After being chased away by a raging inferno in early May, Stradwick's Carpet One has not only found a temporary home on Main Street West, but is proud to share its local carpet and flooring offerings and will be rebuilding and reopening in the same location on Brule Street.
On the night of Tuesday, May 7th, the owners and staff of Strudwicks Carpet One were left devastated by a fire that ripped through their offices and inventory, as well as the heart of the business, which has been directed by the same family for decades. suffered a loss.
See related items: Huge structure fire in Strudwick (video)
and: Everyone on deck as fire destroys Strudwicks Carpet One
That night, a close-knit group of employers and employees arrived on the scene, huddled in the darkness, illuminated only by the high-rise flames emanating from the Strudwicks complex across Brule Street. they hugged. Some cried when they saw the destruction. Some people just stared at the wreckage.
Before the calendar turned to May 8, co-owner Gary James had already made up his mind and told those standing nearby that Strudwicks would survive for many more days.
“It felt reassuring and powerful,” said Carmen van Empel, the store's sales manager. bay today On behalf of Strudwicks at the request of the James family.
“We work for great people. The James family is great,” Van Empel added. “Ralph James (Gary's father and Strudwicks owner) is 93 years old and used to come to work every day until COVID-19 hit. This is a family. I know it's a cliché. But we're a family. We're all grieving together. It certainly felt like a huge loss. ”
Not only has Strudwicks Carpet One found a temporary home at 2022 Main St. W next door to the North Bay and District Humane Society, the team has also confirmed that the local carpet and flooring facility will also be rebuilt and reopened at the same time. I'm proud of that. The location is on Rue Brûlée. Reconstruction is expected to take about a year.
look: Fire chief Whiteley says Strudwick fire is 'not suspicious' (video)
“For now, thanks to the kindness of many people, we have found a temporary location,” Van Empel acknowledged. “Samples are starting to arrive and we are receiving new inventory to replace those that were unfortunately destroyed in the fire. We would like to once again thank the community for their support and kind words. We have had nothing but positive feedback.”Competitor We would like to thank the contractors, including other companies, who offered to help in any way they could. ”
As with any major business disruption, Strudwicks staff is busy solving problems as they arise.
“We have tried to contact all customers who have pending orders. If someone is unavailable, please call the store phone number and we will be happy to provide you with the status of the situation.”
She said the store's staff were questioned by suppliers over the number of desks and computers they ordered, and faced some hurdles in setting up the office and installing furniture, but everything has since been remedied.
The store should open within a few days, but Van Empel said to call ahead and have someone help by then.
“I have a lot of memories” from the Brûlé building, Van Empel added. “To all the great people who have passed through that door. The grieving process continues, but we are moving forward. It's a difficult feeling to describe.” , no one will get hurt and our business will come back bigger and better. ”
