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Showing success: Carpet store brings designers, sales and service under one roof(Times-News (Twin Falls, ID) (KRT) Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) Apr. 20--Despite a slowdown in new home construction, some companies such as Pioneer Floors Carpet One are experiencing strong sales. The 30-year-old business that began in Buhl as a small flooring store recently completed renovations on its 32,000 square-foot facility on Second Avenue South in Twin Falls. Brent Compton, co-owner of Pioneer Floors, doesn't deny that there has been a downward trend in home construction, but he says that his business is seeing strong sales in specific markets such as high-end home construction and renovation. "We spend a lot more time with custom homes and with people who really want to beautify their homes,"he said. "But we also make sure that we have products on the low end as well." Compton has adopted a business model that brings design consultation, sales and service under one roof. The 12,000 square-foot showroom boasts open displays for a variety of flooring materials, lighting, draperies and other interior decorations. Because of the new location's large warehouse, Pioneer Floors is more capable of buying larger quantities at lower prices. "We can sell earthy tiles for $4.99 while others are selling them for $7 per square foot," Compton said. Pioneer Floors' design consultant service employees, who brainstormed and built the showroom, said they wanted to create an atmosphere where customers could relax while they peruse the interior designs. "We want people to come in and perhaps sit down with a cup of coffee and get comfortable while they are here,"said Joyce Palmer, a design consultant. "Unlike most large stores, we want them to enjoy their visit while they're here." The showroom includes several areas where customers can relax, including plush leather couches surrounding a fireplace and television. Compton says the posh showroom came at a significant cost, though he did not provide specific numbers. Some have questioned the location of the new showroom, which is located on the main thoroughfare on the edge of downtown Twin Falls. But Compton said the location has been good for business because of its high visibility and easy parking. Joshua Palmer may be reachedat 208-735-3231 or at [email protected]. To see more of The Times-News, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.magicvalley.com Copyright (c) 2008, The Times-News, Twin Falls, Idaho Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email [email protected], call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA. |