BUSINESS TIP ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– to inform independent distribu- tors, show that though there was a strong market increase from 2012 to 2017, a slowdown occurred in 2018. The strength of sup- pliers like MSI, Emser, Floor & Décor have negatively impacted independent distributor business. Other factors in sales slowdowns are the strengthening of luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and Chinese com- petition, as well as high cost of installation. The bright spots in Grosser’s report were that remod- eling kept distributors in business during the recession, and areas with high birth rates and low taxes and immigration are the strongest economically. Number of distributors shrinks; big companies get bigger Grosser’s research shows that although there were 21,725 ceram- ic tile contractors and dealers in the U.S. in 2008, now that number has plummeted to only 16, 406 in 2018, with a slight swell expected to 16, 806 in 2019. These trends run inverse to U.S. ceramic tile consumption, which was at a high of 3,315 million of square feet (m. sq. ft) in 2006, and dropped to only 1,959 m. sq. ft. in 2009. It has slowly increased to an expected 3,170 m. sq. ft. in 2019. Consumption was nearly flat from 2017 at 3,046 m. sq. ft. to 3,107 m. sq. ft. in 2018. Overall, Grosser reported that the number of distribution outlets are Planitop® 330 Fast is a quick- setting, poly- mer-modified, fiber-reinforced cementitious ren- dering, patch- ing, and level- ing mortar. Applied from 1/8” to 1-1/4” thick in a single coat, it can be used for ramp- ing and smoothing interior and exterior concrete and screed floors in preparation for ceram- ic, stone, or waterproofing sys- tem installations. Mixed with water, Planitop 330 Fast produces a non-sag- ging mortar that bonds directly to the substrate, providing a superior flat finish, allowing tile installation in as little as 90 minutes. Planitop 330 Fast is verified “Red List Free” per the Living Building Challenge website’s most current Red List. For more details, visit www.mapei.us. BUSINESS TIP is sponsored by 36 TileLetter | July 2019