Binkley’s Flooring Warehouse Acquires Former Fletcher’s Carpet Location
Photographer / Jubilee Edgell
Walk through the doors of the familiar showroom on Toto Road, and you’ll sense both renewal and continuity. The address is the same, the friendly feel is still there, yet the floor samples are refreshed, the layout is ideal, and new choices line the walls.
Fletcher’s Carpet has a new name and new ownership: Binkley’s Flooring Warehouse.
Owner Bob Binkley didn’t set out to buy a floor store. He happened to hear a radio ad announcing that Fletcher’s was liquidating and decided to stop by.
“I heard a commercial on our local radio that they were liquidating everything,” Binkley says. “So I stopped in, talked to the owners, and we came to a deal. I just purchased it as it was.”
Binkley brings a steady, practical background to the business. He worked in the Carpenters Union for several years before becoming a lineman for the local electric utility, a position he still holds. He knows the community well and understands the value of dependability.
The transition from Fletcher’s Carpet to Binkley’s Flooring Warehouse was smooth.
“They gave me the keys, and I gave them their money — that was pretty much the whole transition,” he says.
Longtime employee Carla Bradley stayed on to maintain continuity, and Lisa Tolson, a new hire, quickly got to work cleaning, painting and reorganizing the showroom. His wife, Tifany, a schoolteacher, helps as often as she can, while his brother, son and parents assist with maintenance and improvements. His daughter, Amelia, lends a hand with cleaning and organization.
At Binkley’s, the guiding values are honesty and reliability.
“We believe in being honest, standing behind what we sell, and being available whenever our customers need help,” Binkley says.
His goal is for customers to feel comfortable coming back, knowing they are dealing with people who care.
The 18,000-square-foot showroom holds an impressive range of flooring. Binkley’s carries carpet, luxury vinyl plank, sheet vinyl (also known as linoleum), and ceramic and porcelain tile. Major brands include Mohawk, Shaw, Mannington and Casabella, with options for both residential and commercial use. Around 60 area rugs are kept in stock, in indoor and outdoor styles and popular sizes from 5×7 to 9×12. New styles arrive as stock moves, so customers always find fresh looks.
Helping customers choose the right product is where Binkley’s shines. Shoppers can feel textures and see colors firsthand, and there’s even a lamp that mimics different types of home lighting so samples can be viewed accurately. Pet owners often choose SmartStrand, Pet Premier or EverStrand carpet — made from recycled materials and designed for stain resistance. Families with children appreciate the waterproof plank options that handle daily spills and traffic. Binkley’s also carries marine carpet for boat trailer bunks, piers and shore stations.
Installation is flexible. The store provides a list of trusted local contractors but allows customers to hire their own installer or complete projects themselves. They also offer custom cuts so shoppers can buy exactly the amount they need for a single room or stair runner.
New offerings continue to expand. Tile and area rugs were recently added, and plans are underway for a grand-opening event once showroom updates are complete. Binkley looks forward to welcoming the community when the time is right.
Keeping the business local means everything to him.
“That’s why I bought it,” he says. “It’s been here for nearly 30 years. I wanted to keep it a local business so people aren’t having to drive an hour to get what they need.”
Community support runs both ways. Binkley has already sponsored — and plans to continue sponsoring — youth sports at Knox, North Judson and Oregon-Davis schools, and he is an assistant coach for girls basketball at Culver Academies, where his daughter is a senior. Every couple of months, the store runs giveaways that highlight other small businesses, such as a recent promotion with Brothers in Arms, a local shop.
Feedback from customers has been encouraging. Longtime Fletcher’s shoppers appreciate that the store remained open under local ownership.
“People have been happy that we kept it going,” he says. “They like that we’re local and not a big corporation coming in.”
One customer, Jamie Palmer, shared this review: “Very friendly and ready to help us as soon as we walked through the door. They went out of their way to understand our project and get us exactly what we needed. We will definitely be back.”
Binkley expresses gratitude to those who have supported him through the transition.
“I just want to thank the customers who’ve come in during our first few months,” he says. “We’re thankful for the community and excited to keep serving them.”
Binkley’s Flooring Warehouse is located at 2100 East Toto Road in Knox. You can call them at 574-772-7088 or email binkleysflooring@yahoo.com for more information.
