Brian and Shari Sheehan, new owners of Kitchen & Floor Decor at 25 N. Main St. in downtown Rice Lake, invite the public to celebrate with them throughout the month of September with specials, refreshments and the chance to win a free carpet installation.
September marks a year since they officially took over the long-established business from business partners Carrie Glaser and Dave Wellsandt. Because it was the tail end of the Main Street renovation project and they wanted to get familiar with the store's products and services, the Sheehans held off on a change of ownership celebration until now.
"We really wanted to fly under the radar as we were new and coming into the business," Shari said. "We wanted to learn the ins and outs. We wanted to transition well."
With both Glaser and Wellsandt staying on part-time throughout this past year, the new owners have been able to do that, and their goal is to continue the same quality products and services that the previous owners provided.
"We've been able to maintain the good relationships with the people they've established," she said. "That's really been our goal — to bring the same level of excellent service that Dave and Carrie did. They're wonderful resources."
While carrying on that customer trust, the Sheehans have also made some changes. They've moved the flooring from upstairs to the main level, although commercial hardwoods will remain on the second floor for now.
"We've got plans to revamp that space with window treatments and wallpaper," Shari said.
Brian is pleased with their big, new Cambria quartz display wall that catches the eye with its sparkles.
Shari said other updates included taking down some walls and putting up some new ones, continuing with vignettes to give people inspiration but reducing the number of them for a larger, more spacious look and feel to the business.
"We want people to come in and get inspired for their next project," she said.
The new owner added, "We're still offering bath and kitchen remodels, and project coordinations. That's kind of our goal — to simplify it for the customer."
Hours have remained the same — 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. However the store's website, kitchenfloordecor.com, has been refreshed.
While the Sheehans live in Shell Lake, they have lots of family and friends in the area and are looking forward to meeting and getting to know more people in the Rice Lake area. Brian's background is flooring, and he has done installations for 20 years with his own business, Sheehan Flooring, that is now absorbed into their new business.
Each Friday in September they welcome the public to come in and meet them, browse the store to get ideas, enjoy treats, take advantage of sales, get a free pad with any carpet purchase, and register for a free carpet installation of up to 450 square feet.
Reflecting on their first year, which went by quickly, Shari said, "We feel blessed to step into such a well-established business."
Brian added, "We love the changes to the downtown, the look of everything now."
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