MUNCY- Lycoming County residents have a new place to purchase floor coverings.
Big Bob's Flooring Outlet, 495 Lycoming Mall Circle, stocks a variety of carpet, laminate, hardwood and tile flooring.
Open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Ryan Nittinger, sales manager, said the store offers customers a one-stop shopping experience for their flooring needs.
"Customers are able to walk in and find what they are looking for," Nittinger said., adding the store is able to help customers work through a flooring project from start to finish.
He said company-owned installation is available, and the store has a list of qualified installers it recommends to customers.
The goal, Nittinger said, is for customers to leave the store with everything they need to complete their projects.
Big Bob's, located in the former Circuit City building near Toys R Us, is one of 50 franchises nationwide and is the only franchise in the state.
Locally owned by Tom Garby, owner of Garby Flooring Galleries in Sunbury, Lewisburg and Bloomsburg, the store employs six full-time staff members with more than 25 years of flooring experience.
The store buys product directly from the manufacturers in order to provide competitive pricing for its customers.
Chosen for its central location, Nittinger said, Williamsport is an ideal market for the store.
"Williamsport needed Big Bob's, and Big Bob's needed Williamsport," he said.
The central location allows the company to tackle projects within a wide radius. He said the company, in its first three months, has traveled as far north as Mansfield and as far west as Mill Hall.
The location near the mall has helped get people in the door, he said.
With little advertising in the first few months, Nittinger said he has been impressed with the sales so far, adding that sales are the primary indicator for determining any future hiring.
The staff members at Big Bob's take pride in knowing the products they sell are made in the United States.
"One thing I love is the majority of our product is American made," Nittinger said. "We're selling flooring that's providing Americans with jobs."
Overall pride is a key element in the way the staff members approach their work and their customers.
"We have a motto at Big Bob's," Nittinger said. "Be proud of who you are, be proud of what you do and tell everyone."
For more information about Big Bob's Flooring Outlet visit the store's website, www.bigbobsofpa.com or call 546-8366.
