These two Fulwood carpet salesmen are still smiling – despite the impact of Covid.
Michael Briggs and business partner Peter Hills adapted quickly when the virus shut their Black Bull Lane shop. They gave customers samples outside the shop – and now they offer a ‘Home Selection Service’ where they drop off samples and anyone wishing to see the showroom can visit by appointment or from 10am-1pm.
Peter, 54, who grew up in Fulwood, said it was a more time-efficient way of working than sitting in a shop all day. “We prefer people to call on our mobiles and we can arrange things from there. It also means I can be out helping Michael with the carpet fitting.” The two friends have forged a reputation for reliable and decent service, which keeps them busy. “We are very thankful for all the support we receive from the local community,” says Michael.
The duo, who opened their store in March 2013, have more than 46 years in the trade between them. “Our work’s nearly all within a 10-mile radius of the shop,” says Michael, whose great grandfather first opened a carpet shop in Preston’s Miller Arcade in 1910. “Most work is from recommendation – one job has led to another.”
They stock a wide range of carpets, from budget and midrange right up to luxury carpets, plus laminates, vinyls and luxury vinyl tiles. “We are competitively priced and give excellent value for money,” says Michael, 44. “We want to be a carpet shop people trust. We know when we have priced a job that people have a good deal. We rely on word-ofmouth to grow – and we want our customers to be our friends.”
The pair offer a personal service – supplying the underlay and doing the fitting themselves, being happy to move furniture. They do measures and drop samples at a client’s convenience – evenings if needed.
