Vacuum Store Shifts Gears

[stricklybojack]

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Stopped in to a small mom & pop vacuum store today that I haven't been to in years. Last time I was there they incouraged me to stop by periodically to snag any cool vacuum they may have recently tossed into the dumpster. Never did, but thought to finally do so today.
I was the only customer and the young man behind the counter very nicely told me, "oh gee no, we have now gotten rid of any and all of our old vacuum related stuff (parts stock etc.) and we dump all the old vac's we get ASAP through a recycler we work with." He did say he had a few of the "worst vacuums out there" in the dumpster but nothing remotely interesting. I then said, "low-line bagless Eurekas I guess." He responded "yup".
The place had far fewer new vacs on the floor, no brick-a-brac of any sort, and the walls were newly paneled. The whole place gave off the vibe of a chain operation actually. It isn't, but I couldn't help but think this shop, in a now very pricey area (especially since their founding), was angling for a different "retail experience" for the customer. Down playing folksy appearances and any vestige of all the years they have been there, and focusing rather on an Apple like retail environment.
Minimal offerings, nothing to distract the eye or confuse the sale, etc.
I took the hint, and he was very nice...they simply are not *that* kind of vac store any more.
Any thoughts?

 

[tolivac]

Good luck to the place if they sell any vacuums.What brands did they have to sell-You can't sell it unless its there and the prospect can try it.Do they repair vacuums?

 

[stricklybojack]

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They had some vacuums there, just fewer than in the past. They may be switching over to new models for the new year, I don't know. They had a couple Sanitaire Blue Lines, a Dyson, a Royal WindTunnel...I was focused on other matters and left after a customer came in carrying a vacuum.
There may have been some Tacony products too, I remember them carrying many models in the past.
I wonder as a Dyson dealer, they are incouraged or simply told to landfill all old Dysons. I met a guy locally who specialized in buying up old Dysons, repairing then selling them at a steady clip.

I also spoke with another vac shop owner who described the many Dyson machines lined up behind the counter in for repairs, as "plastic junk"...but he sorely wanted to be a Dealer for their products as the demand for Dyson is so strong.

 

[rvarley]

Dysons sure are popular. They are brilliant marketing their product. Never much liked them, but loving convenience and in the spirit of open mindedness, I bought the V8. And it is super convenient. I think I get why bagless are so popular. People actually see the dirt when the dump it and it's a strangely satisfying sight. And dumped dirt doesn't get a chance to smell bad.

Given that my other strange love is the sewing machine, I hope we do not see the death of sew and vac stores. I can see buying a vacuum online, but a sewing machine is best tried before purchase. We have a great sew and vac store that sells Bernina, Sebo and Tacony (and others). They still seem to be doing quite well, but the majority of the business is on the sewing machine side.