Bainbridge Floor Covering marks final days of operation

Those who frequent downtown Winslow may have noticed a few less signs in the window of Bainbridge Floor Covering & Supply Inc., traditionally a site of so many entertainment and charitable events posters, as of late. Instead, in their place is a large banner proclaiming that the store is closing and that Steve Shawley and Judy Dulay are retiring.

Though several works in progress will continue to completion, with smaller-scale new jobs still being done, Shawley said that he expects to be completely finished and closed before the end of the year. The business, meanwhile, will operate out of a smaller warehouse location.

Shawley, who moved to the island from Seattle in 1951 with his parents when he was only 8, took over the downtown staple flooring and carpet installation business from Allan Burns McCoskrie, son of the stores original owner, in 1972.

Dulay, Shawleys friend from their days together at Bainbridge High School, has been the stores long-time accountant and general manager.

Though the business would become his lifes work, Shawley said he did not start out with the intent of owning the place when he first came to work there.

I used to be the bookkeeper here; I was studying to be an accountant, Shawley remembered.

I dont do it any more, Ill tell you that, he laughed. Judy does all that.

As he quickly found himself more interested in the business than the books, Shawley said he set about acquiring the shop he had become so fond of.

I bought it out with a couple of investors, he explained. Then Ive since bought them out, so basically Im the owner. It owns me, I own it. Whats the difference?

It was the process of construction and refinement, Shawley said, that drew him to the work.

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Bainbridge Floor Covering marks final days of operation