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Comfort

Scam investigated in three counties, two states

By Robert Cloud

A man in Waupaca County jail on a $200,000 cash bond is accused of scamming elderly people in three Wisconsin counties and in the state of New York.

William T. Comfort, 27, Los Angeles, is charged in Waupaca County with felony theft by false representation.

According to the criminal complaint, an Iola woman received a call on May 4 from someone claiming to be her grandson.

The caller told her that he had been arrested and was in handcuffs at the police station in Miami, Florida.

He said he needed $20,000 in cash to pay his bail or he would be held in jail until his court appearance in six to eight weeks.

He gave her a phone number for a lawyer he claimed would arrange to post the bond.

The grandmother called the lawyer’s number, who told her that the bond was to guarantee her grandson’s court appearance and that bail for an out-of-state arrest required cash. He said the federal courthouse in Miami would reimburse the cash within three to five days.

The purported lawyer also advised her not to tell the bank why she needed $20,000 in cash.

The Iola grandmother was told that she could not reach her grandson because the police had confiscated his cell phone.

Swindler gets cash

She spoke with her daughter, who withdrew the $20,000 from the victim’s Iola bank account, then called the lawyer and informed him she had the cash.

The lawyer said a Stevens Point bondsman would drive to the daughter’s home to pick up the money, then transport it to a federal courthouse in Green Bay.

The bondsman arrived a short time later. He was described as about 5-foot-10, husky with blonde hair, wearing a Bass Pro Shops trucker cap, a camouflage jacket and a black-cloth covid mask.

He had no paperwork, so she asked him to sign a piece of paper as her receipt. She couldn’t read his signature and he refused to print his name for her. He then drove away with the $20,000 in cash.

The following day, the daughter was unable to reach the lawyer by phone.

She spoke to her sister and learned that the grandson was at college studying for his final exams.

Comfort is accused of running the same “grandparent scam” to bilk a Taylor County woman out of $9,500 on May 5.

Roving con artist

He is also charged with three counts of felony theft by false representation in Marathon County.

Three separate people were scammed on May 6.

A Rib Mountain couple told investigators that a woman claiming to be their granddaughter called and said she had been involved in a fatal car crash.

They then spoke with a man who claimed to be a lawyer. The purported lawyer said the granddaughter needed $18,000 for a cash bond. The bondsman then came to their home to pick up the cash.

Another Rib Mountain woman fell victim to the same scam. After a courier picked up $18,000 from her, the lawyer called back and said he needed another $12,000. This time, she became suspicious, called her granddaughter, learned there had been no crash and no arrest and called police.

A third woman in Marathon County reported being scammed out of $16,000 on the same day.

Because the daughter of the Iola victim wrote down the bondsman’s license plate number, investigators were able to trace the vehicle to a car rental business in Appleton.

Investigators identify suspect

Iola Police Chief Paul Zierler told the Waupaca County Post that law enforcement agencies set up an email list so that investigators could share information.

Zierler gave the suspect’s license plate number to a Taylor County detective who contacted the car rental business.

The detective then sent a photo of Comfort’s California driver’s license, as well as photos of Comfort inspecting the vehicle on May 2 and returning it on May 6.

On June 22, an elderly woman called the police in Colonie, New York, and reported what she thought was a scam.

She said a man claiming to be an attorney was coming to her apartment to collect money for a cash bond for her granddaughter. By the time Comfort arrived, police were already there waiting for him.

Comfort was arrested and charged with grand larceny and as a fugitive from justice because of the Wisconsin warrants for his arrest.

He was subsequently extradited to Waupaca County, where he is currently being held in custody.

Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Pérez, who owns an autoshop, has won a seat previously held by a Republican. Photo courtesy of the Gluesenkamp Pérez campaign

Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Pérez has defeated Joe Kent, a far-right Republican endorsed by former President Trump, delivering a major upset in Washington’s 3rd Congressional District, the Associated Press reported Saturday night.

Why it matters: Gluesenkamp Pérez’s win will turn the district in southwest Washington blue for the first time in 12 years, giving Democrats an important pickup as they fight to limit GOP gains in Congress.

• It also comes as another blow to Trump, whose handpicked candidates have lost or struggled in many races nationwide.

The latest: Gluesenkamp Pérez, who lives in rural Skamania County and owns an auto shop in Portland, was leading Kent by a narrow margin on Saturday afternoon, according to the Washington secretary of state’s office.

• The AP called the race on the fifth day of vote counting in the all-mail election.

The big picture: Glusenkamp Pérez will succeed U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, who lost her primary earlier this year. Herrera Beutler was one of 10 Republicans who voted to impeach Trump for inciting the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

Catch up quick: On the campaign trail, Gluesenkamp Pérez, an auto repair shop owner, repeatedly argued that Kent held extreme views that would make it difficult for him to accomplish much in Congress.

Abortion was another flashpoint in the race, with Gluesenkamp Pérez arguing that Kent’s anti-abortion stance would endanger women.

• The candidates also clashed over immigration, with Kent wanting to end the issuance of work visas to immigrants and Gluesenkamp Pérez calling the idea “economic sabotage.”

Flashback: After the 2020 election, Kent was a plaintiff in a lawsuit challenging the results in Washington state, alleging without evidence that votes were flipped, removed or added. A federal judge dismissed that claim last year.

What they’re saying: In a statement Saturday, Gluesenkamp Pérez said that “Joe Kent’s candidacy gave voice to some of the darkest impulses in our politics,” including “xenophobia and authoritarianism.”

• “Southwest Washington looked them straight in the eye and said no — not here, not now, not ever,” she said.
• Kent, meanwhile, proclaimed on Twitter that “this is not over.” He said his team is continuing to work to “cure” ballots that were rejected because of a signature mismatch or other issue.
• “What the media says is irrelevant … The fight goes on while the talking heads talk,” he tweeted.
• Kent has previously said he will accept the results of the Nov. 8 election.

Seyfarth Synopsis. Continuing a multi-year battle over the release of employers’ EEO-1 Reports, the Center for Investigative Reporting (“CIR”) and reporter, Will Evans, have filed a complaint in the Northern District of California alleging the Department of Labor (“DOL”) violated the Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”). In their complaint, they seek the immediate the release of the EEO-1 Reports within 20 days of the Court’s order.

As we reported in late August, Will Evans, a reporter with the CIR, initially submitted a FOIA request to the DOL’s Office of Federal Contractor Compliance (“OFCCP”) in January 2019, seeking the 2016 Type 2 Consolidated EEO-1 Reports for all federal contractors. CIR has since amended its FOIA request several times, most recently on June 2, 2022 expanding the request to all federal contractors and first-tier subcontractors for 2016-2020 Type 2 EEO-1 Reports. Due to the large number of employers whose EEO-1 Reports were potentially subject to the FOIA request, OFCCP published a notice in the Federal Register notifying contractors of their ability to object to the release of their EEO-1 Reports under FOIA’s “Exemption 4,” which protects the disclosure of “trade secrets and commercial or financial information” that is privileged or confidential. Objections were due on October 19, 2022.

It is our understanding that OFCCP intended to review and evaluate each objection and release any EEO-1 Reports subject to disclosure on a rolling basis. However, on November 15, 2022, the CIR filed a complaint in the Northern District of California alleging that OFCCP violated FOIA by failing to act on its request within 20 business days and seeking injunctive relief compelling the prompt release and disclosure of the requested records within 20 business days of the Court’s order.

Providing further insight into how it intends to use the EEO-1 Reports if released, CIR asserts in its complaint, “[t]his data is instrumental to ensuring that federal contractors, obtaining taxpayer dollars, diversify their workforces in compliance with the federal law.” Notably, CIR included as an exhibit to its complaint, a November 1st email from OFCCP confirming its intention to release to Will Evans “the names of those federal contractors that objected under an applicable FOIA exemption and whose data was removed from public release.”

Unless an employer wishes to intervene in the law suit, no action is required of employers at this point, regardless of whether or not the employer submitted an objection to the FOIA request. However, in light of the lawsuit and notice that OFCCP intends to release the list of objectors, employers who submitted objections should evaluate their internal communication strategies.

It is the end of the year, and that means that tax season is approaching. While individuals have until April 18, 2023, to file their personal income taxes, businesses have to start thinking about tax requirements a bit sooner. Forms such as IRS Form W-2 and IRS Form 1099 need to be sent out by the end of January.

Both forms provide end-of-year compensation information that employees and contractors need for tax purposes. However, there is sometimes some confusion on which to send — and you don’t want to get it wrong. If you’re not quite sure about the differences between a 1099 and a W-2, keep reading to learn which form to send and how to fill out and file them.

What is a W-2?

A W-2 is a tax form that businesses send to their employees as well as the government. This form provides calculations of the total amount paid to the employee, federal and state income tax withheld, medicare and social security taxes withheld, and allocated tips. Employees need this document in order to file their personal income taxes each year.

Employers are required to file a Form W-2 for wages paid to each employee from whom:

• Income, Social Security, or Medicare taxes were withheld.

• Income tax would have been withheld if the employee had claimed no more than one withholding allowance or had not claimed exemption from withholding on a Form W-4, (Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate).

What is a 1099?

A 1099 is a form used to report non-employee compensation. Usually, when you hear about 1099s during tax season, people are referring to IRS form 1099-NEC, the tax form that is sent to independent contractors in place of a W-2 form.

If your business made nonemployee compensation payments totaling $600 or more to a nonemployee or withheld federal income tax from a nonemployee’s payment this year, you will need to file form 1099-NEC (one per payee) with the IRS and send a copy to each payee. Examples of nonemployees are contract workers, freelancers, or sole proprietors that you have done business with.

When to send a 1099 vs. a W-2

It’s important to understand the difference between an independent contractor and an employee. An independent contractor should fill out a W-9 when they are hired and receive a 1099-NEC at the end of the year. An employee should fill out a W-4 form when they are hired and receive a W-2 form.

Maintaining accurate employee classifications not only helps you know what tax form to send out in January, but also prevents a variety of compliance problems including misclassification penalties.

An independent contractor is a person that provides services or contract work to a business without creating an employer-employee relationship. These are often freelancers, gig workers, or independent business owners that provide services to a variety of businesses, rather than acting as an employee of your business.

To stay compliant, you should be providing contractors with a high degree of autonomy when it comes to when, where, and how they perform their work. You should not be treating these workers like your regular staff when it comes to scheduling or managerial oversight.

The IRS advises employers to consider the following criteria when deciding whether an individual should be classified as a 1099 contractor or a W-2 employee:

1. Behavioral. Does the company control or have the right to control what the worker does and how the worker does his or her job? This can also include whether work hours are set by the business or worker. Independent contractors should have a high degree of control over their own activities.

2. Financial. Are the business aspects of the worker’s job controlled by the business? Does the business provide all necessary tools or equipment or does the worker provide their own tools? It can also help to look at whether the worker is reimbursed for expenses incurred while completing the work. Some expenses may be included on independent contractor invoices, but the basic tools or programs required to complete the work are often provided by the contractor. For example, a graphic designer employed as an independent contractor would likely use their own computer and design software whereas employees often have work devices and any necessary software program subscriptions provided.

3. Type of Relationship. Are there written contracts or employee-type benefits (i.e. pension plan, insurance, vacation pay, etc.)? Will the relationship continue and is the work performed a key aspect of the business? Is the worker treated as a supplemental resource to the business’ internal staff or are they working alongside them during similar hours and on similar projects?

1099 workers also are not generally paid through regular payroll and do not typically have taxes withheld from their checks or deposits. The payment procedures and timeline for independent contractors should be laid out in their written contract. If you are paying someone through your normal employee payroll process with income tax withholdings, you typically need to send them a W-2.

It’s important to remember that W-2s are not just for full-time employees. Part-time staff, interns, and temporary employees can all be classified as W-2 workers. Anyone that was hired as an employee and given a W-4 form during onboarding should receive a W-2 at the end of the year rather than a 1099. Though there are some rare cases where an individual may receive both a W-2 and a 1099 from the same employer.

1099 vs W-2 filing requirements and procedures

Form W-2 filing requirements

Employers must send Copy A of Form W-2 to the Social Security Administration (SSA) to report the wages paid and taxes collected for their employees during the previous calendar year. Employers also have to send a copy of the W-2 to the employee. Booth copies must be sent out by January 31.

Employers also need to report and deposit payroll taxes to the internal revenue service (IRS) every quarter. they must report income and employment taxes withheld from their employees on an Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return (Form 941) and deposit these taxes in full to an authorized bank or financial institution pursuant to Federal Tax Deposit Requirements. Employers are also responsible for filing a FUTA return annually, and depositing those taxes.

Form 1099 NEC filing requirements

Payers need to file form 1099-NEC by January 31 of each year. The IRS used to give automatic 30-day extensions to file, but they phased that out in 2021 so be sure to file on time this year. Though businesses can still request extensions if the business meets certain hardship conditions. You may e-file or submit the forms on paper via the mail.

You can find the latest version of form 1099-NEC on the official irs.gov site here. You will notice that the IRS publication PDF of the form has several copies. Here is the list of form 1099-NEC copies:

• Copy A: Federal Copy for the IRS

• Copy 1: State Tax Department Copy

• Copy B: Recipient Copy

• Copy C: Payer Copy

• Copy 2: State and Local Copies

If you are mailing these forms, always double-check that you are mailing each copy to the right recipient. While the different copies look almost the same, it is important to send the right version to the right destination.

How to fill out a 1099 vs a W-2

Both of these forms are relatively simple to fill out as long as you have maintained good employment and payroll records. Businesses that use comprehensive payroll software can often have the forms automatically generated with the employee’s stored information and compensation data.

What information needs to be included on form 1099 NEC?

The 1099-NEC for is a fairly short form that most small business owners should be able to fill out on their own, though tax professionals can also help. Here are the key pieces of information you’ll need to fill out on the form:

• Recipient’s TIN. This is the independent contractor’s taxpayer identification number. In many cases, the recipient’s TIN will be their social security number. You can find each non-employee’s TIN on their W-9 form.

What information needs to be included on a W-2 form?

The W-2 form does require a bit more information, largely due to all of the different taxes that need to be listed. Here are the key pieces of information that you need to include on a W-2 form:

• Employer Identification Number. This is a 9-digit number that employers apply for through the IRS. If you can’t remember your EIN, look at the previous year’s tax forms. You can also call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933 to ask for your EIN.

• Employee name and address. You’ll need to list the employee’s full legal name and address.

• Control number. Each form needs a control number that identifies the unique W-2 form in your records. It is usually automatically assigned by your payroll processing software if you use own to create your W-2s.

• The wages, tips, and other compensation paid to the employee. Calculate the total compensation paid to the employee for the tax year. This does include tips but typically doesn’t include payments like expense reimbursement unless they count as fringe benefits.

• Federal income taxes withheld. This is the amount of money that you withheld from the employee’s paycheck for federal taxes.

• Social security wages. This is the total compensation paid to the employee that is subject to social security tax. Wages of up to $147,0000 are subject to social security taxes for tax year 2022.

• Social security tax withheld. This is the amount of money withheld from the employee’s paycheck for social security taxes.

• Medicare wages. This is the total compensation paid to the employee that is subject to medicare tax. There is no upper limit for how much of the employee’s wages can be subject to Medicare.

• Medicare tax withheld. This is the amount of money withheld from the employee’s paycheck for social security taxes.

Frequently asked questions about W-2s vs 1099s

Should I send form 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC to independent contractors?

Independent contractors should receive a 1099-NEC. Previously, IRS Form 1099-MISC was the form sent to contractors, which can cause some confusion for employers, but the IRS introduced the 1099-NEC form in 2020 and now requires employers to use this form for independent contractors.

Form 1099-MISC is still used for miscellaneous income, such as:

1. Rents

2. Prizes and awards

3. Other income payments

4. Generally, the cash paid from a notional principal contract to an individual, partnership, or estate

5. Any fishing boat proceeds

6. Medical and health care payments

7. Crop insurance proceeds

8. Payments to an attorney

9. Section 409A deferrals

10. Nonqualified deferred compensation

What if I don’t know whether an employee should be classified as a W-2 worker or a 1099 worker?

If you are having trouble understanding if a worker is an employee or an independent contractor after reviewing the IRS guidelines and any applicable state laws, you can file Form SS-8 and let the IRS decide.

Form SS-8 is the Determination of Worker Status for Purposes of Federal Employment Taxes and Income Tax Withholding form. The IRS will review the facts and circumstances as reported on the form and make a determination of the worker’s status.

What are the benefits of using 1099 workers?

Using 1099 labor can be very helpful for business owners, as long as they are using these workers for the intended purpose and not in place of employees. 1099 workers can help you with specific projects or specific tasks that require skills outside of their current employee’s skillset.

Sometimes you need someone to work on an as-needed basis to meet business needs but don’t require a permanent staff member with fixed hours. For example, you may need a graphic designer to create marketing materials or social media imagery for a few hours per month. In this case, it makes perfect sense to use a 1099 worker to supplement your existing staff rather than expanding your staff.

Using 1099 labor can also be quicker and more cost-effective than hiring employees for short-term projects, as the onboarding times are often faster and you won’t have to worry about unemployment insurance claims when the project ends.

There is also a financial benefit to using 1099 workers. 1099 workers have to pay their own taxes. Payers do not need to pay payroll taxes for 1099 workers, withhold taxes from their paychecks, or pay unemployment taxes. 1099 workers pay their own self-employment taxes. Businesses also don’t need to provide benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, or workers’ compensation to 1099 staff. This can result in a lot of cost savings.

H Mart Inc.

Employer:
Lyndhurst, NJ, USLocation:
Mon, Sep 26 ’22Posted on:
Full-timeType:

We are H Mart, the largest Asian supermarket chain in America. Starting in 1982 with a single store in Woodside, Queens, H Mart has grown to include more than 70 stores across the United States. H Mart is America’s premier Asian food destination and provides groceries and everyday essential needs as well as upscale products. H Mart offers a full line of Asian foods as well as a broad range of Western groceries to complement its full scale offering to that of a traditional supermarket. H Mart is also known for its innovative new food halls which are an extension of over 40 years of providing eateries in its stores. 

Entry to Junior Interior Designer – 0~4 yrs (NJ)

Responsibilities, but not limited to:

• Undertake design project from concept to completion
• Define project requirements and schedule during the “brief”
• Interpret and translate customer needs into rough plans
• Set costs and project fees according to budget
• Research and decide on materials and products sourcing
• Produce “sample” and “mood products”
• Supervise work progress
• Work closely with designers, decorators, architects and contractors
• Research and follow industry changes, evolutions and best practices

Qualifications:

• Proven working experience in decorating interior spaces (consultations, renovations, space planning and new constructions)
• Expertise in layout, color, lighting, materials selection, custom furniture and all installations.
• Proficient in AutoCAD, SketchUp, 3D Max, Illustrator or other design programs
• Excellent portfolio of previous works
• Creative talent, imagination and eye for design
• Communication and presentation skills
• Project management skills
• Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or related majors
• 0-4 years’ experience

 Work Hours & Benefits:

• MON-FRI, 9:00am to 6:00pm
• Company provided Lunch
• Health, Dental & Vision insurance / EAP (Employee Assistance Program) per company policy 
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with up to 5% match per company policy per company policy
• Life Insurance and AD&D (Accidental Death & Dismemberment) per company policy
• Paid-time off (PTO) and Paid Holidays per company policy
• Celebration & Condolence Benefits per company policy
• Employee Discount Program (5%)
• Holiday Gift Certificates per company policy

  Location:

• 300 Chubb Ave., Lyndhurst, NJ 07071

H Mart is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. H Mart is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, race, color, creed, religion, ethnicity, national origin, alienage or citizenship, disability, marital status, military status, status as a Vietnam Era or disabled veteran, or any other legally-recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances. Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the way things are normally done that will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on H Mart. Please inform our Human Resources Department or the Store Manager if you need assistance completing any forms or otherwise participating in the application process. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

View your Application History

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Stylish Andaz Mexico City Condesa is set to open in December 2022. Located in the capital city’s La Condesa neighborhood, it’s the first urban Andaz property in the country and Andaz’s second in Mexico. Music fans and dog people in particular will be impressed with the hotel’s amenities.

Rooms at Andaz Mexico City Condesa have record players and you can borrow vinyl from the lobby’s … [+] library.

Andaz Mexico City Condesa

Andaz Mexico City Condesa

The new hotel has 213 rooms, 20 of them suites, in a 17-floor building with a rooftop restaurant and pool—it’s one of Mexico City’s highest rooftop pools. Within the Conjunto Aristos complex, a renovated heritage site designed by José Luis Benlliure Galán, the hotel is expected to open in December 2022. Stays are bookable from January 18, 2023 and beyond.

The style of Andaz Mexico City Condesa is influenced by another famous Mexican architect (and engineer) Luis Barragán, whose home-turned-museum is nearby. Most of the hotel’s guestrooms are 344 square feet and are decorated in grays and whites with pops of pink, echoing Barragán’s use of shadow and color. Suites range from 592 to 667 square feet, some with an outdoor terrace overlooking La Condesa. The largest executive suite is 926 square feet.

Pops of pink feature in Andaz Mexico City Condesa’s guestrooms

Andaz Mexico City Condesa

Andaz Mexico City Condesa guests will have an unusual amenity—in-room record players—and can borrow vinyl from the lobby’s record library.

Communal space includes the 17th-floor Cabuya rooftop restaurant, the ideal spot to feast on Mexican specialties from Baja and the Yucatan. The 17th floor also has a rooftop pool. On the ground floor is Derba Matcha Café serving specialty coffees and teas. The hotel also has extensive meeting and event space.

Bathtub at Andaz Mexico City Condesa.

Andaz Mexico City Condesa

Another unusual facility at Andaz Mexico City Condesa is the Wooftop Beer Garden & Canine Club. It’s a pet-friendly space with an indoor/outdoor beer garden and dog park. Pets and owners can hang out together and have a drink (yes, the menu for humans is more extensive than that for the pups, err, los perros).

Andaz Hotels and Resorts

The first Andaz property in Mexico was Andaz Mayakoba on a white sand beach in the Riviera Maya, on the mainland across from the island of Cozumel. Like Andaz Mexico City Condesa, it’s a dog-friendly hotel.

Andaz Hotels and Resorts are a luxury and boutique brand, part of Hyatt’s Boundless Collection. “Andaz” is a Hindi word that means “personal style” and Andaz aims to make their properties unique with their own distinct personality that draws on the culture of not only the country and city they’re located in but also the neighborhood.

Andaz Mexico City Condesa within the Conjunto Aristos complex.

Andaz Mexico City Condesa

There are currently 25 Andaz properties around the world. In Canada’s capital, for example, you’ll find Andaz Ottawa Byward Market. There are also Andaz properties in five U.S. states, in Mexico and Costa Rica, in five European countries, in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, as well as in several Asian countries.

Other Andaz properties opening soon include Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach on Thailand’s mainland southeast of Bangkok (with reservations beginning February 1, 2023), Andaz Doha in Qatar, and Andaz Palm Springs in California.

Mexico City’s La Condesa neighborhood

Chapultepec Park, Mexico City, Mexico.

getty

Known as an artistic neighborhood, La Condesa is often called Mexico City’s most fashionable. It’s next door to the more well-known Roma neighborhood, and the two are designated together as a barrio mágico turístico, a magic tourist neighborhood. La Condesa is characterized by art deco architecture, excellent dining from high-end restaurants to top-notch street food, art galleries and boutiques, as well as 22-acre Parque México (which is also very popular with local dogs and their owners).

The area is one of the greenest parts of Mexico City. In addition to the pergolas and walkways in treed Parque México, Avenida Amsterdam has a former horse track turned treed walking path, and tree-shaded Parque España has fountains, sculptures, and street art.

A visitor tours architect Luis Barragan’s home in Mexico City. His house and studio are much as they … [+] were in 2004 when the building was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for its architectural significance integrating modern, traditional and vernacular elements. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)

AP2004

Just outside of La Condesa is the oldest and one of the largest parks in all of Latin America—Parque Chapultepec. Twice the size of New York City’s Central Park, it has about 1,700 acres of green space. Mexico’s ancient and more current history are here, from the ruins of an ancient Aztec aqueduct and baths to a fountain and mural by Diego Rivera. The park also has nine museums, a botanical garden and a zoo.

Be sure to visit nearby Chapultepec Castle and the UNESCO world heritage site Casa Luis Barragán. Chapultepec Castle was once the home of Emperor Maximilian I and Empress Carlota and has some of Mexico City’s best views. Much of the building is now the Museo Nacional de Historia. Casa Luis Barragán, the former home of the famous architect, has interiors that encompass his trademark mastery of light, shadow, form, color and texture—which you’ll already be familiar with from your stay at Andaz Mexico City Condesa.

Few features in the home combine form and function quite like flooring. You literally walk all over it, yet it’s also a crucial design element, every bit as visually impactful as paint colors and furniture. Then there’s the size of the investment, especially if you’re redoing the floors throughout your entire home. “It’s not far behind the cost of a new car or all new kitchen appliances, but most people aren’t armed with nearly as much information,” says Carol Swedlow, President of Aronson’s Floor Covering, which has been selling all manner of flooring out of its New York City showroom since 1867.

The Good Housekeeping Institute has been around since 1900, and our experts have long appreciated the importance of flooring to a home’s look and functionality. We’ve rigorously tested timeless materials like wood and stone, along with newer alternatives like vinyl and engineered wood flooring, both of which came about in the 1970s. More recently, our experts have followed the rise in popularity of even more materials, including concrete and wood-look porcelain.

Our ultimate flooring guide walks you through all the options, including pros, cons and basic pricing information for the best types of flooring for your home. Keep in mind that most houses feature multiple flooring materials, depending on the room and your needs. Our advice on that front hasn’t changed in over a hundred years: Spend more on the high-traffic, high-visibility areas of your home, and choose lower-cost, durable materials everywhere else.

Hardwood Flooring

Solid wood flooring confers warmth and authenticity.

Getty Images

There are two main types of hardwood flooring: solid wood flooring, which as the name implies consists of a one solid piece of wood, and engineered wood flooring, in which a thin veneer of real wood is bonded to layers of structural plywood. Both types come in up to fifty species, with some of the most popular options being oak, ash, maple and walnut.

• Pros: The warmth and beauty of hardwood flooring explains its enduring appeal. Since the material can be sanded and refinished multiple times (especially solid wood versions) a well-maintained hardwood floor can last for decades, or even centuries.
• Cons: The biggest downside is cost. Though some species are less expensive than others, wood flooring tends to be the most expensive. It’s also subject to dents and scratches, plus solid flooring in particular will expand and contract with changes in humidity levels, leading to cracks, splinters and squeaky boards (engineered flooring does much better with moisture, making it suitable to kitchens and basements).
• Cost: Solid wood flooring, $5 to $10 per square foot, installed; Engineered wood flooring, $4 to $9 per square foot, installed.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring adheres easily to subfloors.

Leo Malsam / EyeEm

Laminate is another engineered product, though instead of a veneer of wood on top, it uses a photo of wood (or stone or any other material) and adds a protective plastic coating. The substrate of laminate flooring typically consists of dense fiberboard.

• Pros: The plastic topcoat is extremely resistant to scratches and dents, making laminate one of the most durable flooring options. It’s also among the least expensive and it often comes as a DIY-friendly “floating” floor system, with planks that snap together, instead of having to be nailed or glued down.
• Cons: Not many people will mistake laminate flooring for real wood or stone. It tends to have a plastic feel and sound underfoot, and the repetition of patterns can give away its fakeness. Laminate can never be refinished, so it’s not a forever floor. And the use of formaldehyde and other chemicals in the manufacturing process makes it a less healthy and less sustainable choice.
• Cost: $3 to $7 per square foot, installed.

Vinyl Flooring

Luxury vinyl tiles are hard to tell apart from real wood.

Artinun Prekmoung / 500px

Also known as resilient flooring, vinyl is the fastest-growing category of flooring. It ranges from inexpensive, DIY-friendly peel-and-stick tiles to so-called luxury vinyl tile (or LVT, for short) which consists of multiple layers, including a design layer with a high-definition printed image, a durable top layer and several cushion layers.

• Pros: Entry-level sheet vinyl is very affordable. All vinyl resists stains, scratches and dents, plus its waterproof, making it safe for basements and bathrooms. Installation is easy, particularly for adhesive tiles and floating planks. LVT is a thick, sturdy tile that has the look and feel of real wood. In fact, our product experts often have trouble distinguishing LVT from solid wood in tests.
• Cons: Though patterns and color options have improved, even LVT is still a far cry from real wood or stone, so it will never pass muster with the purists. It can’t be refinished, meaning once it does begin to wear out, the only choice is a full replacement. LVT is also surprisingly expensive, often rivaling the cost of real wood.
• Cost: $2 to $6 per square foot, installed.

Carpet

Carpet softens any room, in the color of your choice

Eoneren

Though carpet has been losing market share to resilient flooring, it’s still the biggest flooring category in the U.S. Most carpet sold in this country is tufted, with small, usually nylon fibers poking up through a backing that’s typically made of polyurethane. Then there’s woven carpet, which is more common in Europe and is made by weaving lengths of yarn that is usually made of wool. Woven carpet is several times more expensive than tufted carpet.

• Pros: Carpet is the most comfortable and cost-effective flooring material and it’s available in a wide range of colors and patterns. It installs easily and carpet is easy to maintain, requiring just regular vacuuming. Stain-resistant versions are even easier to keep clean.
• Cons: The main knock against carpet is that it holds dirt and dust, which can be particularly unpleasant for allergy sufferers. Woven carpet is much better at resisting this, since its construction doesn’t create places for dirt to hide. Wool is also anti-static, so it doesn’t attract dust the way nylon tufted carpets will.
• Cost: $3 to $10 per square foot, installed.

Stone Flooring

Stone flooring can add value to your home.

onurdongel

Like wood, stone is another timeless flooring material that almost always adds value to the home. Three types of stone are used for flooring. Sedimentary stones like travertine and limestone are formed by layers of dissolved minerals and marine organism. Igneous stone like granite is the result of extreme heat and volcanic action. Metamorphic stone like marble and slate has changed from one state to another under extreme heat and pressure.

• Pros: Because no two stones are the same, stone flooring has tons of character and uniqueness. Stone is also a durable material that can withstand heavy foot traffic and fading under intense sunlight. It also keeps the dust and allergens at bay.
• Cons: You’ll pay a premium for most stone flooring and it requires professional installation. Stone floors aren’t soft underfoot and dropped dish ware is almost certain to break when dropped on it. Many types of stone floors require sealing to resist stains.
• Cost: $3 to $7 per square foot, installed.

Concrete Flooring

Concrete floors with a polished finish have a singular look.

Andreas von Einsiedel

This basic building material has been seized by high-end builders and designers as a fashion-forward material for floors, as well as kitchen countertops. A poured-in-place concrete floor can be the expected shade of institutional gray or it can be colored with dyes. It can also take on different surface treatments, from acid stains to rubber-stamp stencils, creating a truly one-of-a-kind effect.

• Pros: Besides its uniqueness, concrete floors are durable and easy to maintain, assuming they’re properly sealed during installation. The material conducts heat well, so concrete floors are a good option if you’re planning on radiant heating, whereby hot water tubes are embedded in the floors during the installation process.
• Cons: Since it’s basically a custom product, concrete floors are pricey and require professional installation. The rock-hard material is also unforgiving, and it needs to be resealed every year or so to prevent stains.
• Cost: $3 to $8 per square foot, installed

Tile Flooring

Water-proof tile is ideal for bathrooms.

Oscar Wong

There are two main types of tile flooring: ceramic and porcelain. Ceramic is typically made from a mixture of water and sand, making it softer yet more affordable. Porcelain is made from a finer, denser clay and fired at a higher temperature, so it’s naturally harder and less porous.

• Pros: Tile floors have a classic look and they’ll available in countless colors and design configurations, from mosaic to large-format tiles with minimal grout lines. All tile is water-proof and low-maintenance. Porcelain tile is extremely hard-wearing and resistant to scratches and dents.
• Cons: Difficult installation is the biggest drawback. The tiles are typically laid in mortar over a smooth, stable substrate; unless you’re a very experienced DIYer, the project is best left to a professional. Porcelain tile is also on the pricey side, ab0ut the same as solid wood flooring.
• Cost: $4 to $15 per square foot, installed.

Cork Flooring

Soft, forgiving cork flooring is great for kids.

Olga Khorkova / EyeEm

Another niche flooring product, cork is a renewable material that’s made from harvesting the bark of cork trees. It has its fans (Swedlow calls it “the best stuff on earth”), but it’s a category with a particularly wide range in quality, so it’s best to source it from a specialized flooring dealer who can help steer you to a top-performing line.

• Pros: Cork’s light, airy quality makes it one of the most comfortable flooring materials. It’s also water-resistant and doesn’t become slippery when wet, making it suitable to kitchens and bathrooms. Cork is non-toxic and eco-friendly.
• Cons: The material is prone to fading under intense sunlight. Cheaper versions will damage easily, showing scratches from heavy foot traffic, furniture and pets.
• Cost: $5 to $14 per square foot, installed.

Linoleum Flooring

A linoleum flooring with a checkerboard pattern has retro appeal.

Spiderstock

This all-natural flooring is made from linseed oil and wood products. Like vinyl, it is sold in tiles or sheets, though it’s not nearly as common as its resilient cousin. “It tends to be a more sophisticated customer who is putting linoleum in their kitchen, bathroom, or maybe a new home gym,” says Swedlow.

• Pros: The sustainable appeal is a huge selling point, along with linoleum’s uniqueness and retro charm. The latest versions come in many more styles and colors than years past. Linoleum also has a softness underfoot that makes it very comfortable, and it resists fading from sunlight.
• Cons: Linoleum is not as durable as vinyl. It’s prone to wearing under heavy foot traffic and it can scratch and dent easily. Applying a wax finish will help protect the surface, but that adds to the maintenance.
• Cost: $3 to $7 per square foot, installed.

How we chose the best flooring

Our experts are always paying attention to the marketplace to identify the flooring materials you’re most likely to find at home centers, independent showrooms and online. We also regularly attend trade shows and industry events, including Surfaces, the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), and the International Builders Show, to keep up with all the latest trends and innovations.

To measure stain resistance, we apply mustard, chocolate, wine and more, leave them overnight, and then see how easily the stains wipe up with a cleaner and cloth.

Philip Friedman

When it comes to hands-on testing, we focus on brands with a proven track record for performance and reliability. In our Labs, we run stain tests to determine how well a material resists mustard, wine and the like. We also run abrasion tests to make sure materials can withstand scratches and drop tests to measure their resistance to dings and dents. Our engineers review technical data from the manufacturers related to performance, safety and sustainability. Finally, whenever possible, we use the flooring materials for actual installations at consumer testers’ homes to see how they perform under real-world conditions.

Our experts use an abrasion machine to test flooring’s scratch resistance.

Philip Friedman

What to consider when choosing flooring for your home?

Many homeowners focus on the look and price of flooring, without thinking through what it will be like to live with the material over the long term. Here are the factors you need to weigh to make the smart decision.

✔️ Comfort: What will it be like standing on the floor for long stretches of time? Flooring materials that offer a softness underfoot, like cork and vinyl tile, will be much more comfortable than those that are rock hard, like concrete, stone and porcelain. Especially in rooms where you do a lot of standing — think kitchen and laundry room, for example —comfort is critical.

✔️ Maintenance: Most floors look fabulous when they’re first installed. How hard are you going to have to work to keep them looking that way for years and even decades? Vinyl, laminate and engineered wood are extremely easy to care for. Materials that need to be sealed, like stone and linoleum, are much higher maintenance.

✔️ Health and sustainability: Some floors are better for you and for the planet. As a rule, the fewer synthetic materials they contain, the better. That’s why solid wood flooring is a better option than engineered or laminate. Likewise, all-natural linoleum and cork are superior to vinyl. Wood flooring certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative comes from responsibly managed forests. Resilient flooring with the industry’s FloorScore certification will off-gas relatively low levels of volatile organic compound, or VOCs.

What’s the best place to shop for flooring?

Flooring in all its various forms is primarily sold at home centers and specialty flooring retailers. If you’re working with a contractor or installer, it probably makes sense to purchase your flooring through them, since they’ll get it at a lower professional rate. Be sure to leave plenty of lead time. “Like most things these days, the flooring industry is experiencing some challenges with the supply chain,” says Brett Miller of National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA).

Inflation and supply chain issues are making it harder to price out the project. “Costs for hardwood flooring like oak and maple are still elevated, with manufacturers facing prices 38% higher than at the start of the pandemic,” explains Mischa Fisher, chief economist at ANGI, the home services provider. “Because of the price volatility, it’s always a good idea for consumers to shop around for multiple prices and quotes from installers. Periods of high volatility may produce a wide range of possible prices in the market.”

Here are the top places to shop:

✔️ Home Depot: With some 2,300 locations nationwide, the biggest home center carries a wide range of flooring materials at competitive prices. Whether you want solid, engineered, laminate or faux-wood flooring, you’ll find it at the Home Depot, along with various financing options and installation services.

✔️ Lowe’s: The country’s second biggest home center is another safe bet for all kinds of wood flooring. Its service offerings are even more robust, including in-home flooring measurements, design consults, professional installation and free shipping on flooring samples.

✔️ LL Flooring: Formerly known as Lumber Liquidators, LL Flooring has more than 400 locations across 47 states, plus an excellent website that makes it easy to find the right flooring and receive up to four free samples. In 2015, the company announced that it would stop selling vinyl flooring with phthalates; today its vendors are required to meet stringent GREENGUARD Gold or FloorScore certification standards for indoor air quality.

✔️ Floor & Décor:Though LL Flooring has the most locations, Floor & Décor sells the most flooring, so you’re guaranteed to find a wide selection of floors at all price points. The site has an extensive library of virtual how-to clinics, for those looking to save by installing their flooring themselves.

✔️ Independent dealers: Specialty retailers like Aronsons tend to have very knowledgeable salespeople, along with a network of installers, so they can guide you through every step of the process. However, they tend to cater to higher-end customers, making them less ideal for budget shopper.

✔️ Local mills: If you’re in the market for wood floors, buying direct from your local lumber mills cuts out the middleman, leading to potentially better prices. Also, most mills will let you see the manufacturing process, so you know exactly what you’re getting and also where the wood is sourced.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

The Good Housekeeping Institute Home Improvement Lab provides expert reviews and advice on all things home-related, including the best paints for cabinets, decking materials and more. As the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab, Dan DiClerico brings more than 20 years of experience to the Institute, reviewing thousands of products for Good Housekeeping and previously for This Old House and Consumer Reports. He has also helped install and restore many floors over the years — most recently, the hardwood floors at his own home in Brooklyn, NY.

For this report, Dan worked closely with the Institute’s Chief Technologist & Director of Engineering Rachel Rothman, who oversaw the testing protocol for flooring. For more than 15 years, Rachel has put her training in mechanical engineering and applied mathematics to work by researching, testing and writing about products across the home improvement space. Like Dan, she has plenty of real-world experience, both with her own projects and those she advises on at the homes of consumer testers.

Having written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can often be found keeping house at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, where he lives with his wife and kids.

This content is imported from OpenWeb. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

Ill-fitting safety footwear can do more harm

There are a number of health conditions that can arise from not wearing footwear – or not wearing the appropriate footwear. Issues such as bunions, corns and calluses, blisters, ingrown nails, hammertoes and even more painful conditions such as plantar fasciitis can occur.

“Workers who walk or stand for long periods of time during the workday, without the proper footwear, foot support, shock absorption, they are susceptible to pain and musculoskeletal disorders that can really have lasting effects on the body,” said Kevan Orvitz, owner and founder of MegaComfort, an ergonomic anti-fatigue insole company in Toronto, to COS.

Indeed, as well as the aforementioned ailments, improper safety footwear can also lead to broader issues such as ankle, knee or back pain.

Read more: Your top 10 foot protection questions answered

Could safety footwear be causing your workers harm?

If a worker is not wearing the right shoes for the tasks that they are doing, their safety footwear could actually be doing more harm than good. For example, workers who typically are on their feet all day need supportive insoles as well as a sturdy boot. If they don’t have this, it could lead to conditions such as plantar fasciitis (i.e. heel pain).

Photo: blinds.com

Whether you’re looking to block light or get some privacy, blinds and shades serve all of that function and can act as the final touch that completes a room. Choices range in size, style, and material, so it’s essential to take measurements and consider design preferences before you begin shopping.

Once you’ve done your homework, the best places to buy blinds online make it relatively easy to sort through thousands of options to find the perfect window treatments. Start your search for a stylish and functional finish with the following popular retailers.

1. The Home Depot

Photo: homedepot.com

Price Range: $ to $$$

Return Policy: Return new and unopened products in store or online for a full refund up to 90 days of purchase.

Top Products: Levolor 2-Inch Faux Wood Blinds—$33.93+ and White Cordless 1-Inch Vinyl Mini Blinds—$7.98+

As a large home improvement center, The Home Depot carries a wide range of window treatments in their stores but even more online. The blind selection includes various types, including cordless, motorized, cellular, and vertical, all of which can be cut to size inside the store. Blinds can be ordered online for delivery or to be picked up at your local store.

The store’s wide selection means an option for every budget, and regular sales can make selections more affordable. The only drawback is that seemingly unlimited choices might lead to decision paralysis. Luckily, the online navigation lets users narrow it down by material, style, and price.

If measuring and installing window blinds on your own feels overwhelming, The Home Depot offers phone support. Custom-designed blinds and professional installation are available by scheduling an in-home appointment with the store’s home service department.

Shop all The Home Depot blinds

2. Lowe’s

Photo: lowes.com

Price Range: $ to $$

Return Policy: Eligible merchandise can be returned within 90 days for a full refund. Return items in store or print a free return label for mail-in refunds.

Top Products: Allen + Roth Cordless Faux Wood 2-Inch Blinds—$28.98+ and Levolor Trim+Go 3.5-Inch Slat Room Darkening Vertical Blinds—$36.98

Like other big home improvement centers, Lowe’s offers a wide selection of blinds, which can be shipped or picked up at the store. Users can select from plenty of stock selections or customizable options, the latter of which is ideal for non-standard window sizes and specific preferences.

To help narrow down the options, users can navigate by style, color, width, length, material, price, light-filtering, and more. If you still can’t decide, Lowe’s will ship up to 10 free swatches. For those who want additional support, the store offers measurement and installation services.

Shop all Lowe’s blinds

Photo: blinds.com

Price Range: $ to $$$

Return Policy: In order to receive a refund for an order, the order must be canceled within 24 hours of when it was placed. However, Blinds.com will work with users who are not satisfied with the way their blinds turned out (color, style, etc.) and will send a replacement product.

Top Products: 2-Inch Faux Wood Blinds—$26.24+ and Bali 2-Inch Vinyl Blinds—$35.99+

A major player in the blinds-selling market, Blinds.com boasts 20 years online and 20 million blinds sold. The Home Depot owns the company, so it carries as many selections as its big-box retailer parent and also offers its own line of blinds. There are frequent promotions running on their site, so buyers can usually find options to suit any budget.

What sets the site apart is its customer service. Shoppers looking for design ideas can peruse the site’s blog and inspiration tips or take advantage of Blinds.com’s free online design consultation. The clean site navigation allows users to search by room, brand, feature, or purpose to narrow down their choices. Blinds.com offers in-home measurement and installation through The Home Depot’s network of professional installers for a set fee.

Shop all Blinds.com blinds

4. Wayfair

Photo: wayfair.com

Price Range: $ to $$$

Return Policy: Many items are eligible for a full refund (minus shipping fees in some cases) within 30 days of the delivery date.

Top Products: Wayfair Basics Semi-Sheer Top-Down Bottom-Up Cellular Shade—$28.85+ and Deluxe Sundown Room Darkening Venetian Blinds Name—$26.35

Shoppers who want to buy their curtains, blinds, and accessories all in one click will appreciate Wayfair’s extensive array of design finishes. They don’t specialize in blinds, so the selection is more limited than big-box retailers, but there are still plenty of options available. Wayfair’s products tend to be from lesser-known sellers, so the quality can vary across brands.

Users can search blinds by type and filter selections by size, color, mounting location, light filtration, features, and more. For those who want a little extra help, Wayfair offers a hotline for shopping assistance and expert installation, which can be added to a shopping cart at checkout.

Shop all Wayfair blinds

5. Ikea

Photo: ikea.com

Price Range: $ to $$

Return Policy: Ikea offers full refunds for new and unopened products with a proof of purchase for 365 days. Customers can also receive a full refund for 180 days for opened products with a proof of purchase.

Top Products: Hoppvals Room Darkening Cellular Blind—$29.99 and Trippevals Black-Out Cellular Blind—$55.99

Founded in Sweden in 1943 by a 17-year-old, Ikea is now the world’s largest furniture retailer with 445 stores globally. Recognized for its Scandinavian style, the store sells everything from kitchen cabinets to meatballs. Its selection of blinds is minimal, but the simple and affordable selections are a good choice for modern homes. Options include roller, Roman, cellular, or pleated and are available in standard sizes and neutral colors. Ordering online will save shoppers the time spent navigating the aisles of the company’s huge stores.

Ikea also is known for its complicated furniture assembly, but most of their blinds come easy to install out of the box. There is no option for cutting or installation, so users will have to fend for themselves.

Shop all Ikea blinds

6. Amazon

Photo: amazon.com

Price Range: $ to $$

Return Policy: Though the return policies of individual sellers on Amazon can vary, most items shipped from Amazon.com and Amazon warehouses are eligible for a full refund within 30 days of purchase.

Top Products: Chicology Mini Blinds—$13.99+ and Achim Home Furnishings Cordless Light Filtering Mini Blinds—$13.93+

As the top e-commerce platform in the country, Amazon is sure to pop up on any online shopping search. With the site’s most significant benefit being low prices and quick shipping, it is a natural go-to for last-minute shopping. Buyers can track deliveries online or easily cancel the delivery.

Its extensive selection of blinds can be narrowed by brand, size, price, style, material, and cord type. The site also will give side-by-side comparisons between similar products. Quality will vary from seller to seller, but reviews will provide shoppers a good idea of where to start whether they’re looking for blackout blinds, wooden blinds, Venetian blinds, or something else.

Shop all Amazon blinds

7. JCPenney

Photo: jcpenney.com

Price Range: $ to $$$

Return Policy: Return items with a receipt in store or online within 60 days of purchase.

Top Products: Bali Fabric Custom Vertical Blinds—$145+ and Cut-to-Width 2-Inch Cordless Faux-Wood Blinds—$126+

In recent years, this large retailer has closed many stores, so shopping at JCPenney.com is convenient for those who don’t have a nearby location. Their collection of blinds is not as extensive as other retailers, but they carry plenty of choices, including wood and faux wood, cellular, vertical, Roman, and roller options.

Site visitors can search by light filtration, color, control types, installation type, material, and more. Shoppers can make custom selections online, but the company no longer offers in-home design consultation and installation. Once purchased, the blinds can be shipped to your door or picked up in a nearby store.

Shop all JCPenney blinds

8. The Shade Store

Photo: theshadestore.com

Price Range: $ to $$$$

Return Policy: The Shade Store will work with customers to make sure they are happy with their purchase—either by remaking flawed products that don’t meet the customer’s expectations or by offering 50 percent off a new product (valid for 30 days following installation) for those who chose the wrong material or product.

Top Products: 2-Inch Designer Wood Blinds—$247+ and 2-Inch Metal Blinds—$247+

The Shade Store was founded with the goal of offering customers a simple alternative to an often otherwise difficult shopping experience. The company’s high-end products don’t come at a low cost, but there are plenty of customer perks. Shoppers can request a free professional measurement or get help from a designer.

Consultations are available in the company’s showrooms or virtually on a computer, smartphone, or tablet. For quick questions, the website has a chat option that lets users talk to designers in real time.For buyers who accidentally ordered the wrong size, the company will cut it down at no charge or offer a replacement at 50 percent off.

The site offers a large selection of blinds made from sustainably sourced real wood. There are more than 70 finishes available in seven collections. To help with selection, The Shade Store will send customers unlimited free samples.

Shop all The Shade Store blinds

9. Blindsonline.com

Photo: blindsonline.com

Price Range: $ to $$$

Return Policy: Returns are not accepted because every blind is custom-ordered. However, damaged or defective blinds can be sent back for repair or replacement.

Top Products: Cordless White 2-Inch Faux Wood Blinds—$37.14+ and Vertical Blinds Smooth PVC—$27.49+

Blindsonline.com is a no-frills discount blind retailer best for those looking for economy-priced options and a DIY experience. There is no option for in-home measurement or installation, but users can call customer service with design questions and for help placing an order.

The company’s website is nothing fancy but can be easily searched by blind type, including cordless blinds, faux wood blinds, wooden blinds, mini blinds, and more. Most of the options sold on the site are the company’s own Blindsonline.com brand. Once shoppers place an item in their cart, they can customize their selection by inputting mounting type, color, and size requests.

Shop all Blindsonline.com blinds

10. Just Blinds

Photo: justblinds.com

Price Range: $ to $$

Return Policy: Returns are only accepted on a case-by-case basis and must be pre-authorized by Just Blinds.

Top Products: Faux Wood Blinds—$28+ and Aluminum Blinds—$23.20+

Just Blinds is another top retailer when you’re looking to buy blinds online. What started in 1999 as a home-based business more than 20 years ago has since grown to become one of the largest retailers for window coverings in the United States. To date, Just Blinds has served more than 1 million customers.

In addition to blinds, Just Blinds also sells shades and shutters—despite what their company name may have you believe. Their website makes it easy to compare the different product types, lengths, widths, materials, and color options available. Once you find something you think you like, take advantage of their free samples to see how the blinds will actually look in your space. Just Blinds doesn’t have any physical storefront or showroom locations, which helps keep their overhead down and allows them to offer reasonably-priced, high-quality products. In most cases, orders ship within 5 to 7 business days and include free shipping.

Shop all Just Blinds blinds

11. Overstock.com

Photo: overstock.com

Price Range: $ to $$

Return Policy: New and unused items are eligible for a return within 30 days of delivery (shipping costs may apply).

Top Products: Arlo Blinds White Cordless Faux Wood Blinds with Royal Valance—$35.54+ and 1-Inch White Cordless Vinyl Mini Blind —$18.53+

Overstock has built a reputation over the past 20+ years as an online retailer specializing in discounts on returned and surplused merchandise from other companies. Today, Overstock continues to sell close-out and surplus merchandise, but they also offer various new products for the home, including furniture, rugs, lighting, bedding, and window coverings.

The blinds and shades section of the website pulls up more than 800 results. Use the filters along the side of the page to narrow your focus based on the size of your window, your preferred colors or materials, budget, and more. Orders placed through Overstock.com include free shipping to the 48 contiguous United States.

Shop all Overstock.com blinds

12. Blinds To Go

Photo: blindstogo.com

Price Range: $ to $$$$

Return Policy: Contact Blinds To Go within 30 days of purchase to receive a replacement (or equal value) or a return. Prior authorization for returns is required, and there is a limit of one replacement or refund for each product (with a limit of 10 items per household).

Top Products: Faux Wood Blinds—$47.02+ and Wood Blinds—$90.65+

Blinds To Go’s history traces back more to 1951 when David Shiller started driving the family station wagon around to sell goods door to door. Today, Blinds to Go is one of the top manufacturers of window coverings in North America. The company has three factories—in New Jersey, Maryland, and Montreal—where they manufacture the blinds, shades, drapes, and shutters they sell. Shop online any time, or visit one of the 80 showrooms across the United States and Canada.

The selection of blinds offered by Blinds to Go is quite expansive. You can choose from a variety of materials—such as wood, faux wood, and aluminum. Within each material type, you’ll find that there are numerous styles, sizes, and color options available. Customize the blinds you order to match the exact specifications of the space and your design preferences for a truly custom look.

Shop all Blinds To Go blinds

How We Chose the Best Places to Buy Blinds Online

Narrowing down the many online retailers that sell blinds to the list above was not an easy task. While researching the different companies that sell blinds, we compared a number of features to help decide which companies would ultimately make the final list. The reputation and customer service provided by each company was closely considered to help ensure customer satisfaction.

One of the next most important features we considered was product selection. We sought to include companies that offered blinds in a variety of materials, colors, styles, and sizes to best match the needs of different customers. Finally, we also tried to include manufacturers that offer quality blinds to match different budgets.

Florida experienced “catastrophic” conditions the last two days after dealerships from Tampa to Florida’s Atlantic Coast closed before Hurricane Ian blasted the state.

By Thursday morning, Ian was downgraded to a tropical storm and was making its way through central and northern Florida — threatening the Georgia and South Carolina coastal areas.

“Most, if not all, of my dealers have closed Wednesday and Thursday,” Central Florida Auto Dealers Association CEO Evelyn Cardenas wrote in an email Wednesday. “They have been working hard over the past two days to prepare to ensure the safety of their staff and stores.”

The Category 4 hurricane made landfall near Fort Myers, Fla., around 3:05 p.m. EDT. Maximum sustained winds were estimated to be near 150 mph, the Weather Channel reported.

More than 2.5 million electric customers in Florida have no power, the Weather Channel said.

The National Weather Service said Ian was “causing catastrophic storm surge, winds and flooding” in the state.

“Hurricane conditions are ongoing within the Hurricane Warning area now and will slowly spread northeastward through the day,” the weather service said Wednesday. Catastrophic flooding was predicted in the storm’s wake.

Florida’s Gulf Coast from the Suwanee River at the Panhandle all the way to Flamingo, Fla., in the south carried a storm surge warning, signifying a risk of life-threatening surges. The northeastern part of the state from the Georgia border to the Palm Coast, Fla., area and in the St. Johns River area also were under storm surge warnings.

Widespread catastrophic flooding, including “major to record” flooding along rivers, was expected to continue in Central Florida. “A few” tornadoes were also a possibility in east central Florida, the weather service said.

Closures

The Maus Family Auto Group’ stores in Tampa, Port Richey and Homosassa addressed the possibility of flooding in Tuesday Facebook posts announcing their four locations’ closure from 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday.

“If your car gets flooded, contact us before starting it,” Maus Nissan of North Tampa wrote to customers. “We may be able to minimize the repairs.”

Asbury Automotive Group Inc. said it would close its final four locations in the state by noon Wednesday after having already closed 13 of its 24 stores Tuesday and seven more Wednesday morning.

Penske Automotive Group closed its Orlando location, Central Florida Toyota, for Wednesday and Thursday. The website for Palm Beach Toyota in West Palm Beach, Fla., said the dealership’s sales and service departments would close at 1 p.m. but reopen Thursday.

“We continue to monitor the situation and have taken precautions to ensure the safety of our employees and customers. We have closed the dealership in Orlando for today and tomorrow – again, the safety of our employees and customers is our top priority,” Penske spokesman Anthony Pordon wrote in an email.

Kisselback Ford owner Bobby Kisselback tweeted Tuesday he would close his St. Cloud, Fla., dealership Wednesday and Thursday.

“Our plan is to be back open on Friday with normal business hours,” he tweeted.

Over on the vendor side of the industry, Southeast Florida-based F&I product provider JM&A Group’s Deerfield Beach, Fla., offices were closed, spokeswoman Lauren Fyke wrote in an email Wednesday.

“[O]ur associates who can do so are working remotely to continue serving our dealers, and our associates outside of the storm’s path maintain business as usual,” she wrote. “There should be no interruption to our JM&A Group operations.”

The Alan Jay Automotive Network, which has dealerships in Wauchula, Sebring and Clewiston, Fla., said Tuesday it was closing the entire group Wednesday and Thursday.

“We will be closed Wednesday & Thursday so our employees can take care of themselves, their family & property,” the group posted on Facebook. “Weather permitting, we will reopen our doors to our loyal customers Friday morning. Please be safe & be kind!”

Being prepared

The head of an Indialantic, Fla.-based dealership insurance vendor said Florida retailers have likely already prepared for storms like Ian.

Between deductible costs and the risk of losing what vehicles they have left to sell, Florida dealerships “have a certain level of ‘skin in the game'” with hurricanes, Dealer Risk Services President Steve Gibson wrote in an email Wednesday.

Gibson said Florida dealerships have disaster preparedness plans and review them at the start of the hurricane season in early June.

“The steps and timelines are calculated and based on the path and proximity of the storm,” he wrote.

One key consideration involves protecting inventory. According to Gibson, many of Florida’s inventory carriers exclude wind and/or flooding from certain areas’ dealership coverage.

“Thus, it is important for the Dealer community to understand the limitations of their coverage and identify locations where they can move the units until the storm passes,” Gibson said. However, he said inventory insurers often will reimburse some of a dealership’s expense incurred by moving vehicles.

The Ed Morse Automotive Group on Tuesday moved about 500 vehicles from its Brandon, Fla., and Tampa., Fla., locations inside, Florida director of variable operations Brian Danahy told Automotive News.

Images provided by the dealer group depict the Brandon, Fla.-based Ed Morse Alfa Romeo Fiat and Ed Morse Cadillac Brandon and the Tampa, Fla.-based Ed Morse Cadillac Tampa and Ed Morse Mitsubishi interiors packed full of vehicles.

Staff were able to go home by noon that day, Danahy said. The Ed Morse website on Wednesday called the four locations closed until further notice.

Even dealerships protected by insurance can rack up significant losses, Gibson said. He said inventory policies for catastrophe-prone areas often impose a weather deductible on each damaged unit in the claim, and these amounts can reach as high as $5,000 per vehicle. Financial exposure can be severe during more typical inventory situations than dealers have today.

Gibson said dealership property coverage also often carries wind deductibles between 2 percent and 5 percent of of the dealership’s property value. For a dealer whose property is worth $20 million, that’s still a large check, he noted..

After a storm, dealerships should examine damage, notify their insurers and dry out any vehicle interiors that could mildew or mold.

“Again, this goes a long way toward the salvage value of the units and the mitigation of the loss,” Gibson wrote.
But if a dealership’s inventory survives, a storm can actually mean “a ‘silver lining,’ if there is one in a community weather event,” for the retailer, Gibson wrote.

“Local homeowners and businessowners will soon be armed with insurance company checks and seeking replacements for their own damaged units,” he wrote. “Being the Dealer in town with the most units available can help make a bad situation profitable for the Dealership and satisfying for the customers.”

Melissa Burden, Hillary Rubin and Tierra Riddick contributed to this report.