Fifty years ago on January 15th 1959 the Dodd & Souter success story began with the opening of a small shop at 107 Byron St. South in Whitby. The vast accumulated knowledge in the paint and wallpaper business resulted in an aggressive partnership fulfilling the decorating needs of homes and businesses throughout the Whitby/Oshawa area.

However, after just nine months the partners recognized that there was more to decorating than just paint and wallpaper. Although that end of the business was flourishing, it was soon apparent expansion was necessary if their early commitment was to be realized - the decision was made to add carpets and broadloom. Experienced installers were sought and found, and soon this new venture literally "took off". Only the most respected names in the broadloom industry were included in the new undertaking and coupled with expert installers, success was guaranteed.

Three years later in 1962, the logical broadloom partner was added to the Dodd & Souter list of services - draperies. Not stopping there, in 1971 the inclusion of hard surface flooring meant the company had firmly established its direction and it only remained to meet the growing need for staff.

In 1972 with the joining of the sons and their apparent affinity for broadloom, drapes and hard surface flooring, the partners soon realized a difficult decision had to be made. In 1975 the paint and wallpaper business was sold leaving the firm free to concentrate on drapes and flooring.

Then in 1977 after what he described as "18 wonderful years of business partnership" Howard Souter retired leaving others to carry on. They actively pursued what the original partners had conceived and it culminated in the construction of brand new and much larger premises at 104 Byron St. South, just across the road.

In 1984 the drapery segment was sold and the firms product line was finally set.

In July 2000, Dodd & Souter moved from their Byron Street store to a much larger 6000+ sq. ft. store on the North East corner of Dundas St. E & Thickson Rd. in Whitby, right across from the Whitby Mall, complete with a large warehouse on site.

September 2002 saw Dodd & Souter become the first Stainmaster flooring center in Canada. As part of its transformation, the store underwent a complete showroom makeover, resulting in a revolutionary shopping experience. The showroom features a highly organized racking system, which displays carpet samples covering the entire spectrum of colours, styles, textures and prices. All products are displayed in a good/better/best format, making it easier to choose from the hundreds of products available at various price ranges.

Currently, Dodd & Souter remains one of the premier flooring stores in Durham, selling virtually every type of flooring imaginable. Over the last 50 years our story has evolved as one of great success simply by constantly taking the needs of our valued customers to heart. Good workmanship, honest selling practices and excellent value have been the foundation on which the company has been built and that foundation in partnership with respect and appreciation for our many, many customers ensures a bright and lasting future. Owners Grant Souter and Steve Sandford, as well as the staff of Dodd & Souter are always willing and more than happy to help you make the right decision no matter what your needs are.