16/06/2026
Are you aware of the recently opened Quick-Step Concept Store in Chatswood, Sydney?
Quick-Step has now opened its first Concept Store in Australia, located in Chatswood, in partnership with Back to Timber and Premium Australia. Quick-Step is also promoting the new store directly on its Australian website, positioning it as a dedicated showroom experience for customers to explore timber, laminate, hybrid and vinyl flooring options.
From an industry point of view, this is an interesting move.
On one hand, it makes sense. Consumers today want a better showroom experience. They want to see, touch and compare products before making a decision, especially with flooring. A branded concept store can help Quick-Step control the customer experience, present the full range properly, and strengthen its brand in the Australian market.
But on the other hand, it does raise a fair question for existing retailers and flooring businesses:
Is the wholesaler now stepping further into the retail space?
If suppliers start creating branded retail environments, even through joint ventures with selected retailers, it could change the relationship between wholesalers, manufacturers, retailers and installers. Some may see it as innovation and brand building. Others may see it as competing with the very retail network that helped grow the brand.
The key question is whether this model supports existing retailers — or slowly shifts more power away from them.
What are your thoughts?
Is this a smart move for Quick-Step and the Australian flooring market, or should wholesalers be careful about moving too close to retail?
