Local Brothers are Toolin' Around at Sears
The 125+ year history and strong reputation of a retail giant, when coupled with the commitment and customer service of a local family-owned business can only result in good things. Such is the case, as Sears Appliance and Hardware in Downers Grove celebrates its grand reopening under new ownership. Brothers Mike, Dan and Rick Gilbert, all lifelong residents of Downers Grove have purchased the business as part of Sears' new franchise model. A celebratory grand opening event will be held on the Sears site at 925 Ogden Avenue in Downers Grove on Friday and Saturday, August 16-17, 2013. “I was thrilled that the Gilbert family decided to purchase and operate Sears Hardware Store on Ogden, of which my family has long been customers,” said Downers Grove Mayor Martin Tully. “I think it is a real bonus when ‘shop local' means supporting both local merchants and local residents. The Gilbert family has contributed much to our community over many years and this investment further deepens their roots in Downers Grove.”
Dan Gilbert said that he and his two brothers are advanced level hobbyist handymen who have never hired anyone to work on their homes. “My dad couldn't tell a hammer from a screwdriver and there were eight kids in a tiny house, so we had to figure things out,” he said. Learning that Sears was launching a franchise program, Dan said the three of them were excited. “I remember thinking, how cool would it be to own a hardware store. We love hardware.”
The timing was perfect as Mike and Rick had recently sold their businesses, and Dan was retired from his career with the Downers Grove Fire Department. Their individual interests and talents are perfectly suited to taking on distinctive roles within the organization. “Rick was a business owner for an office supply company. His skill set is especially strong with inventory and warehousing. He's our operations guy,” said Dan. “Mike was a CEO for a manufacturing company with 280 employees. He'll be director of finance, responsible for bookwork and taxes and all of the behind-the-scenes stuff. I love sales and human resources and anything else that my brothers don't want to do.”
Dan references the hardware store on the television hit series Home Improvement when talking about what the Sears Appliance and Hardware shopping experience will be like. “We want to be like the old-school, old time hardware store where you can come in, chat and have a cup of coffee. We'll answer question and help with problems. We want people to try us first, before they chase around trying to find what they need. Our interest is really in solving problems,” Dan said. He added that long time loyal customers at Sears, will still see familiar faces among the employees.
The store while locally owned and operated, will benefit from the Sears name and network. In addition to being exclusive vendors of Kenmore appliances and Craftsman tools Dan said that Sears has the largest parts network anywhere. This means that customers will have access to an enormous inventory of parts; even for appliances and equipment that hasn't been manufactured for years. “If we don't have the right part on site, we'll have it shipped to your home,” he said. Furthermore, Dan said that when customers purchase items that are too large to take home in their cars, he's happy to pop them in his truck and deliver them for free. “I'll just do it. Our sales people know that,” he said.
The Gilberts have purchased three additional Sears stores outside of the immediate area, and look forward to the opportunity of expanding their business more in the future. “This is a fun adventure. It's a late-in-life new adventure and we're having more fun than should be legal!” said Dan.
At a Glance:
Sears Appliance and Hardware will host its Grand Opening Celebration on Friday, August 16th and Saturday August 17th from 8 a.m.-9 p.m. at 925 Ogden Avenue in Downers Grove.
Activities will include
• Q&A sessions and demonstrations by power tool, small engine and generator experts
• Photo opportunities with Craftsman stock car
• DRIVE-Radio on site Friday from noon-1 p.m.
• Sgt. Tommy's Kids onsite with refreshments
• Diveheart president/founder Jim Elliott will be have an information booth and drawing for free scuba lessons.
• Special pricing incentives at Sears will be offered throughout the weekend.
• The first ten customers will each receive a $25 gift card
• There will be a drawing at the conclusion of the event for a $250 gift card. The winner need not be present.