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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.