Clarks adds new components to shopping experience
Another year, another major enterprise going on at Clarks.
Forty-four years ago, Al and Mildred Clark started a small building material company in their carport, which soon lead to a store building being built in the backyard. In the beginning, or soon after, the Clarks offered plywood, fiberglass insulation, fasteners and paint to their customers. Before very long, the family business had a major presence in lumber and flooring. The business grew quickly through the 70s as more and more buildings began to rise out of the hillside. This growth continues through today.
After all this time, Clarks continues to be a major lumber and building material supplier. Clarks is decidedly a lumberyard and has chosen to remain an old fashioned one. There is still lumber in old fashioned lumber bins and bulk nails and bolts in bins, not because more modern versions are not available, but because the family and staff believe the hometown feel is conducive to a great shopping experience and it adds to the service level Clarks’ customers have come to expect.
But being a lumberyard is only a part of the equation. For many years, the flooring department at Clarks has reigned supreme. Flooring is more than 60 percent of the sales at Clarks, as well it should be. It is recognized by most that Clarks has absolutely the largest flooring inventory and selection in Arkansas. It does not appear that anyone is even close. The flooring presentation, which is the major part of the store, is unique but not old fashioned. Modern displays that are not observed in the state are employed, not just for the capacity needed, but also because the Clarks insist on presenting such a major purchase in a way that allows the client to see how it really looks installed. It is worth a trip to see, even if you never expect to purchase flooring again.
There is a warm, homey feeling at Clarks, but every square inch is dedicated to the customer’s experience. Whether it is the two rug rooms that are simply a world of wonderful area rugs (more than 1,000 in stock) but so easy to shop that even the smallest female customer can see them all easily (and by themselves if they like). Which is a good thing, because much of Clarks’ staff is female and some are pretty small. No big burly men needed to roll up one rug at a time to get down to the rug you want to see.
Every section could be called Rug World, Tile World, etc. Clarks seems to truly have the whole galaxy in each category. Ceramic tile, where Clarks really excels, is in stock in too many colors, styles, sizes, and quantity to describe. As soon as you walk in the door that will be evident. Tile is beautifully displayed in vast quantities. What is more surprising is how many hundreds — yes, hundreds — of these selections are in Clarks’ vast inventory.
The same is true in laminate, hardwood and especially in the new WPC snaplock vinyl plank flooring category. This product has taken the country by storm and Clarks has enough to keep you confused. But their staff will remove the confusion and you will know when you leave you know they know more about the product than any place else you will visit.
The big news is not inside the main store, though. In fact, it is in another store altogether, although it is on the same property. Clarks is getting ready to announce Builders Surplus Warehouse. Builders Surplus Warehouse comes from an experiment that the son and VP, Alan Clark, conducted in another location. While Clarks is full service, Builders Surplus Warehouse is not. Anything but full service, actually.
Clarks is proud of the fact that although they offer breadth of selection and great service they also have great prices and will save you money over anyone, including the internet.
Builders Surplus Warehouse removes all of the frills and brings you rock bottom prices. No returns, no deliveries, no credit, no phone, no heating or cooling, no holding merchandise, and with any warranty claims the customer must deal directly with the manufacturer. But the prices will be incredible. And not just for low end merchandise. The selection will be larger than most stores and will change often.
For years, the buyers at Clarks have lamented over how many great deals they had to pass up, because the capacity was just not present to move it. No more. Builders Surplus Warehouse will be full of pallets of quality flooring (and from time to time other merchandise) and rock bottom prices. If you don’t find what you are looking for, or don’t want to purchase with all of the frills removed, the best flooring store in the state will be just next door. As with everything else the Clarks do, it will be interesting just to see. Take the time to visit this unique store and appreciate why family businesses add such a flavor of Americana to your shopping experience.