Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Source for Flooring Products in Houston, TX
Readers Wholesale Distributors has been a trusted name in the flooring industry since our founding in 1935. As a family-owned and operated business spanning four generations, we have built a legacy of excellence in distributing high-quality floor covering products for both commercial and residential applications. Our journey began with Hymen Reader, whose vision and dedication laid the foundation for what would become one of North America's top 20 flooring distributors. Over the decades, we have expanded our operations to serve over 2,500 dealers across Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, maintaining our commitment to quality, customer service, and innovation. Our strategic cross-dock facilities in Houston, Austin, San Antonio, New Orleans, and Jackson ensure efficient product delivery to meet the needs of our diverse clientele.We pioneered e-commerce solutions for flooring distribution, offering 24/7 online ordering access to our extensive product catalog. With a workforce that has grown from 75 employees in the 1960s to our current operations, we continue to uphold the core values established by our founder while embracing modern technological advancements. Our partnerships with leading manufacturers like Armstrong Cork Company since 1945 demonstrate our industry authority and long-standing relationships within the sector. Today, under the leadership of fourth-generation president Adam Burke, we maintain our position at the forefront of the flooring distribution industry while preserving the family values that have guided us for nearly a century.
Services
Commercial Flooring Products
Residential Flooring Products
E-commerce Ordering
Product Distribution
Cross-Dock Facilities
Floor Covering Solutions
Dealer Services
Warehouse Operations
Product Delivery
Online Inventory Access
Details
- Year established: 1935
Highlights and features
- We offer 88 years of specialized expertise in flooring distribution
- Our family leadership ensures consistent business values across generations
- We maintain strategic cross-dock facilities across three Gulf Coast states
- We pioneered 24/7 e-commerce ordering for flooring products
- Our long-standing manufacturer partnerships guarantee product quality
Services
Commercial Flooring Products
We distribute commercial-grade flooring solutions for healthcare facilities, educational institutions, hospitality venues, and multi-family housing. Our product line includes durable options that meet strict commercial building codes and traffic requirements. Dealers access specialized product specifications and bulk ordering capabilities through our distribution network.
Residential Flooring Products
Our residential flooring collection offers diverse options for single-family homes, including hardwood, laminate, vinyl, and carpet products. We provide solutions that balance aesthetic appeal with practical durability for different household environments. Customers benefit from our extensive inventory and fast delivery across Gulf Coast states.
E-commerce Ordering
Our 24/7 e-commerce platform enables registered dealers to check product availability, place orders, and access pricing information at any time. The system provides real-time inventory updates and order tracking features to streamline the purchasing process for flooring professionals.
Product Distribution
We maintain an efficient distribution network with strategically located warehouses and cross-dock facilities. Our logistics system ensures timely delivery of flooring products to dealers across Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, supported by modern inventory management technology.
Dealer Services
We provide comprehensive support for flooring dealers including product training, marketing materials, and dedicated account management. Our team offers technical assistance and customized solutions to help dealers meet their customers' flooring needs effectively.
People
Hymen Reader
Founder
Founded Readers Wholesale Distributors in 1935 after transitioning from the jewelry business to appliance distribution. Established the family tradition of leadership that continues through four generations.
Leonard Burke
Former President
Son-in-law of Hymen Reader who became general manager at 28 and led the company as president from 1964-1986. Expanded operations during his leadership tenure.
Lucky Burke
Former President
Son of Leonard Burke who joined the company in 1975 and served as president from 1986-2011. Oversaw significant warehouse expansion in 1998 to support continued growth.
Adam Burke
President
Fourth-generation leader who joined in 2003 and became president in 2011. Maintains family ownership tradition while advancing digital ordering systems and modern distribution practices.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We serve Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi with cross-dock facilities in Houston, Austin, San Antonio, New Orleans, and Jackson.
What types of products do you distribute?
We distribute commercial and residential flooring products for applications including homes, multi-family units, healthcare facilities, and hospitality venues.
Can I order products online?
Yes, we offer 24/7 e-commerce access for registered customers to check stock and place orders.
How long have you been in business?
We've been family-owned and operated since 1935, making us one of the oldest flooring distributors in North America.
Do you provide delivery services?
Yes, our distribution network ensures efficient product delivery across our three-state service area.
How can I request an online account?
You can complete our online form to request an e-commerce account for ordering access.
Reviews (4)
William Allen
Oct 24, 2021
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I have a cash account with readers and I am always treated like a step child if I call and need info without my account number in hand. Oh I was also told I can not get a charge account because they are not accepting any more, as if they have what they need so screw the rest of us. Plus will call rules change daily and today when I picked up I was told I must be backed in before paperwork can be done for will call yet nobody ever asked the bay # I was backed into. Terrible customer service and other than my personal service rep the employees are RUDE
Dog Lover
Jul 13, 2021
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Material is always on time. Don't experience too many problems like other vendors. Very low surcharge as well
Peggy Cryan
Jan 27, 2021
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Our order was there, the service was excellent, and there were no problems. Would do business here again.
Emanuel Ramos
Jun 24, 2019
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Very professional and friendly staff. Got just what I ordered in a timely manner and the building is clean as well
