By Tanja Kern, Chief Editor

The National Floorcovering Alliance is celebrating 30 years. It’s quite a milestone for a group of independent flooring retailers who have voluntarily come together as leaders in their individual marketplaces.

In 1991, the National Floorcovering Alliance (NFA) was created by eight of the largest and most influential flooring retailers in the United States. Three decades later, the influence of the NFA continues to rise. In keeping with the original vision of the group, new members still are required to be leaders in their particular markets with sales of $10 million or more. They must also be recognized by both manufacturers and other dealers as companies with track records of high integrity. Additionally, any new prospective NFA member must have 100% approval for inclusion in the group from every existing member. This has provided a safe and beneficial environment for the second main purpose of the group: the sharing of ideas and best practices. The non-competitive structure among members allows all members to speak freely, share new ideas, and develop strategies that move the needle forward for the group as a whole.

In this month’s issue, we’re exploring The Making of NFA: Watershed Moments in Flooring, as told by the retailers who lived them. In this multimedia feature, we revisit the past, report on the present, and explore the future of NFA. These retailers have been through a lot of ups and downs together: recessions, inflation, supply chain issues, new technologies, the growth of digital media—not to mention the pandemic.

What is less easy to share through words and video is the true friendships developed among members of the group. We at Floor Trends are grateful for the opportunity to witnesses this comaraderie at NFA events over the years; to be students of their candid conversations, learning about what’s in the minds and hearts of leading dealers, and where our flooring industry is headed.

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