Remodeling On Rise, Says Lumber Liquidators CEO

When a house is underwater literally or figuratively homeowners usually limit spending to emergency repairs. But with home sales and prices on the upswing, Americans are investing to improve their homes. New flooring is at the top of many plans.

That's good news for Lumber Liquidators (LL), the largest hardwood flooring specialty retailer in North America with 287 stores in the U.S. and Canada.

Earnings per share have grown 43% to 126% over the last five quarters.

Lumber futures have spiked since Superstorm Sandy, but the company says that won't have much impact on higher-quality hardwood flooring costs.

CEO Rob Lynch says his company's value proposition the best selection at the lowest price has long appealed to expert do-it-yourself customers. Lumber Liquidators is working to expand to more casual remodelers.

Lynch spoke with IBD about big-ticket consumer spending, the housing recovery's impact, and other trends for 2013.

IBD: Can Americans continue to increase spending on high-ticket discretionary goods such as hardwood flooring if incomes and jobs do not grow more strongly

Lynch: This downturn has definitely caused the consumer to be cost-conscious and value-driven. Our value proposition and value price points have resonated with consumers, and I think this will continue even if the economy doesn't significantly improve.

We have a relatively low market share and significant opportunity to grow and expand our share.

IBD: How will your target customer fare in this environment, and how will that impact spending on remodeling and big-ticket items

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Remodeling On Rise, Says Lumber Liquidators CEO