Focus on Milnrow: Carpet Creations

Carpet Creations

Carpet Creations-Carpet and Bed Centre was started by Philip Holt in 1996 after he was made redundant from the Lanebottom Co-op.

Mr Holt had worked at the Lanebottom Co-op since he was 16-years-old – it had a fantastic reputation and along with the four other managers from the Co-op store Carpet Creations on Dale Street in Milnrow continues to go from strength to strength working with the same “ingredients” as the Lanebottom Co-op did.

When Carpet Creations first started, Mr Holt carried the slogan ‘customer is king’ and he insists that is one of the key things to the company’s success.

“We treat customers how we would like to be treated,” said Mr Holt.

“Without customers, there is no business,” he said, “The formula for success, is, quality products, competitive pricing and a quality service.”

Carpet Creations is a family business, with both Mr Holt’s brother and mother working for the firm. Of the seven staff, four are from the Lanebottom Co-op

When Carpet Creations opened in 1996 it ran from number 26 Dale Street, as time went on Mr Holt bought both number 24 and 26 Dale Street and knocked it into one.

A few years down the line Carpet Creations moved into 12-18 Dale Street, which is the big shop they are still in today.

In the beginning the business focused primarily on carpets, now it also deals in beds and bedroom furniture.

“The reason for the expansion was two fold,” said Mr Holt, “We wanted to have a better display of carpets and expand into bedroom furniture.

“We now also have an online shop which is doing very well with rugs and beds – that is another string to our bow.”

Mr Holt has carpeted for many people, some of the big names, include Manchester United’s manager, Alex Ferguson. Carpet Creations also did the red carpet at the Wembley Stadium.

When asked if he ever thought he would get this far, Mr Holt, said: “Not really. I think it has been a natural progression. The demand for quality and service has continued to push us forward.”

So, what does the future hold for Carpet Creations?

“Pretty much of the same,” said Mr Holt, “Hopefully in the coming year we will expand into more furniture, such as leather suites. We also have a free delivery service; I think personal touches like that set us apart from other retailers.”
Mr Holt is keen to emphasise that the business ethics from the Lane Bottom Co-op have carried through into his own business.