50 years in business and 70 years supporting The Grecians!
Market Carpets are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year. For much of that time the company has been proud of their links with Exeter City Football Club. In fact, Mike Burch, Senior Director, has been supporting Exeter City for nearly 70 years! The company knows that their sponsorship is rewarded by many supporters of the football club buying carpets and floor covering from the stores. Their philosophy is that there is no better way to put something back into the community than investing in local clubs and organisations – for several years the company were the main sponsor of Tiverton Town FC.As a young carpet fitter at the former Waltons Furnishing store Mike recognised that fully fitted carpets and floorcoverings were the future as opposed to the age old practice of a single carpet square in the middle of the living room. Growth of the fitted carpet business during the 60’s and 70’s was enormous with competition everywhere. In the early days the large department stores all had their carpet departments and very soon independents were opening up everywhere. Over the years Market Carpets has seen them come and many of them go. However the company continues to thrive and enjoy the support of its many thousands of loyal customers in the Exeter and East Devon area.
Over the 50 years the Company has enjoyed continuous growth. Much of the early competition has pulled out of the fitted carpet business due to the very technical and involved nature of the business. Carpets and Vinyl floors still have to be fitted by one man and his knife. Products do not arrive in a ready to use box, carpet fitting is a very real skill. The company are quite unique with their “Free Fitting” offer, with fully inclusive prices applied to every product. The Company is convinced that the public prefer all-inclusive, easy to understand, prices, with no distracting extras or add-ons. Mike and his team hate the misleading sales and exaggerated discount offers of their large chain competitors. Market Carpets have no sale events whatsoever. The policy is completely honest and straight forward, with all regular ranges priced free of any additional fitting charges providing the room is prepared and cleared. Plain, simple and easy to understand.
Market Carpets have been privileged to sponsor many of the City activities over the years with a special interest in youth development.