2009.11.21
Hhgregg is checking out the Roanoke Valley
Hhgregg has its eyes on the Roanoke Valley.
This Indiana-based retailer, selling a wide assortment of appliances, electronics, video games and mattresses, confirmed last week that it's considering the Roanoke area for a new store, according to this story on www.roanoke.com.
This month, Hhgregg opened two new Richmond stores, both in former Circuit City locations.
Roanoke's Circuit City store closed in March.
I did visit their website, I liked what I saw I think they will be very competetive with Best Buy, we need choices.
Also while I am here I have a ? about a different business, why are sonic closing restaurants in Salem and Martinsville, if it has already been answered I apologize, someone said they are under performing.
Comment by John — November 22, 2009 @ 12:48 pm
We got plenty of fine, local audio visual/and appliance places in town. Why not support them? Audiotronics and ACS are heads above Best Buy and DECADES above Wal*Mart in service and variety. Shouldn't we support local established businesses?
I think HH Greg purchased many of the old SunTV and appliance facilities after they wenty under. I have been to many, and not impressed...there isn't really anything special about them.
Comment by Rich — November 23, 2009 @ 10:23 am
Thumbs UP, Rich.
& compare apples to apples, those independents offer SERVICE, accurate info, & are extremely competitive in pricing!
Comment by Steve — November 23, 2009 @ 12:05 pm
Rich-shouldn't we support healthy competition? Having more than a couple of stores is what consumerism is about-when stores compete for your business you get better service, selection and prices
Comment by JoJo — November 23, 2009 @ 1:58 pm
JoJo- there are numerous electronics/appliance centers in the area.
I just named those that I shop at most frequently for car/home audio.
Most the times, what one local guy has for say $399.99- Wal*mart will have for $398.97...not worth the trouble of dealing with unknowledgable staff to save that little money...sure its undercutting on price. But is it really worth it?
Walk into an ACS or Audiotronics, Lee Hartman et al... and compare it to a box store...and the choice is simple. At least for me.
Comment by Rich — November 23, 2009 @ 2:44 pm
A cursory look into Walmart's business practices shows you that little of the way they operate fosters "healthy competition".
Comment by Kristen — November 23, 2009 @ 3:08 pm
As does an in-depth look into Wal*mart's business models shows you how they utilize technology, lightning fast inventory turnaround, and a world class logistics and supply chain management process to dominate a marketplace that for decades remained stagnant and gave the suppliers power over retailers.
I'm not the biggest fan of Wal*mart, but they are damn good doing what they do, and doing it better than anyone else.
Comment by Rich — November 23, 2009 @ 4:20 pm
People need to look closer at why Walmart might be cheaper on somethings. Electronics might be older versions on what is out. Example: I am thinking of a Sony 32 inch LCD. It's on sale a Best Buy this week but walmart has one for a few $100 less. Take a close look at the specs and you see why Walmart is cheaper. It's only 720 vs 1080 at Best Buy and the Hz (refresh rate) is half of the more expensive unit. I know there are some people that will not think to look closer and just see the cheaper price.
If you buy from any electronics store do not let them get you with the ridiculously expensive Monster cables. They are over kill. Buy a decent cable but you don't need to spend a $100 to get a quality one.
Comment by Other Mike — November 23, 2009 @ 5:08 pm
Other Mike that is not always the case. Many times you can find the exact same item at Wal-Mart for less. And by exact I mean same model number and everything. Especially in other departments such as toys and harware.
As for H.H. Gregg, the latest on the RT is that they are expected to sign a lease and open next year and they will employee 40 to 50 people. I'm all for the quality service you get from a smaller local company but I'll be happy to see 40 to 50 Roanoke citizens have a job again.
Everyone wants to complain about us not shopping local because local businesses put the money back into the local economy. To me, hiring 40+ people is more help to the economy than a local business owner taking his or her BMW to the local autowash.
Comment by Original Greg — November 23, 2009 @ 7:54 pm
I don't supposed anyone wonders how Walmart can bring the same items to market cheaper than other places can get them wholesale. Of course, they're treating their employees, vendors, and localities fairly. So how do they do it?
If Walmart decided to start giving their crap away, I wouldn't touch it. If you're concerned about a "stagnant" market, take a look at the downtowns of the small American towns that have been blessed with a MallWart. You'll see all the "stagnant" you want.
Comment by Kristen — November 24, 2009 @ 10:42 am
Rich-this is a small market with few options
Comment by JoJo — November 24, 2009 @ 1:44 pm
JoJo...serious? There are 4 "legitimate" big options here...Wal*Mart, Best Buy, Target, Sears (the last two are loosely options)...and at least 10 small audio specialties retailers.
I don't call that 'few options'.
Kristen- no one wants to hear you're anti wal*mart success drivel.
Comment by Rich — November 24, 2009 @ 2:45 pm
If you want electronics such as TVs, stereos, etc., I have found that Lee Hartmann and Son has the same stuff as Best Buy and they are usually 10% cheaper than them, if not more and they are way more knowledgable on the equipment that they are selling.
Comment by Jason — November 24, 2009 @ 4:55 pm
Rich-yes SERIOUSLY this is a SMALL market-try shopping in a larger town -try to think other than "small town mentality"
Comment by JoJo — December 2, 2009 @ 1:58 pm
Original Greg: I am the owner of a small, local retail establishment. I drive a used van that is ten years old, not a BMW. Many people assume that those who own their own businesses are living in big houses and driving fancy cars. Most of us are just regular people who are earning a modest living. I know it is not always practical to buy locally, but I wish you would look at patronizing local businesses as an opportunity to help your neighbor feed their family -- not indulge in luxuries.
Comment by RoanokeGirl — December 2, 2009 @ 7:32 pm