“Long-term collaboration between two family-owned companies”
We like to highlight our collaborations. This month: Avanti Floors in the Czech Republic. Co-owner Michal Procházka (Sales Director) talks about the long-standing cooperation with Tapibel.
Collaboration in the spotlight: Avanti Floors
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Avanti Floors is based in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. Sales Director Michal was born and raised there. The family business distributes and sells all kinds of floor coverings including carpets, PVC floors, wooden floors and vinyl. The cooperation with Tapibel dates back to the very beginning.
Family business since 1992
Michal’s mother Miloslava founded the company in 1992. Today, she is still the co-owner together with Michal and his brother. A seasoned family business, in other words.
The name Avanti was a nice stroke of luck. Michal: “Mum was looking for an unusual name. It was shortly after the revolution and communism. At that time, people were looking for something that sounded international. She had an Italian dictionary at home and came across the word “Avanti”.
That literally means ‘forward’. A name that shows that we keep moving forward as a company.”
“Our name ‘Avanti’ is Italian and means ‘forward’. It shows that as a company we keep innovating.”- Michal Procházka Sales Director Avanti Floors
Partners from the get-go
Ever since the start-up of Avanti, Tapibel has been the main supplier for carpet. At first it was only broadloom, later they added the carpet tiles. “We have been working with Tapibel from the get-go,” says Michal.
“In 1992, Mum visited Domotex (the global floor covering fair based in Germany). There she met Tapibel and the former Sales Director. There was an immediate match. With Tapibel’s help, Mum was able to secure capital to start the business.”
Thirty years later, Avanti and Tapibel are still working closely together. “We are the type of company that likes to work with a specific supplier, for a long period of time. For us, it’s important to be able to build a strong relationship. I think that is the same for Tapibel,” Michal says.
We like to work with a solid supplier like Tapibel for a long time. Building long-term relationships is our top priority.” – Michal Procházka, Sales Director Avanti Floors
80% carpet
Avanti Floors has several locations in and around Prague. The retail and designer showroom can be found in the city center. There are also two smaller showrooms located just outside Prague. The wholesale and distribution center is located in Zbuzany, close to Prague.
Michal: “In the beginning, we only sold carpet. Only broadloom because tiles did not yet exist. Step by step, we expanded our range to include carpet tiles but also other floor coverings such as PVC, vinyl and wooden floors. The biggest part of our turnover (around 80%) is still carpet, though.
“Our customer base is very diverse. It ranges from private individuals to project customers, contractors and small installation companies. We also work closely with architects and interior designers.”
“80% of our turnover comes from the sale of broadloom carpet and carpet tiles.” – Michal Prochàzka, Sales Director Avanti Floors
Czech carpet trends
Avanti offers several Tapibel collections. From commercial grades to carpet for the hospitality and contract sector. One trend stands out among these, Michal thinks: “Carpet tiles are increasing in popularity here in the Czech Republic and surrounding areas. They are modular, easy to transport and simple to install.”
And the durable ECONYL® collections? Those are less in demand, it turns out. “In the Czech Republic, the demand for sustainable products is not so high. As a supplier and wholesaler, we are not required to be actively involved in sustainability,” says Michal. “Nevertheless, we are ready to make the sustainability switch in time. So we will definitely keep the ECONYL® collections in mind.”
“Modular carpet tiles are gaining popularity. Sustainable carpets are less in demand in the Czech Republic. Ecological floor coverings still need some time to become more mainstream here.” – Michal Procházka, Sales Director Avanti Floors
