Buying Local vs. Shopping at a Big Box Store: The Flooring 101 Difference
It’s a Saturday morning in Simi Valley or Bakersfield, and you’ve decided it’s time for new floors. It’s tempting to head to the nearest orange or blue “Big Box” warehouse.
They are convenient and they have everything from garden hoses to lumber. But when it comes to flooring—the largest permanent surface in your home—shopping at a big-box store is often a mistake.
For over 50 years, Flooring 101 has thrived by offering what the giant corporations cannot: local expertise, NFA-exclusive products, and family-owned accountability.
Why Support Your Local Flooring Stores?
1. Expertise vs. General Knowledge
At a big-box store, the person helping you in the flooring aisle might have been in the lighting department yesterday. At Flooring 101, our staff are career professionals.
We understand the specific humidity levels of Ventura and the subfloor challenges of Goleta. We don’t just sell boxes; we design solutions.
2. Exclusive NFA Product Lines
As members of the National Floorcovering Alliance (NFA), Flooring 101 has access to the top 0.1% of flooring products in North America.
Big-box stores often stock “entry-level” versions of famous brands that are built with thinner wear layers and cheaper backings. Our products are engineered for longevity.
3. The Installation Accountability
Big-box stores often “farm out” their installations to the lowest-bidding subcontractors. If something goes wrong, you are stuck in a corporate phone loop.
When you hire Flooring 101, you have a local name and a physical showroom to visit. We stand behind every stitch and plank.
FAQ: Shopping Local
Q: Is Flooring 101 more expensive than a big-box store?
A: Rarely. Because we own our warehouses and are part of the NFA, our buying power allows us to match or beat big-box pricing on equivalent-quality products.
Q: Do you offer financing?
A: Yes! We offer local financing options that are often more flexible than corporate credit cards.
Experience the Expertise & Quality of Over 50 Years of Trust at Flooring 101
Jimmy Poulos built Flooring 101 on a simple promise: better service, better products, and a commitment to the community. When you shop with us, you aren’t just a transaction; you’re our neighbor.
Support local and get the best for your home. Visit any of our 7 locations today and experience the Flooring 101 difference for yourself.