the Australian installers at the fair.
Timber Flooring Association (ATFA), The Flooring Industry Seminar Series will
Flooring & Finishes will feature new welcome a line up of industry experts who
products from industry leaders such will be speak on a range of topics as part of
Regupol, Boral Timber and Embelton. a program during the fair.
Regupol, the 2012 Major Show Flooring & Finishes with ATFA is co-
Sponsor, will display the latest location with Decoration + Design and is
developments in its internationally expected to attract thousands of industry
recognised range of recycled rubber professionals from Australia and overseas,
flooring and acoustic underlay products including architects, interior decorators,
and systems. From commercial rubber interior designers, specifiers and retailers.
flooring and school playground surfaces
to sports and leisure flooring, Regupol will
reveal what we’ll be standing, dancing
and playing on in the future.
FreeFit ™
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Call David Coggins 0419 798 726
14 Flooring June/July 2012FocusOn
Groups, co-ops
and franchises
A buying group is a group purchasing organisation created to Andersens
leverage the purchasing power of a group of businesses to
obtain discounts from vendors based on the collective buying
power of its members. Likewise, it gives these members the
ability to meet the massive minimum order quantities required
by manufacturers and some distributors. More importantly, it
gives them the combined strength to come close to competing
with big box retailers.
Usually, buying groups are funded by administrative fees
that are paid by its members. These fees can be set as a
percentage of the purchase or set as an annual flat rate.
Co-operatives allow members to pool resources to achieve
greater benefits than they could as individuals. Co-operatives
belong to, and are operated for, the benefit of members who
generally share investment and operational risks, benefits
and losses.
The nature and extent of co-operatives’ operations
depend on member support, such as the amount of capital
contributed, the personal efforts of directors and officers and
members’ patronage of their co-operative.
www.andersens.com.au
Franchising is a business relationship in which the
Andersens was founded by Jack Andersen in 1958 in the town
franchisor (the owner of the business providing the product
of Gatton just west of Brisbane based on the principles of
or service) assigns to independent people (the franchisees)
honesty, integrity and respect in all aspects of the business – a
the right to market and distribute the franchisor's goods or
philosophy which is still paramount today and which, combined
service, and to use the business name for a fixed period of
with professional, leading-edge business operating systems and
time.
practices, has earned them a reputation as a respected name
The International Franchise Association defines franchising
in floorcoverings for over 50 years.
as a "continuing relationship in which the franchisor provides
Andersens now has over 50 stores across Queensland and
a licensed privilege to do business, plus assistance in
Northern New South Wales, and boasts the largest warehousing
organising training, merchandising and management in
facility in Queensland.
return for a consideration from the franchisee".
By nature of the relationship, the franchise agreement will
be imbalanced in favour of the franchisor, as the franchisor
must at all times remain in control over certain standards Choices
critical to the ongoing success of the business format.
In Australia and New Zealand there are floorcovering retail
groups that fit all three of these business models. These groups
include:
Carpet Court www.choicesflooring.com.au
Choices The Choices story began in 1993 when Newfurn Limited,
Andersens a co-operative group of independent furniture retailers
FloorWorld established in 1959, first launched the brand. From an initial
The Wool Set 17 stores in Victoria the brand has grown to being a major
Independent Carpets force in Australian retail today.
CarpetOne In 2011 the group undertook a major development
Carpet Call decision – to change the name to Choices to better reflect
Independent Floors - ICR (Independent Carpet Retailers) their offering to their customers.
Flooring Xtra “Our evolution from Carpet Choice to Choices allowed us
Australian Floor Style to review all aspects of our business including our brand,
Homemakers Floorzone the products we sell, the people we sell them to, and the in-
Harvey Norman store experience, all from a customer's perspective. 18
16 Flooring June/July 2012The opportunity you’ve been
searching for with Australia’s
leading flooring Group.
In an increasingly competitive market where customers
are becoming savvier and more demanding by the day, the
Your future is all about Choices
decisions you make now will determine how successful your Apart from buying strength, here are some other things worth
business will be in the future. So it may well be time to consider considering about Australia’s leading floor coverings Group:
talking to Choices Flooring, Australia’s leading flooring Group. ìMember, equally owned cooperative
ìRecognised as a BRW Top 500 company
The strength, solidarity and respect of
ìStrong Australia-wide store network
the Choices Flooring Group provides
the foundation to succeed. It offers ìThe most supportive
you the opportunity to retain your Member-focused Group
independence and combine your ìAccredited national training programs
experience with the support of the ìCategory leading national, regional
most effective Group in the industry. and local store marketing program
ìLargest marketing budget in the floor
covering industry
If you feel we could be the Group you’ve been searching
for please contact Choices Flooring to discover more
about Australia’s most dynamic flooring Group.
Phone Tim Drew on: (03) 9850 9311
email: tdrew@choicesflooring.com.auFocusOn
16
CarpetOne
www.carpetone.com.au
Carpet One is a co-operative and one of the world’s largest retail
floorcovering groups. It has over 1000 stores worldwide which
means it has huge buying power.
Carpet One is a co-operative business and, as such, does
not offer a one size fits all solution. It comprises a group of local
businesses that have joined with other local businesses to bring
a competitive alternative to big corporations.
“Retailing today is about consumer engagement, and
Choices Flooring leads the flooring industry in every aspect
of consumer engagement.
“At Choices Flooring, we make our brand and our member
stores more valuable by providing innovative retail solutions
across the areas of product, training, merchandising,
leasing, marketing, insurance, administration and book-
keeping, store design and merchandising.”
Choices Flooring is a retail group focused on best
practise in retail and, in an increasingly competitive retail
business environment, this focus, together with the strength
and solidarity of its members, provides a foundation for new
members to come on board and enjoy greater profitability.
“When you join our group, you know you are joining a Carpet Call
respected group in the industry, which still operates as a
www.carpetcall.com.au
true co-operative.”
Carpet Call is widely recognised as one of the best known
brands in the carpet and floorcoverings industry. The jingle "call,
Carpet Court call Carpet Call, the experts in the trade" is known by practically
everyone.
www.carpetcourt.com.au
Back in 1975, Jim Smith, the founder and managing director
As Australia's largest retail floor covering specialist, Carpet Court
of Carpet Call opened his first carpet retail store in metropolitan
takes great pride in its reputation for expertise and advice based
Brisbane. Jim Smith remains the owner, but now he manages a
on superior product knowledge.
retail network of over 120 outlets with a turnover of over $150
With stores located across Australia, its experienced and
million.
informed staff take pride in offering assistance to its customers.
Carpet Call has extensive retail networks in all mainland
Each Carpet Court store is locally owned and operated and
capital cities, and fully support this with state based
members are committed to employing the most skilled and
administration and warehousing facilities.
experienced carpet layers to ensure the best quality in every
possible way.
20
18 Flooring June/July 2012Join the world’s largest carpet retailer
“Being an independent
carpet retailer was tough.
Joining the CarpetOne group enabled
me to grow my business and enjoy
WKHEHQHȴWVRIJOREDOEX\LQJSRZHUȋ
Paul Allen
CarpetOne, Canberra
Call and speak with The all new
David Meyer, GM CarpetOne.com.au
07 3725 8600 for more information Bring your floor to lifeFocusOn
18
Harvey Norman Australian Floor Style
www.harveynorman.com.au/flooring www.australianfloorstyle.com.au
Harvey Norman Flooring currently consists of a 52 retail franchises The Australian Floor Style group began over 22 years ago. It was
as well as a commercial franchise. originally called the Blue Ribbon Group up until 1996.
Its continued growth in the current tough retail environment is This co-operative is different from some of the other groups in
on the back of exclusive products, extensive marketing and driven the flooring industry especially the franchise models. Appointed
franchisees. members directly run the organisation, make decisions
Franchisees prefer not be a part of price wars on like for democratically and use capital for mutual rather than individual
like product, instead opting to promote ranges where there are benefit.
exclusivity arrangements in place. This allows them to maintain
the necessary levels of gross profit required to operate a financially
successful business.
The support structure offered by the franchisor ensures
franchisees have consistent assistance in all areas, from product
selection and marketing, right through to accounting and
administration support. The franchisees collectively see themselves
as a team and this certainly assists in the group working together to
achieve the consistent growth being realised.
Independent Floors
www.independentfloors.com.au
In 1981, the Independent
Carpet Retailers Group
invited ten retailers to
attend a conceptual
marketing meeting. The
idea behind this was that
ten stores under the same
banner would have more
buying power than any one
store alone.
Over the last 20
years, the ICR group
Independent Carpets has continued to select
independent retailers to join in its success. Today, the group has
www.independentcarpets.com.au
over 90 stores nationally and continues to expand its established
Independent Carpet Centres is a group of like-minded flooring
brand of flooring expertise.
retailers comprising NSW's largest and most successful carpet
Although the name has since changed to Independent Floors,
buying group.
its aim to provide the perfect balance of knowledge and experience,
Independent Carpets have been in the carpet industry for
exceptional customer service, professional installation, excellent
over 35 years in Australia. its alliances with Australia's largest
quality products and all year round competitive and affordable
manufacturers and distributors allow it to secure the very best deals
prices hasn’t changed.
for its customers while being able to obtain numerous lines that are
exclusive to them.
Independent Carpets supports Australian made products. Floorworld
www.floorworld.com.au
All Floorworld stores are
locally owned and operated,
and can provide a great
range matched with the right
advice from friendly industry
professionals. Its buying
power and virtual warehouse
concept provides customers
with a large array of products
at substantial savings.
Floorworld members have the facilities to cater for domestic and
commercial clients with decades of combined experience and over
37 locations around Australia.
20 Flooring June/July 2012The WoolSet HomeMakers Floorzone
www.woolset.com.au
The WoolSet prides itself on providing its customers with the best
in wool carpets from its 20 stores across Victoria, New South Wales
and Tasmania.
www.floorzoneaustralia.com.au
This year marks the 40th year of Homemakers Floorzone – a group
of independent retailers banding together to provide each member
with the strength of many and the buying power to maximise their
competitive edge and capture market share. With a large national
network based on the purchasing conglomerate, the group’s buying
power is equal to some of the bigger names in the industry allowing
independent retailers the ability to offer prices and savings that are
more than competitive in an increasingly difficult marketplace.
The group operates a carpet warehouse that creates substantial
financial advantages by eliminating the need for members to hold
stock and all product held in the warehouse is purchased to give
Flooring First - Composite Retail Group group members a competitive market price on a cut length basis, in
the shortest time frame possible.
Flooring Members have
First
®
access to a centralised
“total flooring solutions” team of seasoned retail
professionals to draw
www.flooringfirst.co.nz
upon for overcoming
Flooring First is a member
hurdles.
of one of the largest retail
buying co-operatives in
New Zealand, allowing
Note: Information supplied by the groups or taken from their websites.
its member retailers all
the benefits of being in
business for themselves, but not by themselves.
Its co-operative structure offers excellent networking
opportunities, a pro-active website and 0800 number, central
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percentage of sales.
Being part of the Flooring First Co-operative offers many ways to
create wealth and return on investment. Con-Treat has all the products and
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Flooring June/July 2012 21Resilient
Colour and
sustainability is king
Bold use of colour and inspiring project is a great example of the way
sustainability imperatives were hallmarks urban design ideas are impacting on
of the entries in the 2012 Fly Forbo interior design and making workplaces
Awards, leaving judges in awe of the that are better for people”.
designers’ creativity and the commitment
from clients to exceed their social and New Zealand winner Australian winner – Yum! Delicious Space.
environmental responsibilities. According to judges, the spectacular Picture by Tyrone Branigan.
The overall Australian winner was WMK atrium of the Waikato Hospital Acute
Architecture of Sydney and Melbourne, Services Building in New Zealand was ‘a
which was chosen for its Yum! Delicious stand-out’ to win the Fly Forbo Award
Space office fit-out. 2012 for CJM (a joint venture between
The inspiring ‘marketplace’ concept Chow:Hill, Jasmax Limited and McConnel
for Yum! (the parent company of KFC, Smith & Johnson).
Pizza Hut and Taco Bell), incorporated a “Bold swathes of vivid colour and
graphic depiction of a town plan as part dramatic shapes create a visually exciting
of the floor design, denoting the area as interior landscape that is so much more
a gathering space for the whole company welcoming and uplifting than traditional
– a hub where staff can relax, work, meet institutional surroundings,” said Bruhn.
New Zealand winner – Waikato Hospital Acute
together and eat together. “This monolithic design brings Services Building atrium.
“All the finish choices made character, warmth and life to the
throughout the fitout had sustainability space, as well as providing some
at the forefront,” said Petra Bonamy, comforting privacy to visitors during “Fly Forbo Award recognises,
Senior Designer. “Considering the their very stressful time. Choosing celebrates and reward design
rigorous demands placed on the area, permanently anti-bacterial, easy clean achievement, and the 2012 competition
Yum’s focus on sustainability and and sustainable Marmoleum as the brought forward some remarkable
the importance of creating a visually surface material just adds to the design’s projects,” said Donovan. “The use of
descriptive identity for the space, the value and functionality. It is a knock-out Marmoleum in so many demonstrates the
use of Forbo Marmoleum was a natural combination,” said Donovan. crucial role of truly sustainable materials
choice,” she said. CJM’s client, the Waikato District by Australia’s and New Zealand’s top
“The project uses tangible design Health Board wanted an inviting, designers.”
elements combined with material choice relaxing space with strong identity that Commendations have been awarded
to communicate to Yum’s employees, related back to the local environment, in Australia to:
in a positive and symbolic manner, that to give people a sense of comfort and • Harmer Architecture – Monash
they are there to make a change for the ownership. Peninsular Activity & Recreation
better,” said Wayne Donovan, managing Marko den Breems of Jasmax Limited, Centre, in Frankston, Victoria, Australia
director of Forbo Flooring Systems. “It is the joint CJM project director who led • Suters architects – Richmond Tigers
a wonderful example of clever and stylish the design for the atrium said: “Usually Headquarters, Punt Road Oval,
sustainable design in action.” atriums are large spaces that people feel Victoria, Australia.
Co-judge Cameron Bruhn, editorial quite threatened to enter, but the Acute • McBride Charles Ryan Architects –
director Architectural Media, said: “This Services atrium is welcoming. Our design PEGS Junior Boys, Essendon, Victoria,
expresses the colours and undulations of Australia;
farmland and rolling hills central to the • White Cube – the Zelman Cowen
FreeFit ™
Clickless, Glueless 45cm Vinyl Tile.
Waikato area’s identity. A palette was
created from greens, orange/yellow and
slatey warm dark greys.”
Gallery of Australian Jewish History, St
Kilda, Victoria, Australia.
New Zealand commendations went
Darryl Carey from Chow:Hill to:
and CJM’s project director on the • Inside Ltd, Wellington NZ (Daniel
redevelopment, added: “Naturally the Buxton) – New Zealand Rugby
client imperative was for finishes that are Museum and Te Manawa Museums
low maintenance, economical and easy- Trust development, Palmerston North,
to-keep over the long term. Marmoleum NZ.
was chosen for its durability, affordability • Athfield Architects, Wellington –
and its appropriateness for a hospital Palmerston North City Library, NZ.
environment. Sustainability was also a • Jackson Architects Ltd, Taranaki, NZ
Call David Coggins 0419 798 726 factor in the selection of this surface,” he using Flotex – Waiouru Replacement
said. School, Waiouru, New Zealand.
22 Flooring June/July 2012You can also read
