Hello blucken-ga,
I?m amazed at how much information is available about the ceramic tile
industry. I?m also amazed at how complex and confusing an industry it
is. As I mentioned in my clarification, there are a lot of market
research reports available that would give you detailed information to
answer all aspects of your question. I?ve listed a collection of these
as a section in my answer. You are also in luck because one of the
fairly recent reports is available for free although it would normally
cost $500. It?s a good place to start.
http://www.freedoniagroup.com/pdf/focussample.pdf
Freedonia Focus on Ceramic Tile ? September 2002
Description:
This report discusses US ceramic tile for the years 1996 and 2001,
with forecasts to 2006. Topics covered include market size, product
segmentation and forecasts, trade, ceramic tile distribution, market
environment, industry composition and leading participants. Product
segments include small glazed tile, large glazed tile, and mosaic and
unglazed tile. This 16 page report also includes a highlights summary
and a resources section.
Start with page 7 for a description of Ceramic Tile Distribution. This
report states that ?independent and manufacturer-owned distributors
account for 85 percent of ceramic tile sold in the US. Home centers
and building materials dealers account for 15 percent, but are seeing
faster sales growth. Of the tile sold through distributors, almost
half is sold to home builders and developers. About one-third is sold
to contract specialty tile dealers, and the remainder is sold to
independent floorcovering retailers. Home Depot and lowe?s are the two
leading flooring retailers.?
The rest of the report covers Industry Trends, Industry Structure and
key players. This will give you a good introduction to the rest of the
material I?ve gathered.
The research results show that the ceramic tile industry is going
through lots of mergers and acquisitions while it is also experiencing
significant growth. Close to 80 percent of the tile is imported.
Distribution of both imported and domestically manufactured tile is
fragmented and there is little brand recognition for the hundreds of
products available. Much of the trade press discussion focuses on the
importance of floorcovering retailers branching becoming generalists
and including ceramic tiles in the mix of products they sell.
One of the main issues in the retail sales of ceramic tile is the
problem of installation. Whoever buys the tile will have to find a
reliable installer and it seems that there is a shortage of qualified
installers. Many of the articles in the trade press urge independent
ceramic tile retailers and comprehensive floorcovering retailers to
provide installation services. The home improvement centers sell
direct to the consumer for ?do it yourself? installation but they also
are grappling with finding installers to help their customers.
I?ve collected a wide variety of resources that I think will give you
a good understanding of what is happening in the ceramic tile industry
and especially concerning the changing retail channels. Please ask for
clarification if what I?ve found is not sufficient and I?ll be happy
to get you what you need.
Best wishes for your explorations.
~ czh ~
===========================================
CERAMIC TILE INDUSTRY ? OVERVIEW AND TRENDS
===========================================
http://www.professionalspeaker.net/RetailEvolution3.html
Ceramic And Stone Revolution
? "88.4% of all flooring is purchased through floor covering specialty
stores and home centers while only 18% of ceramic is bought through
these same channels. Other studies have revealed that over 90% of
consumers want to buy ceramic and stone from full-service flooring
retailers. This spells opportunity for America's retailers.
***** It is interesting to see that the circumstances of many of the
companies mentioned in this series of articles has changed
significantly.
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.ceramicindustry.com/CDA/ArticleInformation/features/BNP__Features__Item/0,2710,61634,00.html
08/01/2001
Domestic Tile Market Faces Challenges in Construction Levels, Imports
In the commercial sector, the retail market (26-30% of the commercial
tile market) is expected to experience near-term weakness based on
falling consumer confidence and employment. However, stronger growth
is expected to begin in 2003 based on the age of existing stock,
replacement needs and overall economic growth.
Commercial Sector
-- retail market (26-30% of the commercial tile market)
-- office market (19-22% of the commercial tile market
-- educational market (13-16% of the commercial tile market)
-- hospitality industry (8-12% of the commercial tile market)
-- health care/institutional market (5-8% of the commercial tile market)
-- remaining commercial markets (12-29% of the commercial tile market)
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.ceramicindustry.com/CDA/ArticleInformation/features/BNP__Features__Item/0,2710,82242,00.html
08/01/2002
U.S. Tile Sales Hold Steady; Imports Continue Fueling Growth
The Tile Council of America?s economist, Dr. Mark Glueck with Capital
Economics, predicted at Coverings 2001 that tile sales would reach
2.562 billion square feet in 2001 and would increase to over 3.0
billion square feet by the year 2005. In October, Glueck reduced the
forecast to 2.339 billion square feet for 2001, increasing to 2.711
billion square feet by 2004.
Plant Consolidations and Expansions
Current Sales Statistics
Future Trends
International Tile Markets at a Glance
***** This article gives an overview of the international ceramic tile
market in 2002 and reviews the trends that indicate continued growth
after a short downturn in 2001.
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.tileusa.com/amstatesp02.htm
State of the Americas' Ceramic Tile Industry (November 2002)
Distribution Trends: There has been an accelerating tendency towards
increased sales through "big box" stores. These stores seek out
low-priced tile from anywhere in the world and essentially by-pass the
traditional manufacturing and distribution systems. It appears that
large retail suppliers such as Mannington, Shaw, Armstrong, and others
are responding to this challenge by adopting the same strategy, which
is to directly import their own product lines on a private-label
basis. And then there is Mohawk that recently purchased DalTile
forming a very large tile manufacturing and distribution organization.
United States Market
United States Manufacturing Trends
Product Standards
Challenges to Growth
Competition from the Americas
***** This article presents a good review of the industry in 2002.
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.floordaily.net/features/FeatCerSurv0502.htm
Floor Focus, May 2002
Ceramic Survey ? What Independent Retailers Think
More independent retailers than ever are adding ceramic tile to their product mix
Twenty years ago, most U.S. floorcovering retailers were specialists.
? Today, we still have some specialty rug dealers and ceramic
showrooms and some hardwood specialists, but the floorcovering world
has evolved dramatically. Most independent floorcovering retailers
carry a full array of carpets, area rugs, hardwood flooring, vinyl and
laminates. And that evolution continues. In the past few years, a
growing number of them have begun selling ceramic tile.
The world of the specialist is disappearing, and the floorcovering
generalist is taking over. And that trend is going to increase even
more dramatically now that the nation?s three largest floorcovering
manufacturers?Shaw, Mohawk and Armstrong?are increasing their
selections of ceramic and porcelain, or adding them to their product
mixes.
One of the most significant findings of the survey is how utterly
fragmented the U.S. ceramic business is, and how it begs for some
brand identity.
But overseas manufacturers are not alone in their lack of brand
promotion. Retailers know the Dal-Tile name almost by default. The
company has the largest tile distribution network in the U.S., but its
promotional efforts barely go beyond that. According to the 2002 U.S.
FLOOReport, not a single dollar was spent on consumer advertising by
Dal-Tile or any of the leading ceramic tile producers in 2000. And
very little is spent on advertising to the retailers, either. The fact
is, American consumers know virtually nothing about Dal-Tile or any
other ceramic tile manufacturer.
COMPETITION
It seems it?s all about pricing. Competitive pricing was the biggest
problem for almost a quarter of the respondents ? When independent
retailers complain about pricing, it?s likely they?re talking about
being undercut by home centers, which brings us to what the
independents perceive as their second greatest problem?competition
from home centers.
In reality, the competitive pricing and home center problems are
linked. So far, the big boxes seem to offer a wider range of styles
and lower prices than the majority of independent floorcovering
retailers. But then, the home centers have been involved with ceramics
a lot longer than most independents.
***** This is a long article and it is filled with statistics and
insights about the changing trends in the ceramic floor tile industry.
The report also includes the names of manufacturers and key players.
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.floordaily.net/features/FeatCSurv0303.htm
Floor Focus, March 2003
Independents Continue to Expand Their Ceramic Tile Business
Ceramic Tile Survey ? What Independent Retailers Think
It?s apparent that the market is growing. According to the Tile
Council of America, the ceramic market grew from 2.3 billion square
feet in 2001 to 2.4 billion square feet last year, a little over 4%.
Sales in 2002 were up even more, an estimated 14% in square feet and
slightly less than that in dollar sales. Along with that growth, we?ve
seen four of the largest U.S. floorcovering manufacturers?Mohawk,
Shaw, Armstrong and Mannington?become very involved in the category.
As a result, more independent floorcovering retailers have entered the
category, and those who have been in it for a while continue to give
ceramic more space on their showroom floors. This year, 27%?compared
to just 18% a year ago?said ceramic takes up 26% to 50% of their floor
space.
Selling direct to installers is what respondents most want to see
changed in their business. Again and again retailers told us they
wanted suppliers to ?quit selling to tilesetters and the end user.? If
comments like this are any indication, suppliers could be walking a
fine line by selling direct. In the long run, this practice could
alienate both consumers and dealers. In the words of one retailer,
?selling exclusively to storefronts would improve their efficiencies
and their trust among dealers.?
***** This is a follow-up survey to the one cited above and gives you
current information about the issues independent retailers consider
most important.
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.floordaily.net/features/FeatCeramic0501.htm
Floor Focus, May 2001
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are the fastest growing floorcoverings in the U.S.
The two primary channels of distribution for tile are independent
distributors?both tile and floorcovering distributors?and manufacturer
owned distributors. Those two channels distribute 85% of all the
ceramic tile sold in the U.S. today. Home centers account for the
remaining 15% of the market and that channel is growing rapidly.
Some 41% of the tile sold through distributors goes to home builders
and developers. Contract tile specialty dealers are second at 29%. The
fastest growing segment, though, is the independent floorcovering
retailer, who accounts for 15% of sales:
***** This article also gives you a good overview of the domestic vs.
imported tile markets and discusses recent developments with various
manufacturers.
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.ntlfloortrends.com/CDA/ArticleInformation/coverstory/BNPCoverStoryItem/0,2913,112161,00.html
11/10/2003
NFT Study Sheds Light on 2003 Ceramic/Stone Tile Market
The ceramic and stone tile segment of the floor covering product mix
is expected to grow by over 17 percent in the next 18 months (see
chart 1), according to floor covering retailers/contractors responding
to a just-completed study conducted by National Floor Trends magazine
in partnership with the market research department of Business News
Publishing Co.
According to the study, issues currently impacting the ceramic/stone
business are topped by (multiple responses allowed): increasing
numbers of Big Box channels, 61 percent; increasing competition from
other flooring channels, 47 percent; eroding profit margins, 38
percent; other flooring types, 35 percent; consolidation among
retailers and manufacturers, 31 percent; and consumer brand switching,
11 percent. The Big Boxes are viewed by the majority of respondents as
neutral in affecting business, but are viewed as very negative by more
respondents than very positive, presently and in 18 months.
Other important survey findings include: 68 percent of floor covering
retailers/contractors sell ceramic/stone products. Look for this
percentage to continue to increase in the coming years.
Over two-thirds (68 percent) of retailers/contractors expect their
tile sales to increase, while 31 percent expect tile sales to stay
about the same for the next 18 months. Of those expecting an increase,
37 percent project a 6 to10 percent increase in the segment.
Consumption of ceramic and stone tile breaks down as follows: floor
tile, 70 percent; wall tile, 15 percent; countertops & backsplashes, 8
percent; trims & decorative tile, 5 percent; and exterior, 2 percent.
This will be a definite growth area for the floor covering
retailer/contractor as most tile manufacturers produce complementary
products for floor, wall and countertop applications.
RETAIL FLOOR COVERING INDUSTRY ? CERAMIC TILE SALES
http://www.tileusa.com/retailsp.htm
What Every Retail Floor Covering Store Should Know About Ceramic Tile,
But Was Afraid to Ask
Are you in the retail floor covering sales business? Have you thought
about selling ceramic tile but were hesitant? Customers visit your
store to select finishing materials for their home. Why let them
escape to another venue to select their ceramic products?
Perhaps the tile industry looks different to you if you've been used
to selling carpeting and sheet goods. There are some reasons. The
products you've been selling have been likely made in the US by a
handful of producers. With ceramic tile there are thousands of
producers all over the world vying for your business.
I. Why should you sell ceramic tile?
Simply put, it is a hot product. Sales have increased by double digits
for four of the past five years. Total market growth has been 75% in
those years and is forecast to continue at a strong rate for the next
five years. Tile has an inherently high profit margin. The value of
tile can be effectively marketed to the consumer and you can escape
the cost-cutting frenzy found in other categories. Tile is very
popular and has doubled its share of the building products market in
the past ten years.
***** This is a presentation from the Tile Council of America making
the pitch to the independent floor covering industry to carry more
ceramic tile products. The article highlights some of the issues that
are different from other floor coverings.
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.ntlfloortrends.com/CDA/ArticleInformation/features/BNP__Features__Item/0,2915,87350,00.html
Posted on: 11/07/2002
Putting the State of the U.S. Ceramic Tile Market into Proper Perspective
A: The top five U.S. producers are DalTile, Florida Tile, Laufen/U.S.
Ceramic, Crossville, and Florim. They do not indicate how much of
their tile is imported vs. produced domestically.
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.ntlfloortrends.com/CDA/ArticleInformation/features/BNP__Features__Item/0,2915,5973,00.html
Posted on: 06/28/2000
Wholesale Tile Distribution: A Closer Look
So what about wholesale tile distribution? Well, it seems to be
following the overall national trends. The average tile distributor is
small. Surveys by the Ceramic Tile Distributors Association (CTDA) and
National Floor Trends indicate that 75% of all distributors do less
than $10 million annually. This would indicate that, just like most
other industries, we have a small, fragmented distribution channel.
The four major forces currently transforming wholesale distribution
are consolidation, inventory transparency, Internet retailing, and the
commoditization of logistics/physical delivery. I?ll discuss each of
these forces in detail.
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.daltile.com/corp_info/
Industry?s Broadest Distribution Network. Dal-Tile products are sold
through three distribution channels consisting of :
· company-operated sales centers
· independent distributors
· home center retailers
Daltile brand products are sold primarily through a network of
company-operated sales centers. With over 220 locations, these sales
centers form the largest manufacturer operated wholesale distribution
network in the U.S. ceramic tile industry. Each sales center functions
as a "one-stop" source for ceramic tile, stone products installation
materials and tools.
The American Olean brand is primarily distributed through
approximately 186 independent distributor locations which service both
residential and commercial customers in the U.S. and Canada.
Dal-Tile supplies ceramic tile to the do-it-yourself and
buy-it-yourself markets through home center retailers, such as The
Home Depot, Lowe?s and HomeBase, and services more than 1,200 home
center retail outlets throughout the nation.
---------------------------------------------
http://www.floordaily.net/features/FeatDistEv0503.htm
Floor Focus, May 2003
What challenges do floorcovering retailers face in their bid to become
leading suppliers of ceramic floors?
It?s becoming real obvious that ceramic tile and stone are the next
big potential growth categories for independent floorcovering
retailers. It?s also real obvious that the retailer who thinks he or
she can devote 50 square feet and 100 skus to the category isn?t going
to make it. Selling tile and stone is a distinct business, with its
own set of product needs and service.
Another thing that?s becoming obvious is that Home Depot and Expo
Design Center are not the independent retailer?s real competition. The
independent tile and stone showrooms rule the business now, and
they?ll continue to do so forever unless the floorcovering specialists
can give consumers the same kind of service and product selection they
do.
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.ceramicindustry.com/CDA/ArticleInformation/coverstory/BNPCoverStoryItem/0,2708,8357,00.html
Posted on: 08/11/2000
Tile Market Continues Growth Despite Anticipated Slowdowns
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.floordaily.net/features/FeatDistEv0403.htm
Floor Focus, April 2003
What would happen if the floorcovering industry really began marketing
its products to the consumer?
So why hasn?t anybody done it before? One major reason is that our
industry was very fragmented at both the manufacturing and retail
levels until five years ago. But that?s not the case anymore. Today,
we have two manufacturers?Mohawk and Shaw?with sales of more than $4
billion and two retailers?Home Depot and Carpet One?with sales of $4.7
billion and $3.3 billion, respectively.
--------------------------------------------
http://www.floordaily.net/features/FeatDistEv1002.htm
Floor Focus, October 2002
How long will it be before independent flooring retailers dominate the
ceramic tile business?
Ceramic tile sales have been growing dramatically over the past
decade. Most of the growth, though, has come from Italian, Spanish,
Turkish and other overseas companies. So it?s not surprising that a
growing number of American manufacturers are now marketing ceramic
tile. In August, both Armstrong and Mannington, the leading hard
surface manufacturers, joined that list.
The entry of Armstrong and Mannington into this sector?both will
introduce their first products in January?is the most dramatic change
in the sector since Mohawk bought Dal-Tile. It means that four
companies that account for 65% of total U.S. floorcovering sales now
sell ceramic and porcelain tiles. (Not to mention CCA Global, which
has made a big commitment to the tile business with its Liz Claiborne
collection, and its distribution agreements with Armstrong and Florida
Tile.)
Once these four giants get rolling, we should see a dramatic shift in
the retail distribution channels. Right now, the majority of ceramic
floor tiles are sold through tile and stone specialty stores. Since
independent floorcovering retailers are the primary customers of Shaw,
Mohawk, Armstrong and Mannington, it stands to reason that they will
be the primary outlets for the products those four companies market.
----------------------------------------------
http://jbmatthews.home.mindspring.com/articles_whatareimporters.html
What are Importers, Dealers, and Distributors
Until the late 1970?s in North America, there was a distinction
between importers, dealers, and distributors. There were channels of
distribution.
Today it is even more difficult to differentiate between the dealer,
importer, and distributor. The distributor was considered originally
as the wholesaler of stone. Many of these wholesalers are selling
direct to the dealers and to the owners/architects. Most major
distributors are importing directly. It has become increasingly easier
for anyone to import, as it has been for most producers overseas to
sell directly in the market place. With the advent of computers,
homepages and internet, more and more people are learning about stone
and able to communicate directly with the factories then ever before
and do so inexpensively. Stone trade shows have increased to the
extent that one can go to a stone show every month. They normally are
opened to the market place allowing anyone to go and see stone. The
stone business is well and alive. The residential market is carrying
most of the sales presently. The importer, dealer, and distributor are
all waiting for a strong upturn of sales in the commercial market. The
transition that the stone industry is in will continue for many years.
It is hard to foresee the future and who will survive. Stone and
ceramic tile will increase in sales yearly benefiting dealers the
most. The natural growth will be for the importer/distributor to
become one and in turn combine with the producers. Only time will tell
if this actually occurs.
=========================
HOME IMPROVEMENT INDUSTRY
=========================
http://biz.yahoo.com/ic/rthome.html
Industry Center - Retail (Home Improvement)
***** See wide variety of industry resources and company profiles.
-------------------------------------------------
http://reuters.investor.reuters.com/IndustryCenter.aspx?sectorcode=SERVIC&industrypscode=RTHOME&ticker=HD&target=%2findustries%2findhighlights%2findustrycenter
Industry Overview
Retail (Home Improvement) Industry
***** See Key Developments and Company Ranks
===============================================================
CERAMIC TILE INDUSTRY ? PUBLICATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS, TRADE SHOWS
===============================================================
http://www.tileusa.com/profile_main.htm
Tile Council of America (TCA)
TCA was established in 1945 with the sole purpose of expanding the
ceramic tile market in the United States. TCA's research laboratory
has developed and patented many innovative installation materials
which have improved ceramic tile installation.
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.coverings.com/
Coverings
March 23 - 26, 2004
Orange County Convention Center
Orlando, Florida
Coverings is the leading global trade event for ceramic tile, natural
stone, flooring and related products. Year after year, visitors from
every facet of these industries find Coverings to be the most
important event for finding out what is new, forging new business
relationships and growing their business.
Coverings attracts over 26,000 people from over 100 countries.
Visitors to Coverings see more than 1,450 exhibitors on over 500,000
net square feet of exhibit space. Coverings also features "Vision
2004", the largest educational conference sessions that attract
visitors from around the world.
http://www.coverings.com/about/report.html
2003 Visitor/Attendee Analysis
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.tile-assn.com/
The National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) is a non-profit trade
association serving every segment of the industry, and is recognized
as the largest and most respected national tile contractors
association in the world.
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.ctdahome.org/
Ceramic Tile Distributors Association (CTDA)
CTDA is an international association of distributors, manufacturers
and allied professionals of ceramic tile and related products.
http://www.ctdahome.org/busresrc/library.html
CTDA Publications Library
Distributor Profile Survey -- Free to members, $250.00 for non-members.
***** There are many other documents and reports available.
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.ceramic-tile.com/
Ceramic-tile.Com -- For information about the Ceramic Tile Industry:
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.nafcd.org/businesslinks.asp
The National Association of Floor Covering Distributors (NAFCD) was
organized to foster trade and commerce for those having a business,
financial, or professional interest as wholesale distributors or
manufacturers of floor coverings and allied products.
***** The Business Links for Distributors are especially helpful.
==============================================
CERAMIC TILE INDUSTRY ? COMPANIES, KEY PLAYERS
==============================================
http://www.daltile.com/corp_info/
Dal-Tile manufactures, distributes and markets high-quality ceramic
tile products. The largest U.S. ceramic tile manufacturer, and one of
the largest in the world, Dal-Tile currently operates nine
manufacturing facilities in the U.S. and Mexico, and employs over
7,900 persons.
Corporate Overview
Dal-Tile has been acquired by Mohawk Industries. For Mohawk investor
information, please click here.
http://www.corporate-ir.net/ireye/ir_site.zhtml?ticker=MHK&script=2100
Mohawk is a leading supplier of flooring for both residential and
commercial applications and a producer of woven and tufted broadloom
carpet, rugs and ceramic tile.
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.shawfloors.com/
Shaw Industries, Inc.
Shaw, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., is headquartered in
Dalton, Georgia. Shaw produces and sells carpet, rugs, ceramic,
hardwood, and laminate flooring for residential and commercial
applications throughout the world.
http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.mannington.com/
Mannington Mills, Inc.
No one knows more about making floors that will perform beautifully in
your home or office.
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.floridatile.com/
Florida Tile Industries, Inc. is a world-class distributor and
manufacturer of ceramic wall and floor tile. We also import and
distribute ceramic, natural stone, and porcelain products.
============================================
CERAMIC TILE INDUSTRY ? PORTALS, DIRECTORIES
============================================
http://www.ntlfloortrends.com/
National Floor Trends
***** This is a major portal with lots of resources. Search for
?ceramic tiles? to get a wide variety of articles and resources.
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.ceramicindustry.com/
Ceramic Industry
***** This is a another portal with lots of resources. Search for
?ceramic tiles? to get a wide variety of articles and resources.
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.infotile.com/
http://www.infotile.com/info/sitemap.shtml
InfoTile.com is an International resource for ceramic and stone tile
information as well as other surface coverings. InfoTile provides
information on manufacturers, retailers, allied products and more! You
can search for company locations world wide, or post your own
companies details for free.
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.floordaily.net/
Floor Daily is a joint venture between Floor Focus Magazine and Floor
Radio, the daily floorcovering industry radio show hosted by Dave
Foster. Floor Radio, which will celebrate its tenth anniversary next
April, airs out of Dalton, Georgia, the carpet capital of the world,
five days a week. For the past four years, it's also been broadcast
worldwide every day on the Internet. Floor Focus, which is published
ten times a year, looks at important floorcovering industry issues and
provides indepth analysis of those issues.
http://www.floordaily.net/searchnews.asp
Search Terms: ceramic,tile
***** This search yielded dozens of news articles from the past year.
Scrolling through these articles will give you a quick overview of the
current trends in industry consolidation, plant closings, and the
increasing role of imports.
Here are some highlights:
Florida Tile To Close Lakeland, FL Plant
Lakeland, FL, Nov. 18
CEO Galvez said the closure was painful but necessary. "By the end of
this year, imported ceramic tile will make up almost 80 percent of the
U.S. market," he said in a statement. "The sheer number of countries
and factories shipping ceramic into the U.S. now is staggering. In
order for a U.S. producer to compete and survive, whether the product
is ceramic tile, citrus or furniture, they've got to consolidate where
possible, improve efficiencies and add value.
------------------------
Mohawk U. Sets 2004 Course and Training Programs
Dalton, GA, Nov. 4?Mohawk University, the training division of Mohawk
Industries, will be even more valuable to retailers in 2004.
Mohawk University is expanding its courses, going to new cities across
the nation, and offering new electronic training tools in its efforts
to help dealers train salespeople, improve operations, and build sales
and profitability.
------------------------
Interceramic Adjusting To Industry Changes
Dallas, TX, Oct. 13--Increased competition and declining prices are
bombarding traditional players in the fast-growing U.S. ceramic floor
tile industry, spurring Garland-based tile maker Interceramic to
overhaul some of its business, according to the Dallas Business
Journal.
Two other tile manufacturers with their headquarters in the Metroplex,
Dal-Tile and Marazzi, are also responding to the highly competitive
tile market. Tile is the fastest-growing floor segment in the U.S.
Dallas-based Dal-Tile International, with nearly $890 million in sales
in 2002, is the market share leader in the U.S., followed by
Interceramic.
=========================================
CERAMIC TILE -- MARKET RESEARCH REPORTS
=========================================
http://www.freedoniagroup.com/pdf/focussample.pdf
Freedonia Focus on Ceramic Tile ? September 2002
Freedonia Focus on Ceramic Tile
Publication Date: 01-Sep-2002
Publication Type: Focus Report
Pages: 16
Price: $500.00 Delivery Format: PDF
Description:
This report discusses US ceramic tile for the years 1996 and 2001,
with forecasts to 2006. Topics covered include market size, product
segmentation and forecasts, trade, ceramic tile distribution, market
environment, industry composition and leading participants. Product
segments include small glazed tile, large glazed tile, and mosaic and
unglazed tile. This 16 page report also includes a highlights summary
and a resources section.
***** This report is available as a sample. The sections on Ceramic
Tile Distribution (Page 8) and Industry Structure (Pages 12-16) are
especially pertinent to your question.
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.marketstudies.com/cer2003/certoc.htm
The U.S. Ceramic Tile Market 2003 Edition
HIGHLIGHTS
The U.S. Market for Ceramic Tile posted a strong recovery in 2002 as
consumption reached 2.6 billion square feet driven by strength in the
residential sector and low inventory levels at retail. Following a 4%
decline in 2001, dollar volume rebounded in 2002 to $2.3 billion
despite continued price weakness?..
Market prices for ceramic tile slipped to 91 cents per square foot in
2002, a level last seen in 1985.
Imported tile dominates the U.S. Ceramic Tile Market with a 78% share
on a square footage basis, up from 64% in 1997. Following a flat
performance in 2001, imports advanced at a double-digit pace in 2002
reaching 2.0 billion square feet with gains across all product
categories. Italy, Spain, and Mexico are the leading suppliers to this
market, while Thailand, Colombia, China, Indonesia, Brazil, Malaysia,
and Turkey posted the highest growth rate for the year.
Mohawk Industries? Dal-Tile division posted an 8.6% sales advance in
the first nine months of 2002 while Interceramic?s international sales
rose 12.5%.
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http://www.mindbranch.com/catalog/product.jsp?display=brief&code=R263-1117&bundle=&partner=0
Ceramic Tiles
PRODUCT TYPE: Market Report
PUBLISHED DATE: August 2003
PUBLISHED BY: Global Industry Analysts
PAGE COUNT: 380
ORDER CODE: R263-1117
PRICE: $3950
-- Most comprehensive report covering worldwide markets
-- 220+ Companies profiled - Covering Key & Niche Players worldwide
-- 90+ Exhibits - Market Data, Tables, Shares, Analyses, Trends, etc.
-- 380+ Pages of original research content encompassing all facets
US Companies Profiled: Crossville Ceramics, Dal-Tile International,
Florida Tile Industries, Inc., Florim USA.
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http://www.mindbranch.com/catalog/product.jsp?code=R538-0794&partner=0
Tile, Marble, Terrazzo and Mosaic Contractors in the US
PRODUCT TYPE: Market Report
PUBLISHED DATE: July 2003
PUBLISHED BY: IBISWorld Pty Ltd
PAGE COUNT: 28
ORDER CODE: R538-0794
PRICE: $425
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in (1)
setting and installing ceramic tile, marble (interior only), terrazzo,
and mosaic and/or (2) mixing marble particles and cement to make
terrazzo at the job site. The tile, marble, terrazzo, and mosaic work
performed includes new work, additions, alterations, and maintenance
and repairs. This report covers the scope, size, disposition and
growth of the industry including the key sensitivities and success
factors. Also included are three year industry forecasts, growth rates
and an analysis of the industry key players and their market shares.
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http://www.catalinareports.com/ceramicabstract.html
CERAMIC TILE CR019:
Date: May 2002
Report Number: CR019
Pages: c.180
Price: $2,250
SUMMARY OF MAJOR FINDINGS
The U.S. ceramic tile market remains a growing sector of the domestic
floor coverings industry, especially on a volume basis. Volume sales
gains are benefiting from a healthy housing market, favorable
demographics, and the introduction of new products. Demand, however,
has been strongly stimulated by declining tile prices and installation
costs. This has made ceramic tile more competitive with other floor
covering materials. Declining product costs are a result of intense
competitive pressures among U.S. and foreign-based manufacturers. Weak
prices, coupled with rising labor and energy costs, have cut into
industry profit margins. Competitive pressures are expected to keep
prices and profit margins sluggish over the next five years, however,
declining tile prices will continue to drive rising demand.
DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS AND CONSUMER DEMOGRAPHICS
Ceramic tile distribution is analyzed by type of outlet. The specialty
floor covering store and home center channels are evaluated to
indicate the shifts in industry sales channels. In addition, the role
of the major U.S. floor coverings marketers are evaluated. Catalina
analyzed household spending on hard surface flooring products by
household income, age of household head, household size, and region to
point to important target markets.
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http://www.ibisworld.com/industry/definition.asp?industry_id=1018
44221 - Floor Covering Stores in the US
Published Date: 8-September-2003
Report Size: 21 pages
NAIC Code: 44221
Forecast to: 2006-07
Update Period: Every 4 months
Major Players Referenced:
· CCA Global Partners
· Lowe's Companies, Inc
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in retailing
new floor coverings, such as rugs and carpets, vinyl floor coverings,
and floor tile (except ceramic or wood only); or retailing new floor
coverings in combination with installation and repair services. A
business in this industry is involved in purchasing a variety of
products (such as carpets, rugs, tiles, etc) from wholesalers and
selling these products directly to consumers, generally without
developing or changing the product further. Most retailers in this
industry undertake sales and administrative activities such as
customer service; product merchandising; advertising; inventory
control; and cash handling.
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http://www.ibisworld.com/industry/Definition.asp?industry_id=1034
44419 - Other Building Material Dealers in the US
Published Date: 29-September-2003
Report Size: Over 20 pages
NAIC Code: 44419
Forecast to: 2006-07
Update Period: Every 4 months
Major Players Referenced:
· 84 Lumber Company
This industry is part of the Retail Trade sector in the US. Operators
in this industry retail a broad range of building material goods
including cabinets, tiles, floor coverings, electrical and plumbing
goods, doors and windows. These products are purchased from domestic
and international manufacturers and wholesalers. Operators then retail
these goods, through their stores, to the general public.
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http://www.ibisworld.com/industry/Definition.asp?industry_id=1031
44411 - Home Centers in the US
Published Date: 1-October-2003
Report Size: 34 pages
NAIC Code: 44411
Forecast to: 2006-07
Update Period: Every 4 months
Major Players Referenced:
· The Home Depot, Inc
· Lowe's Companies, Inc
· Menard, Inc
· Wickes Inc.
This industry is part of the Retail Trade sector in the US. Operators
in this industry retail a broad range of home repair and maintenance
goods including hardware, tools, equipment, plumbing and electrical
goods, lumber and structural material. These goods are purchased from
domestic (and in some cases international) manufacturers and
wholesalers. Operators then retail these goods, through their store,
to the general public. The majority of goods supplied by this industry
are purchased by consumers and contractors.
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SEARCH STRATEGY
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ceramic tile distribution channels
Ceramic Tile Market
ceramic tile distributors
ceramic tile distributors home centers
home improvement stores |
