Glendale, AZ, November 16--Floor and Décor Outlets of America will open its first Arizona store on Bell Road, Glendale's main retail artery according to the Arizona Republic.
The Atlanta-based company is filling 75,000 square feet of space in Glendale that has been vacant for three years, and has hired 40 Glendale area residents.
"I'm excited because it's something that we don't have," said Councilman Steve Frate, who represents the area.
The store is expected to open as early as Dec 10.
Marwin Bahlawah, the store's general manager, said the business has an edge over other home improvement stores because it specializes in hard surface flooring, including ceramic, hardwood and marble, has all its products in stock and offers low prices.
"At other places, the selection is limited and they don't have much in stock," he said. "The customer has to order it and wait a few weeks. With us, they can walk in, choose from a large variety of flooring from all over the world, including Italy, Germany, Spain, Brazil ... and take it home that day."
Iain Vasey, Glendale's economic development director, said that "with all the residential growth happening in the West Valley, they've picked the absolutely best market." The store will complement the neighboring Levitz furniture store.
Vasey said he hopes the company's arrival sparks interest in the area, including a still vacant former Costco store.
"It's a good first step," Vasey said. "Bell Road is a very attractive retail corridor. We see it as an economic engine for the Northwest Valley."
The arrival of Floor and Décor is another of a string of improvements along Bell Road, including the major renovation of Arrowhead Towne Center at 77th Avenue and Bell Road and other businesses trickling into the area.
