Burstows Carpet One

Although Burstow's Carpet One, a local fourth generation independent family owned and operated company has had several name changes over its long history, few floor covering companies can proudly boast of service to Toowoomba, The Darling Downs and the Lockyer Valley for over 100 years. The history and evolution of the business is fascinating and more can be read below, however in more recent times Burstows has established its name as a proactive leader in the industry. Particularly in 1978 when it joined with 15 other Queensland carpet retailers to form a co operative buying group; a group today know as Carpet One; the world’s largest Carpet Retailer.

The result of this group is we have access to the buying power of the largest carpet retailer in the world, which in turn gives us access to a vast array of product ranges, extremely competitive price points and outstanding manufacturer warranties. Unlike our franchise competitors, we have the flexibility to choose what products we sell and how much we sell them for.

Because of our longevity in Toowoomba, it is likely you have walked on a Burstow's floor in your own home, at a friend's home, shopping at a local business or when you attended a function at the Empire Theatre, so the proof of our ability and offerings is in the walking, so to speak. Whether you're building your new home or renovating your current home we have all the flooring options you need, be it carpet for your bedroom, to timber for your lounge room and laminated or vinyl for your kitchen and bathroom, we have you covered. Also under the same roof is our vast array of ceramic tiles and extensive selection of window fashions, to further compliment your home and make the shopping experience easy.

We invite you to visit our show room and wander around at your leisure. Alternatively you can contact us direct by calling (07) 4632 2255 or drop us a line. If you are unable to visit us, browse through the product selection on our website and give us a call if you have any questions.

HISTORY
Originally in 1896 T.S. Burstow purchased a cabinet making business in Bell Street where he turned to furniture making and employing 30 men in the process. In 1900 an undertaking and embalming business was added using coffins made at the factory. In 1906 T.S. Burstow constructed a purpose built two storey building at 462 Ruthven Street to display and sell furniture. A local contractor Mr H Andrews constructed the building for a price of £961 (approx $1920). This building still stands today. At this stage there was a staff of 50. The funeral parlour and workshop remained at Bell Street.

Floor coverings became an accessory and in the early days consisted mainly of imported rugs and hall runners from the Middle East, England and Scotland. The great depression had a profound effect on the company with the closure of the furniture manufacturing business with the loss of 50 staff. The company continued their funeral parlour and retail business and as Australia established its own floor covering manufacturing industry, new local product became available from Burstows. At the same time, linos and congoleums were becoming more readily available, extending the choice of floor coverings. Consequently the company continued to grow through the succeeding generations.

During 1960 the family business was divided. The furniture/floor covering business was separated from the funeral parlour. Both continued to be under family ownership. To provide value in an increasingly competitive floor covering market, Burstows joined with 15 other Queensland carpet retailers in 1978 to form a co operative buying group. In 1987 this group changed its name to IN CARPETS. Consequently a name change to BURSTOW'S IN CARPETS! This business relocated in 1993 to the new Homemakers Centre at 12 Prescott Street where it exists today as BURSTOWS CARPET ONE.