Hardwood Floors December 2019/January 2020

choice looks like in a large space, or they can visit floors.com/myroom to take a picture or upload an existing photo of their room, and very quickly see what that floor will look like in their own home. “We wanted to make sure the process was simple, as people do not have the time or patience to deal with a frustrating experience. We have had wonderful feedback on how this has changed how sales teams are showing the floors. It has helped people change their minds on what sort of floors to install in their homes,” says Keith. From attracting customers to improving the purchaser’s overall satisfaction, Keith believes tools like these are imperative in today’s competitive marketplace, as they allow for a genuine experience that resonates with the potential buyer. “Sales teams are under more pressure to get involved in their prospects’ internal decision-making processes to close more sales. As times change, companies need to adapt to thrive. We are a flooring manufacturer that focuses on the independent retailer. For these tools, we push them a differentiated experience. If a consumer goes to a big box store, they cannot get that kind of service and engaging experience,” says Keith. As for the future, Keith says Mannington says there are plans to innovate further once the technology evolves. “We have future plans for augmented reality once the technology catches up, but as of today, it still looks slightly cartoon-like. So right now, our focus is on creating an engaging experience that is relative to the consumer, easy, and uses the tools they have with them all of the time,” says Keith. g toward our retail sales associates to allow them to offer