HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1996-09-04, Page 10Page 10
Times -Advocate, September 4, 1996
SPECIAL A1)\'ERl ISING FEATURE' • SPE CIAI. AMPERE [SING FEATURE • SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE
Do -it center focuses on customer service
EXETER - The new Exeter Co-op Do -It Center will celebrate its grand
opening on September 5 after a "soft" opening last month while the store
was being stocked and staff were trained.
Located on Highway 4, just north of Highway 83, the centre combines
inventory of two stores. Both the former Exeter Co-op and the Hensall
Co-op have closed to make way for the expanded Do -It franchise. Do -It is
a large home renovations franchise operatmF with more than 500
independent retailers in Canada and the United States.
The new Exeter store is the largest of Hensall District Co-op retail
outlets with a combined square footage of nearly 30,000 sq. ft. including
storage and a drive-through warehouse for convenient loading of
building materials and store products. The yard foreman is John
Robinson.
According to Retail Stores Manager David
Campbell, the large retail space will solve a number
of problems for shoppers and allows for a widened
selection of product displays. Service will be the
number one priority and customers are encouraged
to take their time shopping through the store. The
key improvement will be a reduced time in and out
for customers.
"We are very pleased with the response," said
Campbell regarding the soft opening.
He adds the store will help secure Exeter as
regional shopping centre and will increase the town's
appeal for shoppers to spend their money locally.
Do -It will feature the same services, technology and competitive pricing
as found in large urban centres.
Plumbing and Electrical
The expanded inventory selection in the plumbing and electrical department
makes for a pleasant shopping experience. A large display of bathtubs, vanities,
cabinets and hardware helps with the planning of do -it yourself renovations. Watch
for gas fireplaces, which will be on display soon.
Farm Hardware
The farm hardware selection has been expanded and now includes fencing
supplies, chemicals, pet food and supplies, livestock feed and a wide selection of barn
ventilation products. The farm products manager is Duff Bullock.
The Rental Stop
The lumber, farm supplies, plumbing and paint departments have been
expanded. As well, the Co-op has bought out Exeter Tool & Rental. Gabbie Mol now
runs the Rental Stop that features a wide choice of rental tools as well as sale of
industrial tools and service. A drawing card at the new store is a craft area
incorporated from the former Tool & Rental. Campbell says there has already been a
"fantastic interest" in craft materials
Woodworking supplies.
"ooworiang tools such as table saws, band saws, joiners and turners are
available in addition to a full source of other woodworking supplies. A large selection
of stationary power tools as well as rental tools ties in with a growing interest in home
renovation. The store also stocks a broader selection of welding supplies.
Small engine repair
Do -It will also provide a small engine service department run by local mechanic
Robert Hill. This expanded store service will provide repair lawnmowers and other
small engine repair as well as complete any warranty work.
1
Paint
The expanded paint department keeps a contemporary selection of high-quality
store brand paints under the Builder's Pride label. Customer demand and interest
has exceeded the department's expectations.
Clothing
In addition to traditional stock, the Co-op will now carry a
broader selection of footwear and clothing including a high quality
line of products under the Tough Duck label.
Lumber
A large selection of lumber is available for the ever-increasing
demand caused by do -it yourself home renovation. A
computerized deck planning system is available and
knowledgeable staff can help design a house from the ground up,
including securing a building permit. A wealth of information is
now available in this department.
These are only a few of the many supplies and services
offered for home owners and farmers in the new expanded Co-op. The new
Do -It Center will employ 38 full and part-time people and has created 15 to 20
new positions.
"It's a major investment that will employ local people," said Campbell.
The hours of operation will be: Monday to Thursday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.;
Friday 7 a.m. to 8 p.m; Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The centre will accept Visa and Mastercard as well as Do -It and Debit Cards.
HDC is a locally owned and managed cooperative involved in processing
bean, corn, wheat and fertilizer as well as manufacturing of feed, managing
grain elevators, distribution of propane and petroleum products and crop
protection chemicals. HDC also operates seven retail outlets under the Do -It
banner including stores located in Forest, Parkhill, Ilderton, Ailsa Craig, Exeter,
Zurich and Seaforth. HDC employs 180 full-time and approximately 50 part-
time people. Administration and accounting offices are located in Hensall.
Many of the staff have been with the Co-op for more than 10 years and
provide a knowledgeable resource for customers.
Chuck Mallette, former manager of the Exeter Co-op Branch, has assumed
manager duties at the new Exeter Do -It Center.
Wed., Sept. 4 - Closed 4 p.m. to get ready
Thurs. Sept. 5- Opening Ceremonies 9 a.m.
• Many dignitaries present • Cutting of the 2 x 4
• Official Opening
Sales Dales
Thurs. ,Sept. 5 .
Sum Sept. 8
AIR
J
We are proud to have been selected as the general contractor by the Hensall District Co-op. The Do -It -Centre
will be an important part of our Exeter's business community for many years as it will attract shoppers
from a wide area. We have enjoyed working with the engineers, management and staff of the Co-op
and extend our best wishes for a successful ture.