Welcome to this interview with Contract Furnishings Mart (CFM), a distinguished family-owned business catering to trade professionals since 1981. In our conversation, CFM shares insights into their Chandler, AZ showroom, which opened in 2021, and their strategic plans for further expansion. As a wholesale supplier, CFM takes pride in offering a distinctive one-stop shopping experience, presenting a comprehensive array of flooring, cabinetry, and countertop materials.
During our interview, CFM sheds light on their in-house design services, diverse product categories, and the meticulous steps taken to ensure a positive customer experience. Discover how CFM adeptly manages different budgets without compromising on quality and consistently stays ahead of evolving interior design trends.
Delve into the philosophy guiding CFM, emphasizing the establishment of lasting relationships and the creation of "customers for life." Stay connected through their social media channels, website, newsletter, and blog to stay abreast of special promotions, new arrivals, and engaging events – such as the upcoming outdoor living event on February 22nd.
Join us as we explore CFM's commitment to style, functionality, and unparalleled expertise, showcasing the essence of our exclusive interview with this industry-leading partner.
Please tell us a little about CFM, how long has your showroom been open, what makes CFM unique?
Contract Furnishings Mart is a family-owned business that has been serving the flooring, cabinet and countertop material needs of trade professionals since 1981. CFM is unique in that we’re a wholesale supplier dedicated to designers, builders, remodelers, property managers and trade specialists. We carry the largest product offering for one-stop shopping in our expansive showroom and pride ourselves in providing excellent customer service by our team of salaried sales professionals. We opened Our Chandler, AZ location in 2021 and are looking to open additional locations soon!
Does your showroom offer in-house design services or consultations? How does this process typically work?
Our experienced team will assist you and your clients with selecting products that meet the style, color, function, and budget needs of each unique project. We encourage all our customers to utilize our showroom and display samples as their own, and enjoy collaborating together to create the perfect design solutions in each space. Appointments are available but not required.
Can you provide an overview of the different product categories and offerings available in the showroom?
We offer the largest selection of flooring, cabinetry, and countertop materials in the Phoenix area at a variety of price points to meet any budget. Specific product categories include carpet, area rugs, hardwood flooring, laminate flooring, LVT/LVP, rubber flooring, ceramic and porcelain tile, natural stone, exterior stone and pavers, pool tile, quartz slab countertops, custom cabinetry, cabinet hardware, and a variety of accessories and setting materials to install each of these materials properly.
What steps does your team take to ensure a positive and memorable customer experience in the showroom?
A positive customer experience drives everything we do at CFM! From the moment you enter our open, organized, and well-lit showroom, you’ll be greeted by an enthusiastic team of professionals eager to help any way we can. Our staff is not paid on commission and we don’t inventory material in order to maintain a no-pressure environment focused on the customer’s needs, not our own. We believe good communication and follow-through ensure projects run smoothly from start to finish and our strong vendor partnerships help us work through any challenges along the way. Every interaction to us is an opportunity to build relationships and create what we call “customers for life” in the CFM family.
How does your team ensure the quality and craftsmanship of the products featured in the showroom? Are there specific criteria you look for when selecting manufacturers or artisans to showcase?
CFM showrooms display all the latest design trends on the market and are constantly being updated based on consumer demand. Our vendor partners educate us weekly on the manufacturing process, qualities, and characteristics of their materials before we agree to bring on any display. Ultimately our customers decide which products stay in the showroom, and our job is to make sure they always have fresh options to consider. We stand behind every line we carry, knowing there are no bad products, only bad applications that we make sure to avoid.
How does the showroom accommodate different budget ranges for clients? Are there strategies to ensure the project stays within budget without compromising quality?
We offer a wide range of products with varying price points allowing clients to personalize their choices without exceeding their financial limits. We leverage national buying power and pass along those discounts so our customers shop with confidence knowing they’re receiving the best value on the market. No matter the budget, we’ll make sure you get the most out of it.
How does your team stay updated on the latest interior design trends and innovations? Can you highlight some emerging trends that your showroom is currently embracing?
We belong to all local and national industry associations that provide access to resources and updates on the latest trends. We attend networking events to foster relationships with other professionals in the industry to exchange ideas, share insights, and learn from each other's experiences. We also follow and engage with relevant accounts on social media platforms to stay informed about the latest trends and innovations shared by other professionals and industry influencers.
How does the showroom team support clients in achieving a cohesive and personalized look?
Our team assesses the client's needs and preferences. We ask questions to determine their desired style, functionality, budget, color schemes, and provide tailored product solutions accordingly. Each project is unique and we love finding the customer’s exact product solutions, not ours.
How can clients stay informed about special promotions or new arrivals?
Our social media channels (@cfm_chandler), website (cfmfloors.com), newsletter, and blog are great ways to stay connected to all things CFM. There’s always something new being added to the showroom and we regularly host educational and social events to support our customers.