Have no Fear, kids.
"I am still very afraid that Kirby will go the way of Hoover, Royal and Eureka."
"Or worse, the way of Air-Way, Lewet, and Apex"
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At least Air-Way, Lewyt and Apex don't have to suffer the indignity of having their logos plastered all over available contemporary 'vacuums' that their retired engineers and assemblers would be embarrassed to have represent these formerly esteemed manufacturers.
Hoover and Royal logos are left twisting in the wind, proclaiming to the the masses that TTI vacuums are a natural offshoot of genuine Hoover/Royal DNA. How insulting. I wince every time I pass the Hoover logo slapped on a cheap plastic vacuum with a nonetheless inflated price.
Eureka is still the same family run company (Yes, Eureka is part of the Electrolux family of home care products since 2003) and even though they have evolved and adapted to the times, they still make a quality vacuum that gives reliable service.
However, I have no fear that Kirby is heading anywhere near the TTI Road of Falsehood and Deceit - they would simply close their doors and retire the Brandname. But, there will always be a steady market for high-end products for high-end consumers with taste and appreciation for the better things in life. Trailertrash do not buy Kirbys - they inherite them and run 'em into the ground, then toss 'em to the curb where guys like me pass by and plunk 'em in the trunk. I have 11 different Kirby models and every one was free for the picking-up.
Dave.
Accentuate the Positive - Eliminate the Negative - Don't Mess with Mister In-between. Don't Worry - Be Happy.