Home Emagination Adds Hard Surface and Goes Online After Proving Big Hit In Showrooms

March 4, 2004
Flooring America

Manchester, NH (March 4, 2004) –Following up on the enthusiastic response their new interactive decorator has received in its showrooms, Flooring America has added Home Emagination to the company web site, FlooringAmerica.com. In addition, hard surface flooring is now being added to the system both in-store and online, permitting customers to cross-coordinate ceramic, vinyl, laminate, hardwood flooring, and carpet.

Shoppers can use the online version of Home Emagination to guide them through the color selection process and help them choose a design palette that complements their interior decorating scheme. By taking a brief quiz about where and how their flooring will be used, customers can access specific product recommendations for flooring throughout their home.

“As soon as we saw the overwhelmingly positive response that the showroom edition of Home Emagination received since its introduction both in the U.S. and Canada, we knew we had to get its most utilized components online,” said Evan Hackel, President of Flooring America. Since it was introduced last September, more than 12,000 Flooring America in-store customers have used Home Emagination in selecting their purchases.

"Over one third of our member stores now feature Home Emagination—which we describe as Design Without Limits—in their showrooms," said Sally Kelly, Flooring America Vice President of Communications. “Customers gain a sense of confidence when getting personalized decorating ideas from an interactive program like Home Emagination. It balances all their needs and preferences. Plus, we’ve made it even better with the addition of hard surface.”

Customers using the showroom version of Home Emagination enjoy greater computing capabilities and features. The in-store version can help shoppers narrow down their preference in color, texture, and quality from among Flooring America’s more than 10,000 SKUs.

“This is not substitute for our sales personnel,” said Kelly, “but a tool to be used in conjunction with our
sales professionals, creating a three-way partnership between technology, salesperson, and customer.” Showroom customers can print their search results, and are provided with a personalized folder to take home their search results, quiz responses, and recommendations, plus a brochure with suggested coordinating color palettes.

Home Emagination online can be accessed at www.flooringamerica.com/homeemagination.

About Flooring America

Flooring America, with a sales volume of $1.4 billion, consists of more than 500 member-owned floor covering stores throughout the United States and Canada. Flooring America provides members with exclusive brands and warranty programs, comprehensive multi-media advertising programs, complete showroom merchandising packages, plus training in management and sales. It operates as a division of CCA Global Partners, the world's largest flooring group. For information on becoming a member of Flooring America, contact Tom Heffner, National Membership Director, at 800-466-6984, ext. 1501.