Empire Carpet and Flooring (Empire Today): A Homeowner’s Guide

Empire Carpet and Flooring is the familiar name for Empire Today®, a long-standing American home-improvement company that sells and installs carpet and other types of floors. Founded in 1959, Empire Today (often just called “Empire Carpet” from its catchy “800-588-2300 Empire Today” jingle) specializes in bringing new floors to your home. They offer shop-at-home service: a flooring expert comes to your door with samples of carpet, hardwood, vinyl, laminate, and tile. After a free in-home estimate, Empire installs your new flooring – often as soon as the very next day.

Empire Today is headquartered in Northlake, Illinois (a Chicago suburb), but serves dozens of major metro areas nationwide. It’s a BBB-accredited business (A+ rating) with over 60 years of experience. In fact, they’ve helped more than three million homeowners and businesses update their floors. This guide will explain who Empire Carpet & Flooring is, what services they offer, how the process works, and how you can contact them.

What is Empire Carpet & Flooring (Empire Today)?

Empire Carpet and Flooring is simply Empire Today, LLC – a family-owned flooring and home-furnishing company. Empire Today began in Chicago as “Empire Plastic Covers” in 1959 and expanded over the decades into carpets, hard flooring, and even blinds/shades. They changed their name to Empire Today in 2002 to reflect the modern shop-at-home service (you pick floors at home, and they install them the next day).

Today, Empire Today is a leading provider of installed carpet, flooring, and window treatments. They offer name-brand carpet, hardwood, laminate, tile, vinyl, and even blinds and shades. Empire operates in about 75 of the largest metro areas across the U.S. (roughly 26 states). Because they don’t have retail showrooms, every customer nationwide gets the same service: an in-home consultation, access to a huge selection of floor samples, and professional installation. In short, Empire Carpet and Flooring means convenience and quality: they bring the flooring store to your home and handle the install for you.

Key facts: Empire Today (Empire Carpet) has served over 3 million satisfied customers. It’s a BBB-accredited business (A+ rated) and has been in the flooring business for more than 60 years. This pedigree means homeowners can trust their experience and customer service.

Products and Services

Empire Carpet and Flooring provides a wide range of floor coverings and related products. Homeowners can choose from many materials and styles, such as:

• Carpet: Berber, plush, patterned, indoor-outdoor, pet-friendly, stain-resistant, eco-friendly, and more. Empire offers hundreds of carpet options in all colors and textures.

• Hardwood: Both solid and engineered wood in many species (oak, maple, hickory, etc.) and finishes. They even have exclusive styles like “WhisperHOME®” that are scratch- and sound-resistant.

• Laminate: Wood-look laminate floors that are very durable and often waterproof.

• Vinyl: Luxury vinyl planks and tiles, including waterproof varieties and wood- or stone-look styles.

• Tile: Ceramic and porcelain tiles in various shapes, colors, and textures.

• Window Treatments: In addition to flooring, Empire also sells blinds and shades, integrating them into their service.

Each type of flooring comes with a huge sample gallery. You can shop by type, color, or feature (for example, pet-friendly or waterproof floors) on their website. Because Empire’s consultants visit your home, you can see how carpet or hardwood looks with your walls and lighting. The company advertises top brands and quality products, so you get name-brand materials, not just cheap off-brands.

Empire also offers flooring for businesses (commercial carpet, vinyl, etc.) and even property-management services. But as a homeowner, you’ll most likely use their residential division, which is known for quick turn-around, reliable installers, and thorough service.

How Empire Works (Step-by-Step)

One reason homeowners choose Empire is the simple, guided process. Here’s how it typically works:

1. Schedule a Free At-Home Estimate. You can visit EmpireToday.com or call 800-588-2300 to set up a complimentary in-home consultation. Just give your zip code, and the site or agent will check if there’s an Empire consultant in your area.

2. Home Visit with Samples. At the appointed time, an Empire flooring expert comes to your house or apartment with binders of samples (carpet swatches, vinyl planks, hardwood boards, etc.). They’ll measure the room(s) and walk you through options that fit your style and budget. This is shop-at-home convenience – no showroom visit needed.

3. Get an All-Inclusive Quote. After you pick a floor you like, the consultant gives you a written estimate on the spot. The price is all-inclusive: it covers the floor materials, padding/underlayment, labor for install, moving furniture (if needed), haul-away of old flooring, thresholds – everything. You’re quoted one clear price upfront, with no hidden fees. As their site puts it, Empire Today “makes it easy with one, easy to understand price, complete with all the commonly up-charged items required for your floor to be installed”.

4. Schedule Installation. If you accept the quote, Empire’s team schedules the install. Because Empire has warehouses near every service area, they can often install your new floors as soon as the day after your consultation. The professional installers (who are employees or approved contractors) handle everything: they move light furniture, pull up the old floor, install the new floor correctly, and clean up the mess when done. Many reviews note how smooth and fast the installation is. For example, one customer said their “sales rep came to my home with every sample…explained the difference between each one…there was never a high pressure sale. The installers were also top notch!”.

Shopping with Empire Today – Key Features:

• Home-Visit Appointment: Experts bring samples to you, saving you a store trip.

• Free Estimate: A no-cost price quote at your home, with no obligation.

• All-Inclusive Pricing: The quote includes all materials and labor, so you’ll know the full project cost upfront.

• Next-Day Installation: Empire can often install your floors the next day after approval.

This end-to-end service model is why Empire has served over 3 million customers. You essentially get the convenience of a mobile showroom plus professional installation, without navigating multiple vendors.

Pricing, Financing, and Guarantees

All-Inclusive Upfront Price: One of Empire’s selling points is that its pricing is transparent. During the estimate, you see one final price for the whole job. The quote explicitly covers products, measuring, installation, padding, moving furniture, haul-away of old flooring, thresholds, and cleanup. (If a competitor were quoting you floor + install only, Empire’s all-in quote ensures you’re comparing apples to apples.) Empire notes “you will know the full project price … upfront, before any installation work begins”. This helps avoid surprise charges later.

Special Offers: Empire often runs sales or coupons. For instance, they currently advertise “Up to 50% off your entire project” with select styles of installed carpet and flooring. (Check their website for current promotions.) Even outside of sales, Empire provides a Low Price Guarantee: if within 30 days you find a lower written estimate from a competitor (with the same product and installation scope), Empire will beat that price. This shows they aim to be competitive on price.

Financing: Need to spread out payments? Empire offers financing plans (like simple monthly payments) on approved credit. Their motto is “Floors Now, Pay Over Time.” The exact terms depend on your credit approval, but financing lets you get floors immediately and pay off the balance in installments.

Overall, Empire tries to combine convenience with value. They often highlight their Low Price Guarantee and frequent coupons. You can also sign up for their email list to receive a $300 coupon on large orders. Keep in mind that all pricing (including discounts) applies to full project installs – individual tiles or rolls of flooring aren’t sold separately from installation.

Service Areas and Contact Information

Empire Today provides service in dozens of major U.S. metro areas. In total, they operate in about 75 metropolitan markets across 26 states. Whether you’re in California, Florida, New York, or elsewhere (and many states in between), there’s a good chance Empire serves your city. To check, you can enter your ZIP code on EmpireToday.com or call them. If a location is available nearby, you’ll see an appointment scheduler or contact number. If not, they may still honor nearby city service areas.

Since Empire has no retail stores, everything is done by appointment. Here’s how to get started:

• Online: Visit EmpireToday.com and click “Schedule Appointment.” Enter your ZIP code and availability. If service is available in your area, pick a date/time for a free estimate.

• Phone: Dial 800-588-2300 (the famous Empire Today number). A representative will help set up an in-home appointment.

Once your appointment is booked, a local Empire flooring consultant will come to your home at the set time. (Empire’s headquarters is in Illinois, but the consultation is handled regionally.) The call center and website make it easy – you don’t have to find a specific store or branch.

Remember: Empire’s headquarters is in Northlake, IL, but they rely on local consultants in each market. All service areas use the same product catalogs and training, so you get uniform quality no matter where you are.

Reputation and Trust

As a homeowner, you want to know you’re dealing with a reputable company. Empire Today checks many trust boxes:

• Track Record: Over 60 years in business with 3 million+ satisfied customers.

• Accreditation: Better Business Bureau (BBB) Accredited, A+ rating. (Empire has been BBB-accredited for decades.)

• Reviews: Empire has generally positive customer feedback. For example, it’s “recommended by 100%” of reviewed customers on HomeAdvisor/Angi for some regions. Customers often praise the convenience and professionalism. (One reviewer noted the consultant was “very knowledgeable” and “never a high pressure sale,” and called the installers “top notch”.)

• Industry Recognition: Empire Today advertises its approval by organizations like HomeAdvisor and its 60+ years of service. They also have a visible presence in local markets with TV commercials, etc.

Empire’s website and partners also highlight a Low Price Guarantee and various awards (e.g. HomeAdvisor “Approved Pro”). While no company is perfect, Empire’s long history and accreditation suggest a solid foundation. When you schedule your free consultation, you can feel confident they’ll stand behind their work.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What kinds of flooring does Empire Carpet & Flooring sell?
A: Empire carries a broad selection of floor types. This includes carpet (multiple styles like Berber or plush), hardwood (solid and engineered), laminate, vinyl (planks and tiles, many waterproof options), and ceramic/porcelain tile. They even sell blinds and shades for windows. In short, if it’s a common residential floor surface or window treatment, Empire likely has it.

Q: How do I schedule a free estimate with Empire Today?
A: It’s easy. Go online to EmpireToday.com and click the button for a free in-home estimate, or call 800-588-2300. Enter your ZIP code to see if you’re in a service area. If so, you’ll be prompted to pick a convenient date and time. A flooring specialist will then call to confirm the details.

Q: Is Empire Today available in my area?
A: Empire operates in about 75 major metro areas (in 26 states). To find out quickly, enter your ZIP code on their website’s appointment scheduler. If a consultant serves your region, you can schedule. If not, you can always call 800-588-2300 to double-check.

Q: How long will it take to get my floors installed?
A: One highlight of Empire is fast installation. Thanks to their network of warehouses, they often install your new floor as soon as the next day after your in-home consultation. (This typically applies if the chosen flooring style is in stock and there’s a crew available.) They pride themselves on minimal wait times for homeowners.

Q: How does the pricing work? Are there hidden fees?
A: Empire gives you a single, all-inclusive quote that covers everything (materials, installation, etc.). No hidden fees are added later – you see the total before you agree. If you do find a lower competitor quote on the same installation, Empire will beat it with their Low Price Guarantee. They also run sales and offer financing, which can help stretch your budget.

Q: Can I finance my flooring purchase?
A: Yes. Empire offers financing (subject to credit approval) so you can make monthly payments. This can make a big flooring project more affordable by spreading out the cost. Details and terms are provided during your estimate or you can ask the consultant directly.

Q: Why should I choose Empire Today over other flooring companies?
A: Empire is known for convenience and speed: no need to visit a store, and often next-day install. They have a long track record (60+ years, 3M+ customers), are BBB-accredited (A+), and emphasize quality name-brand products. If you want a stress-free, one-stop flooring solution (with someone coming to your home), Empire is built for that scenario. Their positive reviews and guarantees reflect their focus on customer satisfaction.

Q: How can I contact Empire Today?
A: You can reach Empire Carpet & Flooring by calling 800-588-2300 or by visiting their website (EmpireToday.com) to schedule an appointment or chat. Their customer service line can answer questions, and you can also email or use the online quote tool on the site. For quick action, calling 800-588-2300 is best, as the rep will get your zip code and book a consultant immediately.

Bottom Line

Empire Carpet and Flooring (Empire Today) makes getting new floors easy for homeowners. They combine in-home service, upfront pricing, and fast installation into one package. With decades of experience and millions of floors installed, they bring expertise right to your living room. If you’re a homeowner considering new carpet or hard floors, Empire is worth looking into. Simply call 800-588-2300 or go to EmpireToday.com to get the process started – you could be enjoying beautiful new floors in just a day or two!