By Andy Kriege, YSN
Southeastern Appliances and More has recently joined the ranks of BrandSource’s Power Dealer contingent.
The company, founded in 1982 by Howard Hoffer and his son Greg, had been providing Atlanta-area builders with appliances, lighting and HVAC equipment for nearly 20 years when it decided to branch out into home appliance retail with the purchase of local dealer Cowan and Cowan.
To accommodate the expansion, current owner Gilly Bailey moved the business to a former Sears Hometown store in Covington, Ga., in 2017, which provided the space to showcase a wide assortment of white goods as well as garage doors and fireplaces.
Bailey said the appliance gambit has paid off in spades. “Last year was our best year ever, and this year looks to be even better from a volume standpoint,” he told YSN. “People are nesting again and want their kitchens and yards to be beautiful as they continue to focus on their living spaces.”
Southeastern’s segue into appliances also led to its liaison with BrandSource, which similarly proved auspicious. “I have been pleased with the transition to BrandSource,” Bailey said. “The people have been great to work with.”
Although Southeastern’s assortment has changed, the company’s core philosophy has not. Delivering the best brands at the best possible price remains its mantra, Bailey noted, coupled with friendly and outstanding service, and he attributes the company’s longevity to those guiding principles.
“It’s customer satisfaction,” Bailey said. “The moment you step into our store, our committed staff is ready to provide knowledgeable support. We always work with our customers to find a product that fits their needs, budget and lifestyle.”
Today, the 38-person business serves all of Metro Atlanta plus surrounding states with nine delivery trucks, a 35,000-square-foot warehouse and a 9,000-square-foot showroom that carries the slogan “Buy where the builders buy.”
Bailey added that he feels blessed to be in the businesses he’s in. “When you sell comfort and entertainment you are in a pretty good place right now,” he said.
BrandSource, a unit of YSN publisher AVB Inc., is a nationwide buying group for independent appliance, mattress, furniture and CE dealers.
