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I have been back on the road for a while and have just returned from another week-long tour. I would like to report that the decorative plumbing showroom world remains vibrant and as diverse as ever. The question that I am most asked is: How are showrooms and customers reacting to COVID-19 in their business practices in 2022?

Jeff MacDowell, director of Luxury Products Group (LPG) attended the 2022 IMARK Summer Invitational alongside exclusive brands Australian Designer Faucets and Current. IMARK members from across the country were invited to attend and were able to learn more about what the LPG strategic initiatives have to offer. 

In a quiet home or company office, away from the hustle and bustle of a busy 21st-century decorative showroom, a knowledgeable salesperson will dig into their knowledge of today’s market, the designer’s style filtered through their meeting notes to create the total schedule.

While both inflation and mortgage rate increases have impacted the segment, the overall annual forecast still represents a double-digit increase over 2021.

In today’s online ordering world, what makes a person choose to come into a brick-and-mortar store and work with associates in person? A unique, boutique experience that does nothing but add value to the customers’ buying journey.

Within the context of talking about the future business climate, one table observed showrooms are “staying busy, but single order values are declining.”

There have been strong collaborative efforts by various industry associations, including ACCA, ASA, ASHRAE, HARDI, PHCC and others.

During my 2022 travels, I have noticed one combined practice that both delights and concerns me. Many salespeople and trade professionals have consciously sped up their product selection process by condensing the sales/selection process.

Building designers and code councils are working toward more inclusive, private, accessible and ADA compliant spaces.