The Great Floors formula for success is built on a three-legged stool philosophy, with sales coming from commercial, builder, and retail market segments. This strategy has allowed the company to grow during times that have challenged other flooring retailers, providing a diversification that reduces dependence on any one segment of the economy for sales.
The company solidified its diversified stance in January 2005 with the purchase of The Environmentalists from DuPont, adding proven commercial sales and service teams in both the Puget Sound and Eastern Washington markets. With the addition of the Seattle Metro and Spokane commercial units, the company was now able to handle contracts on some of the Northwest's largest construction projects while complementing the main street commercial activities that each of the retail locations provided.
In May of 2005, the company brought all of its operating units under the Great Floors umbrella, providing a unified name, look, feel, and philosophy to better reflect the expanded offerings of both carpet and hard surface flooring. With the strength of the Great Floors brand behind it, the ownership group—Chadderdon, Jim McGee and his cousin Ken Chadderdon—embarked on their plan to upgrade stores in the markets it currently serves and seek new opportunities in other Northwest locations.
To replace smaller units, new 40,000-square-foot stores were designed and built in Coeur d'Alene, the Spokane Valley, and Lacey. These larger stores allow the company to keep more products in stock, which speeds up installation. The additional space has also permitted more hard surface flooring to be displayed, including a growing number of green options such as bamboo, cork, and natural linoleum.
Moving ahead, Great Floors will continue to focus on the strategies that have supported its growth. It offers the region's largest in-stock flooring selection, certified professional installers, exceptional customer service, convenient neighborhood locations, and a low price guarantee—all combined to provide the Northwest's best values in flooring and countertops.