When PR Appliance and Mattress joined the Powell River business scene in December 2016, the name suggested a new player had entered the market. While the store at 124-4801 Joyce Avenue in Crossroads Village Shopping Centre was in fact a new enterprise, owner/manager Carl Haakenson had been selling appliances and mattresses in Powell River for many years.
“We were a Sears store for 27 years and then Sears shut us down at the end of May last year; they wanted out of smaller towns,” says Haakenson. “We decided to continue on as an appliance/mattress store.”
Haakenson says although it took six months to become fully operational, transitioning into the new enterprise was a smooth process. Customers who shopped locally at Sears can expect the same quality of products and service level when they visit the new store, he adds.
“Our product knowledge and ability to serve the customer are the same; we built a loyal following based on that criteria and continue to operate that way,” explains Haakenson. “We have retained the same employees, so we have continuity in terms of experience.”
Operating as an independent store, PR Appliance and Mattress is still able to offer major brands including Whirlpool, Frigidaire, KitchenAid, Maytag, Electrolux, Samsung and Bosch appliances, and Simmons mattresses. A Boxing Week in July special event continues throughout the month for products from most manufacturers.
Independence provides benefits to customers, such as access to brands and items not previously available.
“It’s nice to get away from a big corporation that really defined what you do, what you put on the floor and what you can and cannot sell,” says Haakenson. “Now we have more freedom to sell things we weren't able to before.”
Plans are underway to expand current product lines and add items such as air conditioners and barbecues. In addition to mattresses and new appliances, the store also sells used appliances and Gladiator GarageWorks products are available on an order-in basis.
“Gladiator makes high-end items for anyone who wants really nice work benches, flooring, refrigerators and cabinets in their garage,” says Haakenson.
Over his career, Haakenson says he has seen many trends and fads that directly affect what consumers crave in kitchen appliances.
“Stainless steel and black stainless steel are starting to dominate the market,” he adds. “Black is a darker, deeper, smudge-proof stainless steel; it has a really nice look. Every manufacturer has their own version of it now, whereas two years ago there was almost nothing like that.”
Along with stainless options, black and white choices are also available. The days of almond and blue are long gone, says Haakenson.
With WiFi connections common in most homes, fridges and other appliances now come ready to connect to the network.
“Smart homes can tell you everything you need to know at a glance,” says Haakenson. “Your fridge can tell you what’s missing and create a shopping list, or allow you to listen to music; it’s cool stuff.”
Remote access adds to the convenience of being connected, allowing homeowners to monitor and control appliances while away from home.
“Smart phones can do just about anything in a kitchen,” says Haakenson, “from turning on and off the range to checking your laundry.”
According to Haakenson, pricing at PR Appliance and Mattress is as good as anywhere in Canada and price matching is available. Customers have been impressed with how low prices have become, he says.
“We are always making sure our prices are up to date,” says Haakenson. “Customers sometimes have this false idea that it’s going to cost $5,000 to do a kitchen appliance renovation. That’s not necessarily the case; it can be done for a lot less and with higher quality products than 10 years ago.”
PR Appliance and Mattress offers extended warranties and can arrange for delivery and installation of all items sold. A complete list of products is available on the company’s website.
For more information:
604.489.1700
prappliance.ca
facebook.com/prappliance
