Rite Rug began its operations on the corner of Cherry and High Streets in downtown Columbus with a shop selling linoleum pieces, tiles and used rugs purchased by my father, Duke, and my uncle, Stanley Goldberg,” recalls Rite Rug owner Michael Goldberg. In that era, the 1930's, the majority of homes had hardwood floors, with a rug used here and there. It wasn't until the 1960's that homeowners began to cover entire rooms with carpet. Today wall-to-wall carpet is just one option. With the renewed interest in hardwoods and laminates, ceramics and stones, and the variety of rug styles, the flooring alternatives are endless.
From those humble beginnings, Rite Rug has grown through the years, mirroring the growth of Columbus itself. As Columbus became the largest city in Ohio, Rite Rug expanded to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse population. The company now holds the largest market share of flooring business in the region, and in doing so, has become the eighth largest flooring retailer in the United States.
Since its inception in 1934, the Rite Rug Co. has been a family-run enterprise. Brothers Duke and Stanley Goldberg, who were among 10 children, founded the company in Columbus, Ohio, after learning the business at their brother's flooring store Youngstown, Ohio.
When Duke and Stanley left Rite Rug for four years to fight in World War II, their sister, Janet Goldberg, ran the business. The Goldberg brothers returned from the war to continue growing the business, which today, under the direction of CEO Michael Goldberg, is in its third generation.
Speaking about Rite Rug's growth as a business, Michael once said, “Rite Rug has evolved from a family-owned, family-run business to a family-owned, professionally run business.”
Some key dates and milestones in Rite Rug's 75 years:
1934:
Founders and brothers Duke and Stanley Goldberg establish Rite Rug at the original Rite Rug location on the corner of Cherry and High streets in downtown Columbus Ohio.
1941:
Duke and Stanley leave Rite Rug for four years to fight in World War II while their sister, Janet Goldberg, runs the business.
1945: After the war, the Goldberg brothers return home to continue growing the business.
Late 1950's: Rite Rug suffers a devastating fire that leaves the store in rubble, but it is a successfully rebuilt at the original location.
Early 1960's: In-home shopping with Mr. Edwards is established.
1962: Michael Goldberg, age 15, son of Duke Goldberg, begins working at Rite Rug.
1964: Rite Rug begins expanding with its second location on East Main Street in Columbus, Ohio.
1968: Rite Rug continues to grow, adding its third location incorporating warehouse space, a corporate office and retail store on Morse road in Columbus, Ohio.
1969: Michael Goldberg is drafted in to the army is drafted in to the army and his oldest son, Mickey Goldberg is born.
1971: Michael leaves the army to return to Rite Rug with four stores in operation.
1971: A location on West Broad Street, Columbus is opened. It still operates today.
1983: Duke Goldberg acquires all of the Rite Rug business and becomes the exclusive owner of Rite Rug.
1986: The original Rite Rug location on High Street is torn down to make room for Columbus City Center.
1987: Rite Rug expands out of central Ohio to Springfield, Ohio.
1989: Founder Duke Goldberg passes away at age 72.
1989: Mickey Goldberg, third generation begins working for Rite Rug.
1990's: Rite Rug continues to grow, opening nine stores by 2000.
1994: Rite Rug starts specific commercial and new construction divisions.
1997: Rite Rug opens a 90,000 square-foot warehouse and new corporate office in Columbus, Ohio.
1999: The Michael David design center, a showroom/selection center for builder clientele with on-staff designers, is opened.
2000: Rite Rug begins a property management division via the acquisition of two companies, including Elite Carpet.
2000: Rite Rug initiates the Rite Rug Floor Care division dedicated to floor cleaning and maintenance.
2001: Rite Rug remodels its 14 stores, investing about $1 million in store layout and design.
2001: Mickey Goldberg moves to Cincinnati to focus on expanding Rite Rug's business-to-business divisions in that region.
2006: Rite Rug expands into Kentucky and opens three new locations in three years.
2008: Mickey Goldberg becomes COO under his father.
2009: Today, Rite Rug is the 8th largest flooring retailer in the nation, with 19 locations throughout Ohio and Kentucky and more than 200,000 square feet of warehouse space, including one of the largest inventories in the nation.