I used a local business that had a good reputation and has been around since the 1940s. It was a nightmare, but is finally finished.
I've heard a lot of bad things about Empire. Poor quality being one, and lots of issues with carpeting not holding up very well and the warranty not being honored. I read so many bad things I didn't even call Empire, as I figured not all of the complaints couldn't be valid.
I learned a lot about carpeting--including it's next to impossible to not support the Koch Brothers when you buy flooring. They have their dirty little fingers stuck in every area of the flooring and building industry. Sometimes you have to look a bit, but almost always something leads back to one of their companies. 
Another issue that seemed common with Empire customers is they didn't install what the customer agreed to buy. The color might be the same, but it's not the same exact carpeting as the sample.
I hope it works out well for you, but your story is a familiar one repeated often online, and makes Empire look pretty bad IMO.
Having new carpeting does make everything look better, though! 
Edit history
Recommendations
0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):
= new reply since forum marked as read