Walk into Carpet Baggers Flooring and the first thing you realize is that the name doesn’t tell the whole story. People hear “Carpet Baggers” and assume carpet is where it begins and ends. In reality, carpet is just a small part of what happens here. They are members of the Carpet One buying group, which allows them to offer excellent financing options and unique products you won’t find anywhere else. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. They custom-make rugs on site in almost any shape or size you can imagine, including stair runners that twist and turn. A full tile showroom and installation of hardwood, laminate, waterproof flooring and even cabinets (both traditional indoor cabinetry and outdoor options) sets them apart from the competition. They have evolved into what they proudly call a true “floor and home store.”
The showroom is intentionally different. Instead of rows of confusing manufacturer displays where you might see a dozen versions of the same product, they curate their samples by product type and color. It’s a simpler, smarter system that gives customers more control and removes any confusion. People are often surprised by how quickly they can narrow down choices and make confident decisions.
Dean Kelly, Carpet Baggers president, said the most rewarding part is the transformation and it has been that way since opening in 1992. Watching a space go from dull to dramatic never gets old. Sometimes “dramatic” means bright, neutral floors that let furniture and décor shine. Other times, it’s a complete overhaul with new flooring, lighting, rugs, paint and cabinets. Those transformations are exactly why Carpet Baggers expanded beyond flooring.
While customers experience a showroom-focused business, behind the scenes the warehouse team truly is family. Two nephews and multiple members of the Smalls family work there, and that sense of care and connection carries through everything they do.
One trend that consistently surprises customers is laminate flooring. Years ago, it nearly disappeared after manufacturers cheapened it to the point of failure. Today’s laminate is a completely different product and is water-resistant, incredibly durable and often more realistic than vinyl when it comes to mimicking hardwood. The newer hardwood offerings, which are wider, thicker and built to last, have impressed customers.
Carpet Baggers’ staff listen to how you live and where you live, and consider factors such as moisture levels, pets and foot traffic when customers feel overwhelmed and are not sure where to start. One-size-fits-all solutions don’t work. They educate and recommend what truly fits the home.
At the heart of Carpet Baggers are two simple goals: take care of the customer and take care of each other. A family business deeply rooted in the Lowcountry, supporting schools, churches, sports teams, charities and organizations like Tunnels to Towers Foundation is a point of pride. The most exciting part of the future is the next generation of customers and leaders within the company.
Kelly added, “When customers leave, we want them to feel so good they want to give us a hug. And later, we hope they tell their friends that Carpet Baggers is the best place in the Lowcountry to buy floors … and all the other stuff, too.”
For more information, visit carpetbaggerscarpetone.com.
By Cari Lawson
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