Is Dalton Georgia Still The Carpet Capital?

In the 1980s and 90s, Dalton, GA was by far the carpet capital of the USA and maybe even the carpet capital of the world. Before the age of the internet, call ads, 800 numbers and magazine advertising were the only avenues to promote carpet in the country. All this advertising led people to the great state of Georgia - Dalton, GA to be exact. Dalton, GA is about 60 miles north of Atlanta and is located directly off I-75, the major interstate running North to South through Georgia. During the Reagan and Clinton presidencies, the United States experienced a housing boom where residential home buying and home building experienced a sharp incline. With the residential housing market booming, carpet became a hot commodity. Discounted flooring that was easy to install and offered an upscale appearance became the go-to flooring choice for the entire country.

Southern Influence

The carpet industry boomed in the South, with some of the most well-known carpet manufacturers moving into the area. The South gave way to brands like Shaw Industries and Mohawk, which continue to dominate the carpet market today. As a matter of fact, if you drive through Georgia on I-75, you will see building after building, displaying the names Shaw Carpet and Mohawk Carpet. The South's mild climate, space and availability of skilled workers drew many carpet manufacturers to the area. What made these companies great carpet players in the industry was their ability to integrate the entire manufacturing process under their control. They bought the yarn manufacturing facilities, the dye houses, the tufting plants and even the truck delivery companies. Their plan was a success that created thousands of jobs in the North Georgia area.

Shaw and Mohawk

Shaw and Mohawk played a big role in shaping the carpet industry. The two companies started a buying trend that has shaped the carpet flooring industry, influencing other manufacturers to try the same techniques to experience success. Since Shaw and Mohawk are located in and around Dalton, GA, it just became natural that cheaper carpet prices, and discounted overstock were located in Dalton around the factories that made the carpet. Since delivery charges make up about seven percent of the carpet cost, Dalton, GA dealers and even Atlanta, GA dealers were pried to be more competitive than elsewhere in the country. Connector 3, a huge economical hub for carpet and flooring alike, became stacked with building after building of flooring stores, at some points reaching 40 flooring stores on a 2-mile strip. One of the great carpet stores in Dalton, GA was none other than Georgia Carpet Industries. With this type of competition, dealers battled against each other for business, driving prices to ground level. After all, a customer could and would walk from store to store to get pricing in the Dalton, GA carpet capital. If a customer left the store, there was a good chance they wouldn't return. I don't know about you, but I'd like to keep an extra $20 in my pocket for the same product over another store.

Expanded Selection

Once the norm became going to Dalton, GA to buy carpet, dealers began looking for ways to set themselves apart from the competition. This evolved into carrying all types of flooring besides carpet. Laminate, waterproof LVP, tile, and hardwood took over from the Dalton location as well. Advertising in the magazines boasted headlines containing the words "Dalton" and "carpet" alike. Store names and logos promoted the word "Dalton, GA" even though they weren't located in the state of Georgia. With the ease of the internet, the connector in Dalton has died down a lot. Where flooring stores once thrived, furniture and metal shops now settle. All good things must come to an end, but one thing that hasn't is the great pricing on the Connector 3 strip. Georgia Carpet still holds true to its pledge to excellent customer service and pricing. The great warriors of the day were the ones that still stood after the battle, and Georgia Carpet still stands. Cheap carpet, discounted carpet, and overstock carpet are their specialty.

While you can still visit Georgia Carpet in Dalton, GA, you can now also visit us online at georgiacarpet.com. Explore our selection of laminate, hardwood, vinyl and carpet to find the right flooring for every room and every budget. Shop in person at our showroom in the carpet capital of Georgia or order online and enjoy nationwide delivery.