EXCLUSIVE Q&A: RDI shines spotlight on flooring innovations — Only at SPECS

Retailers are using flooring to stepping up their store design game.

Durability, ease of installation and cost-efficiency are only a few factors influencing retailers’ flooring decisions. SPECS, March 10-12, at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, will highlight these and other flooring trends. (Click here to register for the conference.)

Cynthia Hirsch Ortiz, international president of the Retail Design Institute (RDI) spoke with Chain Store Age’s Deena Amato-McCoy about what to consider when choosing flooring materials.

What challenges are changing retailers’ approach flooring installations?

Flooring plays a crucial role in retailers’ overall customer experience — it must be safe, comfortable and also have aesthetic appeal. However, supply chain disruptions continue to impact the delivery of materials, which affects the timing of retailers’ remodels and design projects. Further, some flooring materials are subject to potential damage while in transit.

These factors are forcing retailers to consider new, more accessible options.

What are retailers considering when making flooring choices?

Every retailer is different but the top considerations across the board are durability, ease of installation, cost and sustainability. Another factor to consider is slip-resistant materials.

What materials best check these boxes?

Two options that address these needs are luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and polished concrete. LVT for example, is a hard surface flooring designed to withstand a lot of wear and tear, especially in high foot-traffic areas. This tile flooring is also available in a range of shapes, sizes and visual looks.

Like LVT, polished concrete is also highly durable, so it doesn’t show scratches or scuffs. This finish also doesn’t require the use of wax or sealers, making it low maintenance.

How important is it to differentiate “design looks” in both front and back of the house? Does this approach differ among retail segments?

As retailers try to differentiate their appearance in the front- and back-of-house, they are considering budget constraints, aesthetics and customer experience priorities. These decisions are also happening more frequently across higher end and luxury brands than at mid-tier retail.

To hear more about Ortiz’s insight into flooring trends and materials, join us as SPECS. Click here to register.