NEW HAVEN, CT -- Tile America, a Connecticut-based business, was recently named “The 2018 Retailer of the Year” by the Connecticut Retail Merchants Association (CRMA). The statewide association for Connecticut’s retail industry is honoring three of Connecticut’s leading retail businesses for their responsiveness to customers, superior business practices and outstanding community involvement.The 2018 honorees are Tile America, Kloter Farms and CVS Health.

Tile America is a 55-year-old, second generation family business operating seven retail stores across Connecticut in Brookfield, Fairfield, Hartford, Manchester, New Haven, New London and Stamford. Tile America sells ceramic tile, natural stone, installation materials and countertops.

The company has invested millions of dollars in interior and exterior renovations to its showrooms over the past four years. In addition, three locations installed solar photovoltaic rooftop systems. Recent innovations include new levels of design service, showroom appointments and at-home consultation.

Company owner and president, Brian Knies, says the company promises to provide customers an “exceptional experience every time.” Due to its affiliation with the East Coast Tile Group, the business has “all the benefits of being a large company like buying power, great resources and efficient distribution, but we have all the benefits of a being a small family business like great service, personal relationships with our clients, and the ability to solve challenges quickly.”

The awards were presented on October 17, 2018, at the CRMA Annual Awards Luncheon, held at The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts in Hartford, CT. Prior to the awards ceremony, Connecticut gubernatorial candidates, Ned Lamont, Bob Sefanowski and Oz Griebel met with Connecticut retailers to discuss their views on issues that impact the retail business community.

For more information on the CRMA, visit www.crmaonline.com. For more information on Tile America, visit www.tileamerica.com.