Johnson City, TN, October 17, 2025
News Summary
In a year marked by transformation within the flooring industry, Mullican Flooring celebrates its 40th anniversary as Historic Flooring prepares to shut down after 16 years in business. The liquidation event at Historic Flooring offers diverse materials, while LL Flooring faces bankruptcy with significant store closures. These contrasting narratives highlight the dynamic state of the flooring market in Johnson City, TN, amidst economic fluctuations.
Johnson City, TN – Mullican Flooring, a leading hardwood flooring manufacturer, is commemorating its 40th anniversary this year amid significant changes in the flooring industry. The company, which has navigated through economic fluctuations over the decades, stands as a testament to resilience in an evolving marketplace.
In contrast, Historic Flooring in Johnson City, TN, is set to close its doors after 16 years of service. The owner of Historic Flooring acquired the old Harris Tarkett plant in 2012, having initially launched the business from a smaller facility in 2007. As part of the closure process, the company will liquidate its remaining inventory during a special event scheduled for Friday and Saturday, September 22nd and 23rd, from 8 am to 2 pm.
The liquidation event will feature a wide range of items for sale, including flooring, barn wood, reclaimed beams, slabs, dimensional lumber, architectural salvage such as doors and mantels, antique lumber carts, and over 100,000 feet of trim and molding. Notably, some unique offerings will include salvaged bowling alley lots from Leisure Lanes in Johnson City.
Additionally, LL Flooring, formerly known as Lumber Liquidators, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, adding to the challenges faced by the flooring sector. The company plans to close nearly 100 stores across more than 30 states due to approximately $110 million in long-term debt. LL Flooring cited slowing home sales and rising interest rates as primary contributors to the downturn in sales in the home improvement market.
While LL Flooring is undergoing these significant changes, its Elmira store at 830 County Road 64 will remain open, along with the Johnson City store at 416 Harry L Dr. These locations will not be affected by the closures. Moreover, LL Flooring is actively exploring potential buyers, with hopes of selling the business by the end of September if a suitable buyer can be found.
Mullican Flooring: A Story of Survival
Founded in 1983, Mullican Flooring has become a significant player in the hardwood flooring industry, recognized for its quality products and innovative approaches. Over the past four decades, the company has dealt with various market challenges, adapting its business model to ensure sustainability and growth.
Historic Flooring: A Local Fixture Shutting Down
Historic Flooring gained local prominence in Johnson City after its establishment in 2007. The business operated from different locations before making a significant investment in the Harris Tarkett plant in 2012. The closure marks the end of an era for the company and its dedicated customer base. The upcoming liquidation is expected to draw considerable interest from individuals and businesses looking for various flooring materials and unique architectural relics.
LL Flooring: Industry Struggles
LL Flooring’s recent Chapter 11 filing underscores broader trends affecting the home improvement and flooring markets. With rising interest rates impacting home sales, consumer spending in home renovations has seen a decline. The company’s objective to close almost 100 stores illustrates the difficult decisions companies in this sector are facing amid financial stress.
Conclusion
The flooring industry is at a pivotal moment, witnessing both milestones and closures. As Mullican Flooring celebrates its history, Historic Flooring prepares to bid farewell, and LL Flooring navigates bankruptcy proceedings. The contrasting experiences of these companies reflect the current state of a dynamic market.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Mullican Flooring celebrating?
- Mullican Flooring is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
- Why is Historic Flooring closing?
- Historic Flooring is closing after 16 years of business.
- What will happen during the liquidation event at Historic Flooring?
- The liquidation event will feature items for sale including flooring, barn wood, reclaimed beams, slabs, dimensional lumber, architectural salvage, antique lumber carts, and over 100,000 feet of trim and molding.
- What led LL Flooring to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy?
- LL Flooring cited slowing home sales and rising interest rates as factors contributing to declining sales in the home improvement market.
- Will any LL Flooring stores remain open?
- Yes, the Elmira store at 830 County Road 64 and the Johnson City store at 416 Harry L Dr will remain open.
- What are the future plans for LL Flooring?
- LL Flooring is exploring potential buyers and hopes to sell the business by the end of September if a buyer is found.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Mullican Flooring | Historic Flooring | LL Flooring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Years in Business | 40 | 16 | N/A |
| Current Status | Celebrating Anniversary | Closing | Bankruptcy Filing |
| Location | Nationwide | Johnson City, TN | Nationwide |
| Outstanding Issues | N/A | Liquidation Event | Store Closures |
| Unique Offerings | Quality Hardwood | Salvaged Items & Antique Lumber | N/A |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Johnson City Press: Mullican Flooring
- Wikipedia: Flooring
- WJHL: Layoffs at Johnson City Plant
- Google Search: Historic Flooring closure
- Star Gazette: LL Flooring Store Closures
- Google News: LL Flooring bankruptcy
- WCYB: Historic Flooring Closure
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chapter 11 bankruptcy
- TNECD: MD Carts Expansion
- Google Scholar: Flooring Industry Challenges
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
