Chatham's one-stop shop for home decorating has returned to its original location with a brand new facility featuring state-of-the-art upgrades.
Sacwal Flooring Centres, Ideal Decorating, and The Lighting Shoppe opened the doors to their brand new facility, located at 701 St. Clair St. in Chatham, on Monday.
The stores experienced a devastating fire in January of 2017 and were operating from two locations on the opposite ends of Chatham. During the relocation, the Lighting & Accent Gallery owners decided to retire and close their doors. Soon after, Sacwal Flooring Centres announced its brand new store The Lighting Shoppe.
Sacwal Flooring Centres and The Lighting Shoppe President Alanna Aarssen says the new $3-million facility is a 20 ft clear span building with 30,000 sq ft of showroom and warehouse space.
"We have a state of the art design centre that will have laser projection workable design consulting on smart tablet," says Aarssen. "We have an energy efficient building with all LED lighting. We have a smart car charger on its way and we have a brand new state-of-the-art looking lighting shop."
Aarssen says the feedback she has received in the past few days from customers has been "extremely positive."
President of Sacwal Systems Harry Verhey says it is absolutely wonderful to be back under one roof.
"It is so awkward when you're working out of temporary locations. You don't have your resources at hand and it's very difficult to service the customers, whether it be from the showroom standpoint--not having your regular showroom, or whether it be having to go to a warehouse to pick up everyday products that you might need," he explains.
Verhey says in spite of the devastation, it's nice to have the opportunity to redo things and make improvements.
Ideal Decorating Co-owner Allan Birkby says the new facility is like getting a new car.
"It exceeded my expectations," he says. "While it was being built we had a lot of concerns but once we got down to the nitty-gritty and the finishing touches, it turned out excellent and we're really pleased."
Aarsen says customers should note that Sacwal Flooring Centres' phone system is limited to one line until Monday. The business can be reached online or by email at www.sacwalflooring.ca.
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