Bill Knight Flooring closes doors

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This article was published 27/09/2024 (345 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Bill Knight Flooring & Carpets Ltd., a major name in the sector for more than 50 years in Winnipeg, is no more.

Its store at 1465 St James St. has been closed for weeks. On Friday, the company announced on its Facebook page: “Bill Knight Flooring & Carpets is closed for business.”

Knight, a local legend in the industry, was not available for comment.

After several decades in a 31,000-square-foot location on Century Street — recognizable for the large black fibreglass knight standing guard outside — the business moved about a year ago into a location roughly one-third the size.

Industry sources told the Free Press it just didn’t work out and the company had been on the decline for a few years.

Meanwhile, competitors in the flooring sector spoke fondly of Knight.

“He had a very good name. The business had a lot of credibility and integrity,” said one, who asked to remain anonymous.

Stephanie Curtis, of Curtis Carpets, said: “It’s sad to see someone who was a competitor for so long end up like that. I wish him well.”

One industry source added big-box hardware stores have been “eating everyone’s lunch on the retail side.”

Another source said he had not heard any stories about customers being left high and dry by the closure.

“From what I can understand, all deposits were returned or the jobs were completed. I think he was very honorable in that regard, but I can’t speak if any vendors had to take a haircut,” said the source, who spoke on condition his name was not used.

martin.cash@freepress.mb.ca