Chuck Boettcher of Best Plumbing, Tile & Stone of Somers, NY, an Arley customer for many years who has attended this celebration since its inception, stated, "With the exception of one year, I've been to all of these Arley events. I wouldn't miss this once-a-year celebration for anything. Quite frankly, companies with showrooms such as ours can see great new tile and stone materials firsthand. We know that what is on display represents material we can easily obtain, and that the professionals at Arley have thoroughly checked out. The research Arley puts into these products saves us a lot of time and energy in making our selections. Over the years, we've come to trust Arley's judgment regarding products that are 'market-ready.'
Furthermore, we get the opportunity to meet with manufacturers one-on-one," Boettcher went on to say. "At larger trade events such as Surfaces or Coverings, these people are always mobbed and just don't have a lot of time to spend with companies such as ours. Arley provides a venue that allows us to get to know these suppliers at a higher level. And, because many of the guests from around the country work for companies not unlike ours, the networking aspect allows us to glean some worthwhile ideas from peers."
With 30-plus leading tile and stone manufacturers on site presenting over 100 individually labeled installed floorboards, over 100 concept boards, 70 grouted panel sets, multiple vignettes and much more, Arley Wholesale extends its invitation to store owners, architects, interior designers, specification professionals, builders and contractors looking to browse and specify the very latest styles and trends in tile and stone.
There are many benefits the Arley Wholesale Exposition offers that are very unique," said Stefano Rabaioli, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Florim USA. "For example, at the larger shows in which we exhibit, many times customers and prospects come in to see prototypes we've brought. Whereas this is a necessary process, from the time they first see these offerings to the moment the final product is launched and then available, it can take more than just a few months. On the other hand, the Arley event allows us to showcase products that are in production, and in many cases, (along with all merchandising) also readily available. An added value is that we get to meet Arley's customers face-to-face, which gives us great insight as to what they want, what they need to sell these materials, and much more."
Scott Levy, Executive Vice President of Operations for Arley Wholesale has seen his firm's annual event become more and more helpful to its clientele each year. "Sure, we want to move product, and in doing so, drive revenue," he said. "Anyone would want that. However, we know that if we don't help our customers become more successful, if we don't give them highly researched great tile and stone materials, and back up those products with strong merchandising tools and marketing ideas, we all lose. We cannot allow that to happen. That's why our annual event offers them so many benefits and strategic ways to enhance their sales."