Empire Today

Empire Today

Direct-to-consumer flooring retailer and installer

Overview

Empire Today provides flooring solutions for residential and commercial customers across the United States. It offers products including carpet, hardwood, laminate, vinyl, and tile, sold through a direct-to-consumer model. The company conducts in-home consultations so customers can see samples in their own space and make a choice that fits their decor. Revenue comes from selling flooring and professional installation services performed by independent contractors, with a focus on quick turnaround such as next-day installation. Empire Today differentiates itself by delivering personalized, space-based sample viewing and rapid installation through a nationwide network, aiming to meet customer needs quickly and ensure satisfaction. The goal is to provide convenient, up-to-date flooring options and reliable installation to simplify home improvement for customers.

Significant Headcount Growth

About Empire Today

Simplify's Rating
Why Empire Today is rated
B-
Rated B on Competitive Edge
Rated B on Growth Potential
Rated C on Differentiation

Industries

Industrial & Manufacturing

Consumer Goods

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

Debt Financing

Total Funding

$865M

Headquarters

Northlake, Illinois

Founded

1959

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • May 5, 2026 equity from Invesco and Fortress strengthened liquidity and reduced leverage.
  • February 3, 2026 Horizon Next won agency-of-record duties to sharpen paid acquisition.
  • April 29, 2025 Habitat for Humanity partnership extends brand trust into affordable housing.

What critics are saying

  • The May 5, 2026 recapitalization followed a nearly $800 million debt stack, exposing fragility.
  • Revelio Labs showed headcount fell to 3,072 in March 2026, signaling operating pressure.
  • Another demand slump before August 2029 maturities forces a distressed sale or Chapter 11.

What makes Empire Today unique

  • Empire Today’s Home Floor Advantage in-home consultations simplify flooring buying across America.
  • The Better at Home campaign and 800-588-2300 jingle drive massive brand recall, January 29, 2025.
  • Empire serves residential and Empire for Business customers, widening demand beyond DIY shoppers.

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Funding

Total Funding

$865M

Above

Industry Average

Funded Over

2 Rounds

Debt funding comparison data is currently unavailable. We're working to provide this information soon!
Debt Funding Comparison
Coming Soon

Benefits

Health Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account

Paid Holidays

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

401(k) Retirement Plan

Wellness Program

Commuter Benefits

Phone/Internet Stipend

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

4%

1 year growth

4%

2 year growth

4%
Paul Hastings
May 5th, 2026
Paul Hastings Advises Ad Hoc Group of Term Lenders to Empire Today | Paul Hastings LLP

Paul Hastings LLP advised an ad hoc group of term lenders to Empire Today LLC and its subsidiaries (Empire Today) in connection with a comprehensive, out-of-court recapitalization of Empire Today’s nearly $800 million capital structure

PR.com
Mar 26th, 2026
Empire today(r) once again named one of "America's Best Midsize Employers" by Forbes.

Empire today(r) once again named one of "America's Best Midsize Employers" by Forbes. Empire Today was named to the Forbes America's Best Midsize Employers 2026 list for the fourth time, based on employee feedback on workplace culture and experience. The recognition reflects the company's ongoing commitment to a strong, employee-driven culture that supports growth, trust, and customer-first values. Northlake, IL, March 26, 2026 -( PR.com )- Empire Today has once again been named to the Forbes list of America's Best Midsize Employers for 2026. The annual ranking recognizes organizations that stand out for employee experience, workplace culture and overall reputation. The list, announced on February 10th, is based primarily on survey responses from more than 217,000 employees working at companies across the United States with at least 1,000 employees. Respondents evaluated their employers based on factors such as work environment, as well as their likelihood to recommend their employer to others, with more recent data and feedback from current employees weighted more heavily in the final rankings by Statista in partnership with Forbes. This marks the fourth time Empire Today has been named to the list, reflecting the company's continued focus on fostering a workplace where employees can grow, contribute and succeed. "This recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects the experiences of our employees," said Brian Hutto, Chief Executive Officer. "Our employees are at the heart of everything we do, and this is a direct reflection of the culture they've built across our organization shaped by the incredible employees that put our customers first, build trust, and support one another. This culture, guided by our mission and values, is one we'll continue to support and strengthen." Empire remains committed to building on this recognition and continuing to invest in the people who make it possible. About Empire Today Empire Today, LLC, also commonly known as Empire Carpet and for its famous 800-588-2300 jingle, has been a leading provider of installed home improvements and home furnishings for over 65 years. Empire serves residential and business customers with a wide selection of installed carpet, hardwood, laminate, porcelain/ceramic tile, and vinyl flooring products suitable for homes, small businesses, organizations, and commercial applications. Empire provides shop-at-home convenience or on-site consultations, quality products at great prices, and world-class service. With over three million satisfied customers, Empire Today is dedicated to making beautiful new floors easy, creating spaces its customers love. Headquartered in Northlake, Illinois, Empire Today serves homeowners and businesses across 75 of the largest metropolitan areas across the United States. Empire Today Press Relations 1-800-588-2300 www.empiretoday.com

PR.com
Sep 11th, 2025
Empire Today(R) Appoints Charlie Lockyer as Chief Financial Officer

Northlake, IL, September 11, 2025 -( PR.com )- Empire Today, the leading provider of high-quality, affordable installed flooring solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Charlie Lockyer as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Floor Trends Magazine
May 1st, 2025
Empire Today Partners with Habitat for Humanity to Expand Affordable Housing Access

Empire Today partners with Habitat for Humanity to expand affordable housing access.

PR Newswire
Jan 29th, 2025
Empire Today® Launches New Better At Home™ Advertising Campaign Nationwide

New Campaign Introduces Empire's Home Floor Advantage™—New Branded Experience for Floor ShoppingNORTHLAKE, Ill., Jan. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Empire Today, LLC, a leader in direct-to-consumer flooring, is setting a new standard for home flooring projects with a redefined in-home shopping experience, Empire's Home Floor Advantage™. Empire Today spent months researching the various methods available for consumers to purchase flooring and has created this customer-first approach based on feedback and insights on what drives the highest level of satisfaction in the product and enjoyment of the experience. This initiative is designed to meet the needs of today's flooring consumers who value ease, expertise, convenience, and transparency.At the heart of Home Floor Advantage is an Empire Today flooring expert who visits customers in their home to guide them through every step of their flooring purchase. This seamless process from selection to installation begins with a consultation, during which the expert provides personalized guidance and a carefully curated assortment of samples to help customers ensure they have selected flooring that complements their lighting, décor, and lifestyle. Customers also receive an all-inclusive pricing estimate* with no hidden fees, so there are no surprises down the road

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