A North East-based online flooring specialist has launched its first-ever trade store, following a £200k investment with further openings planned in the region.
Connection Flooring Ltd., which primarily operates as an online group of companies within the flooring sector, has opened a 7,000ft2 trade counter on Portobello Trade Park, in Birtley, for its Direct Wood Flooring and Grass Direct brands.
Direct Wood Flooring offers a huge range of solid and engineered wood, luxury vinyl tiles and laminate flooring where its counterpart, Grass Direct is the UK’s fastest growing supplier of artificial grass.
With its own transport fleet, each of the Connection Flooring Ltd. brands deliver throughout the UK from six distribution centres across the country – to both domestic and commercial markets.
Following the investment, the company has expanded its workforce to in excess of 90 employees, with the creation of three new jobs at the trade store. It is also planning create further jobs in the near future, when the company expands its physical presence with more trade counters.
The contemporary-styled trade counter was fitted out using a combination of its in-house graphics team, as well as engaging with local companies.
Dan Foskett, Managing Director, said: “We are looking to build on the positivity we enjoyed last year and I am delighted with the launch of the Group’s first-ever store. As a North East-based company, it was ideal to create a physical presence in the region that offers customers a large variety of cost effective flooring solutions, and Birtley is a suitable location with excellent accessibility and transport links.”
In 2016, Connection Flooring Ltd. invested £250,000 in its Flooring Superstore brand, with the purchase of 10 vehicles to support its UK-wide delivery service and cope with increased demand.
“It is an exciting time for Connection Flooring Ltd. and our group of companies as we embark on this latest venture in Birtley and grow our presence in the North East, while still maintaining our strong online brand.”
Connection Flooring Ltd. comprises four flooring companies from its headquarters in County Durham, which supply household products including wood flooring, artificial grass, rugs, vinyl, carpets and outdoor furniture.
In addition to its quick, chosen weekday delivery service, the Birtley trade store offers a free sampling service as well as free returns within 30 days to its customers.