With a continued focus on the latest flooring trends, Northport Flooring America is curating houses with style
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By Adam Cook
More than just a surface, flooring is part of the fabric of the home. For 50 years, Northport Flooring America has woven itself into the very fabric of the community, solidifying its place as the go-to destination for carpet, hardwood, laminate and tile for generations of families.
While the styles have come and gone over the years, Northport’s focus on building relationships has remained steadfast.
“It’s about more than just floors. It’s about relationships and making a house feel like home,” Co-owner Steve Walbolt says, speaking on behalf of his fellow co-owners Derek Fay, Donny Green and Mike Guhde. “The reason we’ve lasted this long is simple: we care for our customers, our team and our community. And with special financing options now available, we’re making it easier for families to create the spaces they love.”
These special financing options—up to 65 months with no interest—allow customers to upgrade their homes without straining their bank accounts.
“We know how impactful a beautiful new floor can be, and we want to make it accessible,” Mike adds.
What sets Northport apart isn’t just the products or pricing; it’s the experience.
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“Flooring is personal, and so is our approach,” Mike says. “Flooring isn’t just something you buy; it’s something you live with every day. It changes the look, feel and function of your home. That’s why we guide customers through the process with personalized care, asking about their lifestyle, needs and long-term plans.”
Over the past 50 years, that one simple principle—taking care of people—has driven Northport’s success in an industry that’s seen seismic shifts, from the rise of big-box stores to the dominance of online shopping.
In response to these changes, Northport has evolved by simplifying the process for its customers. It aims to cultivate an experience that cuts through the clutter and confusion, making it easier to navigate.
“We’ve done all the hard work,” Mike says. “We’ve carefully curated the best products, streamlined the choices and made it easy for customers to find the perfect fit for their homes.”
While locally owned, Northport is part of Flooring America, a 500-store nationwide cooperative and the world’s largest purchaser of flooring materials. In an era of big-box stores and online shopping, Northport Flooring America stands out by combining the personalized service of a local business with the resources of a national cooperative.
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As Northport looks ahead to the next 50 years, its commitment to meeting the needs of the next generation remains as strong as ever. The recently reimagined showroom now organizes materials by color rather than manufacturer. Dubbed “Room to Explore,” this shift makes it easier to match flooring options with personal preferences and makes the experience more intuitive and less overwhelming.
The introduction of cutting-edge technology further enhances the experience. In-store kiosks and online tools guide customers through the process step by step, helping them find just what they had in mind.
On Tuesday, October 29, to commemorate its 50th anniversary, Northport held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in conjunction with the Cuyahoga Falls Chamber. Local businesses, the mayor of Cuyahoga Falls, city officials and generations of families attended the event, underscoring its focus on the future and proving that putting people first never goes out of style.
“We’re excited for the next 50 years,” Steve says. “We’re always looking for ways to improve, whether it’s our own space or the spaces of our customers. That’s what’s kept us going all these years, and that’s what will carry us forward.”
Northport Flooring America invites you to explore the showroom at 661 W. Portage Trail Ext. in Akron and NorthportFlooring-America.com. To speak to someone on your design journey, dial 234-206-3792.