5 Significant trends in soft flooring

1. Flexible flooring

Retailers are exploiting the flexibility of modular carpet to continually reconfigure display areas to take advantage of what is selling. Carpeted areas can shrink or expand overnight as inventory and sales dictate. New options for adhesive-free modular carpets make these changes even easier.

2. Brand-building color

Color is taking a bigger role in branding store interiors, with designers employing subtle references to the retailer's logo colorations or incorporating flecks of trendy accent colors. Fashion-forward hues also are being inset into larger carpet landscapes with borders and the look of area rugs or accent areas to keep store colors fresh and up to date.

3. Promotional themes

Like promotional signage on hard flooring, retailers are incorporating promotional messages into modular carpets. Sales are advertised here as well as vendor-specific messages that can be co-oped with the supplier. Retailers simply create a stock of interchangeable modular carpets that are continually switched out to advertise the latest promotion.

4. Rugged durability

The growth of lifestyle centers, with their multiple exterior entrances, has triggered the need for more durable carpets. Manufacturers are responding with new technologies that both resist stains and release soiling when it does occur. Retailers also are looking at more comprehensive flooring plans that might include entryway systems and walk-off mats.

5. Environmental sustainability

Most designers now request information on environmental issues such as recycled content, waste factors and carpet renewal as part of the specification process. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is being used as the guideline for construction and design initiatives even if the project isn't submitted for LEED certification.

-Michael Callaghan

director of sales and marketing

Milliken Carpet Consumer Environments

LaGrange, Ga.