‘Uncharted Territory:’ How Wood Floor Companies Are Responding to the Coronavirus

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As entire states go on lockdown and the government urges self-quarantines in an attempt to contain the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the wood flooring industry, along with the rest of the country, is facing unprecedented challenges. Here is how some wood flooring businesses have responded to the crisis so far.

Galleher LLC (Santa Fe Springs, Calif.) President Jeff Hamar announced the distributor is remaining open at all of its branches, noting it qualifies as an essential business under the “shelter in place” orders in place in Northern California.

“Our role in the home construction and home maintenance channel is critical as California works to meet the needs of an enormous shortage of housing units,” Hamar stated. “All of our facilities in California (21), Arizona (2), Nevada (2) and Utah (1) will remain open for will call and delivery.”

The company is making accomodations for some employees to work remotely but customers will not be impacted.“We may change some hours at some of our branches, and we will clearly be emphasizing social distancing in all our interactions,” Hamar added.

Bona US (Englewood, Colo.) announced it remains in operation and is taking meetings electronically as needed:

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Floor & Decor CEO Tom Taylor announced to customers Thursday that stores would remain open where possible, but would be reducing operation hours. It is also limiting warehouse store hours for pickup of online orders only:

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Mannington Mills (Salem, N.J.) is remaining open, but suspending face-to-face meetings and visitations and offering flexible stay-at-home options for its employees to reduce the number of people in its facilities.

“In my 40-plus years in this industry, I have never experienced anything quite like this; and I continue to be amazed and impressed by the positive attitude and resilience of our associates,” President and CEO Robert Grizzle said in a statement. “Our manufacturing and distribution center locations are all fully operational and the Mannington team stands ready to assist customers in any way we can.”

The border between Canada and the U.S. closed amid the pandemic, but Mercier Wood Flooring (Montmagny, Q.C.) assured customers its shipments are moving as planned amid the pandemic.

“It is important to understand that trucking is not affected by this measure and that all commercial shipments (trucks, boats & trains) between both countries are maintained,” stated Luc Robitaille, VP of sales and marketing at Mercier. “Therefore, our wood flooring deliveries and reception of raw materials aren’t at all affected at this time. We currently have well-balanced and sufficient inventories to meet present and future demand and our deliveries shall continue as usual. We continue to be in operation while closely monitoring the latest developments on COVID-19 and being mindful in protecting the well-being of our employees and the communities where we operate.”

State of the Art Wood Floor Gallery in New York City has closed its showroom to walk-ins, but is maintaining communication and its sampling services to customers. It shared the following message:

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Daniel Floors in Roswell, Ga., closed its showroom to visitors and is also offering live-stream consultations for its customers:

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My Flooring America, a retailer in Denton, Texas, is remaining open with CDC-recommended precautions in place, but announced to customers it is also offering “quarantine shopping” options via FaceTime or Skype:

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Headquartered in Baltimore, Fishman Flooring Solutions President Bob Wagner announced March 19 that the company will continue to operate at its 37 locations, although like many, the situation “remains fluid.” In addition, to help customers who have emergency needs or don’t have the necessary tools to complete a flooring project in progress, the company is also waiving its minimum order for delivery service at this time. It asked that customers also call ahead for pickup orders so orders can be prepared prior to arrival and all can practice social distancing.

“‘The struggle you are in today,’ it has been said, ‘is developing the strength you need for tomorrow,’” Wagner stated. “Our sincere wish is that everyone emerges from these difficult times in a better and stronger place.”

Mac Davis Flooring in Nantucket, Mass., opted to close its showroom, but shared contact information with customers who would like to get in touch:

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What actions has your business taken in response to the coronavirus pandemic? Let us know in the comments below, or email us at [email protected].

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