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H & H Lifestyles: An Evolving Retail Store
As its product categories changed, this hybrid dealer decided the look of its store should change, too.
As its product categories changed, this hybrid dealer decided the look of its store should change, too.
H & H Lifestyles has a history of evolution.
It started in Brunswick, Ga. as a full service gas station in the 1930s and evolved into a Goodyear Tire Center in the 1940s. Soon after, it added appliances, then electronics and eventually morphed into what it is today -- a unique hybrid retailer.
The grandchildren of H & H's original owner, siblings Laurie Watson & Trey Brunson, bring their talents to bear in running the store. Continuing their grandfather's legacy has meant continuing the store's tradition of evolution.
After spending eight months constructing a new space in Brunswick, H & H held a special grand opening celebration. With 350 architects, developers and designers present, Watson and Brunson took some time after the event to talk further about their company's ongoing evolution.
How long has the store been in business?
Since 1932. Our mom and dad ran the business for 35 years, taking it over from our grandfather.
How long has the current management team had control of the business?
Laurie and I [Trey Brunson] worked with our team and planned and developed the new format over the past 12 months.
What where the factors that caused you to consider such a dramatic evolution for this new location and business model?
This was truly an amazing opportunity. When we where approached by the shopping center developers and we realized it would be a really great time to evolve the business. We were excited, but a little overwhelmed.
What was the most difficult decision in going ahead with this new model?
Deciding to stop selling furniture after 20 years of being in that business and concentrating all our efforts on just appliances and A/V.
What finally pushed you over the top?
We knew we could exit the furniture business and it would not dramatically affect the other two disciplines — appliances and electronics — and we wanted to focus more on the service side of these two disciplines, to become a first in class provider.
How did the staff respond to the proposed project?
Everyone was excited at first, then a little uncertain. It took a tremendous amount of work from everyone to pull this together.
How did the staff respond after the redesign was completed?
I believe they really see it now. It has been a tremendous road to this point and they hung in there through all the change. They have been amazing throughout the whole process.
How did you finance it?
Some through the sale to the developer of the old property that we owned on the shopping center site; the balance through our local banker that we have had a relationship with for over 30 years.
Who designed the showroom?
Spencer Kalker at ImageCrafters.
Why did you hire a design specialist with A/V industry experience?
We tried to do "touch ups" to our last store and always spent more money and wound up with something less. We wanted to bring someone in with industry experience, with a fresh set of eyes and an understanding of what we did. The bottom line is we wanted to save money and time and have a better store to show for it — and we did.
How long did the project take?
About 18 months, the old building was torn down on May 10. The actual construction of the new store took about eight months.
How much did the project cost?
It depends on how you break it down. Roughly, we spent $800,000 on the interior of the store. We had several manufacturers assist with their display areas and really called in every favor we could.
What might you have done differently?
Not much. We really took our time with the design ... If anything, I would have not resisted the lighting design the designer originally came up with. It really brought it all together.
Has the investment met your expectations?
It has been a tremendous success and helped define our business.
What do you need to do now to maximize your investment?
Execute on a daily basis. We have a wonderful new tool. We just have to make sure we use it and maximize our investment.
H & H Lifestyles has a history of evolution.
It started in Brunswick, Ga. as a full service gas station in the 1930s and evolved into a Goodyear Tire Center in the 1940s. Soon after, it added appliances, then electronics and eventually morphed into what it is today -- a unique hybrid retailer.
The grandchildren of H & H's original owner, siblings Laurie Watson & Trey Brunson, bring their talents to bear in running the store. Continuing their grandfather's legacy has meant continuing the store's tradition of evolution.
After spending eight months constructing a new space in Brunswick, H & H held a special grand opening celebration. With 350 architects, developers and designers present, Watson and Brunson took some time after the event to talk further about their company's ongoing evolution.
How long has the store been in business?
Since 1932. Our mom and dad ran the business for 35 years, taking it over from our grandfather.
H & H Lifestyles
- Ownership: Private
- Property: Owned Space
- Square Feet of Display Space: 18,000
- Investment: $800,000
- Brands: B&W, Triad, Stewart, AMX, Pioneer, Lutron, New World Lighting, Subzero, Sony, Niles Audio, Kaleidescape, Viking, Meile, Wolf, Thermador, Klipsch, RTI, Tributaries, Sanus/Chief, LG Electronics, Sharp, Kitchenaid, Frigidaire, Whirlpool, Maytag, Jennair, Mitsubishi.
- Associations: Nationwide, CEA, CEDIA
- Store Design: ImageCrafters Inc. (http://www.imagecraftersinc.com)
How long has the current management team had control of the business?
Laurie and I [Trey Brunson] worked with our team and planned and developed the new format over the past 12 months.
What where the factors that caused you to consider such a dramatic evolution for this new location and business model?
This was truly an amazing opportunity. When we where approached by the shopping center developers and we realized it would be a really great time to evolve the business. We were excited, but a little overwhelmed.
What was the most difficult decision in going ahead with this new model?
Deciding to stop selling furniture after 20 years of being in that business and concentrating all our efforts on just appliances and A/V.
What finally pushed you over the top?
We knew we could exit the furniture business and it would not dramatically affect the other two disciplines — appliances and electronics — and we wanted to focus more on the service side of these two disciplines, to become a first in class provider.
How did the staff respond to the proposed project?
Everyone was excited at first, then a little uncertain. It took a tremendous amount of work from everyone to pull this together.
How did the staff respond after the redesign was completed?
I believe they really see it now. It has been a tremendous road to this point and they hung in there through all the change. They have been amazing throughout the whole process.
How did you finance it?
Some through the sale to the developer of the old property that we owned on the shopping center site; the balance through our local banker that we have had a relationship with for over 30 years.
Who designed the showroom?
Spencer Kalker at ImageCrafters.
Why did you hire a design specialist with A/V industry experience?
We tried to do "touch ups" to our last store and always spent more money and wound up with something less. We wanted to bring someone in with industry experience, with a fresh set of eyes and an understanding of what we did. The bottom line is we wanted to save money and time and have a better store to show for it — and we did.
How long did the project take?
About 18 months, the old building was torn down on May 10. The actual construction of the new store took about eight months.
How much did the project cost?
It depends on how you break it down. Roughly, we spent $800,000 on the interior of the store. We had several manufacturers assist with their display areas and really called in every favor we could.
What might you have done differently?
Not much. We really took our time with the design ... If anything, I would have not resisted the lighting design the designer originally came up with. It really brought it all together.
Has the investment met your expectations?
It has been a tremendous success and helped define our business.
What do you need to do now to maximize your investment?
Execute on a daily basis. We have a wonderful new tool. We just have to make sure we use it and maximize our investment.
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1 Comments (displayed in order by date/time)
Page 1 of 1 comment pages
You won’t find a more knowledgeable, friendly, professional staff than at H&H;Lifestyles. I tried many other stores, and i didn’t find any as good as H&H;. Did you know that they have now a store for appliance parts too?