Thornton Flooring Acquires Nine Carpetland USA Locations in Midwest Expansion

Sioux Falls, S.D., May 4, 2026-Thornton Flooring has added nine Carpetland USA locations across eastern Iowa and western Illinois, expanding its footprint to a total of 12 stores.

The newly added locations serve markets including Burlington, Cedar Rapids, Clinton, Davenport, Dubuque and Waterloo in Iowa, along with Galesburg, Moline and Sterling in Illinois. With the addition, Thornton’s operating range now extends from eastern Wyoming to western Illinois.

The Carpetland USA stores will continue to operate under their existing name. Carpetland CEO Eric Langan and his team will remain in place, overseeing day-to-day operations.

Thornton Flooring CEO Matt Thornton said the companies have an established relationship and aligned approach to business, noting that the combination is intended to strengthen their regional presence.

Langan said the decision was based on finding a partner positioned for growth while maintaining continuity for customers and employees.

Thornton Flooring was founded in 1975 and serves markets across Wyoming, South Dakota and Iowa. Carpetland USA, founded in 1971, operates multiple locations in eastern Iowa and western Illinois. Thornton is an NFA member, while Carpetland was part of Flooring Alliance.

ZS Fund, a New York based private equity fund, aquired Thornton Carpet, LLC in May of 2025.

Read more about Thornton from our June 2025 Best Practices column here and about Carpetland from April 2025 column here.