Carpentersville resident Jennifer Gray, a marketing associate at DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates, was recently awarded Achievement Circle honors by DirectBuy’s corporate offices for her dedication to helping introduce new families to DirectBuy club membership during the month of January.

DirectBuy’s Achievement Circle recognizes the top performing membership directors and phone room associates at the more than 160 DirectBuy clubs across North America for their performance on a monthly basis. As a marketing associate, Gray has an active role in helping interested families learn more about DirectBuy club membership at the  DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates club.

“It’s no accident that this is the fifth time Jennifer has earned Achievement Circle honors. She’s very good at working with prospective new members and is a valuable member of our marketing team,” said Dave Kushner, owner of DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates, located at 2200 North Stonington Avenue, Suite 150 in Hoffman Estates.

Gray began with DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates in 2006. Prior to that, she had worked in retail management.

“DirectBuy is a great place to work for several reasons. First, we provide a tremendous service to our members by providing them an alternative way to buy the things they want and need for their homes. On a personal level, the owner Dave encourages our development as professionals and people. He even makes his personal library of motivational books and cd’s available to the entire staff,” said Gray.

Since 1971, DirectBuy clubs have offered members the opportunity to enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products and accessories by buying wholesale, directly from the manufacturer. With several convenient locations in the greater Chicago area (Chicago, Hoffman Estates, Naperville, and Tinley Park), consumers can enjoy a comfortable, country-club setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, you can visit http://www.directbuychicago.com/.

About DirectBuy

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, enabling them to buy directly from more than 700 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money to go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality.  It’s a comfortable, country-club setting, where you finally have the financial control of buying direct. The DirectBuy clubs serving the greater Chicago area are part of more than 160 locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting http://www.directbuychicago.com/. 

Locations of the DirectBuy clubs serving the greater Chicago area are: DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates, 2200 N. Stonington Ave Ste. 150 Hoffman Estates, IL; DirectBuy of Chicago North, 6325 Avondale, Chicago, IL; DirectBuy of DuPage County, 1864 Highgrove Ste. 136 Naperville, IL; and DirectBuy of Tinley Park, 18400 S. 76th Avenue Ste. B, Tinley Park, IL.

To learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

“We are completely overjoyed,” explained Virginia Kirk. “At first we thought it was a hoax, we couldn’t believe this could happen to us. We are extremely excited and ready to get started on our home improvement projects.”

With their newfound fortune, Virginia and George “Red” Kirk will begin several home improvement projects they’ve been planning, such as installing new carpeting throughout their stairway, hallways and bedrooms, along with upgrading the foundation and updating the flooring in their garage. While deciding what additional improvements to undertake to create their dream home, the Kirks plan to use any additional prize money as a nest egg to protect their investments against today’s struggling economy.

“Over the past 12 years, we have loved having the opportunity to help families save money by utilizing DirectBuy to afford the items they normally would not be able to purchase. In this case, it is especially rewarding to help out a local Virginia family through our latest $50,000 Home Makeover Contest,” said Bruce Harvey, who owns and operates DirectBuy of Woodbridge with his wife Barb.

Over the past few years, DirectBuy has distributed more than $450,000 in prize money to both members and non-members as part of their Home Makeover Program, which is designed to help consumers create the homes of their dreams.

The DirectBuy of Woodbridge club, located at 3320 Noble Pond Way Suite 104 in Woodbridge, offers consumers thousands of items, including kitchen cabinets, flat-screen televisions and major appliances from more than 700 top manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. Members enjoy a comfortable, welcoming setting and design club where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

To assist members with their home renovation projects, DirectBuy of Woodbridge employs interior designers and product specialists who are specially trained in one of five areas of merchandise: Home Furnishings, Home Improvement, Flooring, Entertainment/Outdoor, and Accessories. Additionally, members benefit from the use of a children’s play area, café and a member’s lounge to relax while shopping.

DirectBuy of Woodbridge members also have exclusive access to renowned designer Christopher Lowell.  Lowell has designed 12 room settings – created exclusively with products available through DirectBuy – using his Seven Layers of Design. An innovative approach to home décor, The Seven Layers of Design keeps homeowners on budget and from feeling overwhelmed by their project.

DirectBuy Membership

Consumers who are interested in joining DirectBuy of Woodbridge are encouraged to attend an exclusive Open House event, which is designed to educate families about DirectBuy’s unique business model.  The Open House also helps consumers better understand how DirectBuy members avoid traditional retail markup when purchasing brand-name merchandise. 

To request a “Free Insider’s Guide to Buying Direct” and a Visitor’s Pass to learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, call 1-800-DIRECTBUY or visit www.directbuy.com.

About DirectBuy

For more than 37 years, DirectBuy has been showing hundreds of thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories and much, much more. With more than 160 locations in North America, DirectBuy offers its members access to approximately 700 brand-name manufacturers and their authorized suppliers in the US, and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers and authorized suppliers in Canada.

Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy’s savings, service and selection up close may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting www.directbuycares.com.

April showers may bring May flowers, but it doesn’t necessarily guarantee a lush green lawn in time for spring. That requires the right fertilizer and consistent watering throughout the spring and summer. DirectBuy, the leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, offers some tips for do-it-yourselfers looking to install their own irrigation system.

“A lawn irrigation system is your best bet for keeping your lawn green, but even that’s not foolproof if you don’t have the right system set up to meets the needs of your particular lawn,” said Sara Shragal, of DirectBuy.

Some of the things to consider when purchasing an in-ground irrigation include:

●        Automatic or manual – If you want complete control of what gets watered and when, a manual system is a nice option. The more advanced automatic systems allow you to program what areas of the lawn get water and when. Some even have sensors that detect moisture so you’re not wasting water by running your sprinklers during a rainstorm or just afterward.

●        Rotary heads vs. other sprinkler types – There are many kinds of spray heads available for each type of system. Rotary heads deliver water to larger areas, so fewer are needed. Pop-up spray heads are another great option if you’re concerned about plants or the ground interfering with the flow of the water.

●        Overlap the spray  – To provide complete coverage avoid brown spots, you’ll want to overlap the area where each sprinkler waters. This should eliminate the possibility of brown spots.

●        Avoid trees and shrubs – If at all possible, do not place the sprinkler in an area where it will spray directly onto the trunks of trees. Not only does this damage the bark, but it can make it more susceptible to pests and diseases. A sprinkler can also do a number on the petals on flowers and leaves on shrubs so plan accordingly.

●        Test water depth periodically – The idea behind an irrigation system is even distribution of water. Every so often, place a can or container throughout your yard. After the sprinkler turns off, compare. If one container from a particular area is getting less than the others, you’ll need to adjust the spray.

“Installing a sprinkler system can be quite a challenge for even the most capable do-it-yourselfer. Especially with the amount of wiring and excavation involved. That’s why even though we’re still in winter, you should be planning your system now to avoid any costly errors once it’s time to put your system in,” said Shragal.

DirectBuy offers everything you need to install your new irrigation system at wholesale prices direct from the manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. In addition, DirectBuy also employs product specialists who can give you the necessary guidance. And if you want somebody else to do the heavy lifting, DirectBuy works with local vendors who provide installation services, usually at a discounted price for DirectBuy members.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, you can visit http://www.directbuycares.com.

About DirectBuy

For more than 37 years, DirectBuy has been showing thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories and much, much more. With more than 160 locations in North America, DirectBuy offers its members access to approximately 700 brand-name manufacturers and their authorized suppliers in the US, and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers and authorized suppliers in Canada.

Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy’s savings, service and selection up close may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com.

Rogelio Menchaca-Garcia joined DirectBuy of Cool Springs in November of 2008, and was in the midst of remodeling his home when informed he was DirectBuy’s grand prize winner. “This is the first time I had won anything, and I was shocked,” he said excitedly. “I really couldn’t believe it. I am still speechless.”

Menchaca-Garcia’s plans to use his newfound fortune to improve his home with the help of DirectBuy, ultimately maximizing his return on investment when he decides to sell. To go along with new flooring and fixtures for his bathroom, he’s also added a new roof and plans a full kitchen remodel, complete with new windows and appliances.

Rogelio is active in the military and was formerly deployed in Bosnia. He now works as part of a special program called Wounded Warriors – a not-for-profit organization that provides tangible support for soldiers to help them on the road to healing.

“We work with soldiers who may have been wounded overseas while serving our country,” he explained. “Our objective is to help them rehabilitate with the goal of returning either to active duty and/or the community.”

Steve Blume and John Langley, who own and operate DirectBuy of Cool Springs, were excited to be able to help one of their members realize their dreams, and felt it was especially meaningful that it was a community member who had served our country overseas.

“We always have imagined how awesome it would be if someone won the Home Makeover Program from our club, but for it to actually happen is incredible,” co-owner Steve Blume explained. “I have come to know and respect Rogelio Menchaca-Garcia. He’s a wonderful person – exactly the caliber of person you want and hope will win. Everyone at our showroom was so excited and happy for him.”

Over the past few years, DirectBuy has distributed more than $450,000 in prize money to both members and non-members as part of their Home Makeover Program, designed to help consumers create the home of their dreams.

DirectBuy of Cool Springs recently relocated to a brand new, 25,000 sq. foot showroom, conveniently located at 1005 Flagpole Court in Brentwood in the new Mallory Park development. The franchise was among the top ten United States franchises in annual merchandise volume purchased by members in 2008. Additionally, the club boasts an A+ rating from their local Better Business Bureau, attracting members who drive as long as four hours to shop there.

To assist members with their home renovation projects, DirectBuy of Cool Springs employs interior designers and product specialists who are specially trained in one of five areas of merchandise: Home Furnishings, Home Improvement, Flooring, Entertainment/Outdoor, and Accessories. Additionally, members benefit from the use of a children’s play area, café and a member’s lounge to relax while shopping.

DirectBuy of Cool Springs members also have exclusive access to renowned designer Christopher Lowell.  Lowell has designed twelve room settings – created exclusively with products available through DirectBuy – using his Seven Layers of Design. An innovative approach to home décor, The Seven Layers of Design keeps homeowners on budget and from feeling overwhelmed by their project.

DirectBuy Membership

Consumers who are interested in joining DirectBuy of Cool Springs are encouraged to attend an exclusive Open House event, which is designed to educate families about DirectBuy’s unique business model.  The Open House also helps consumers better understand how DirectBuy members avoid traditional retail markup when purchasing brand-name merchandise. 

About DirectBuy

For more than 37 years, DirectBuy has been showing hundreds of thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories and much, much more. With more than 160 locations in North America, DirectBuy offers its members access to approximately 700 brand-name manufacturers and their authorized suppliers in the US, and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers and authorized suppliers in Canada.

Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy’s savings, service and selection up close may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting www.directbuycoolsprings.com or www.directbuycares.com.

There’s nothing like a good night’s sleep. If you’re trying to remember the last time you had one, it may be time to evaluate your sleeping space. Could it be your mattress? Maybe. Yet according to DirectBuy, the leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, the real culprit might be your sheets.

“Linens are one of the most important parts of your bedding ensemble, yet it’s the last thing people will look to replace when it comes to improving the quality of their sleep,” said Sara Shragal, of DirectBuy. “So, instead of shelling out hundreds, even thousands on new mattresses, duvets and comforters, people really ought to be looking at an upgrade of their linens. And when it comes to linens, the higher the thread count, the higher the quality.”

Thread count is the number of threads per square inch of fabric. Quality linen begins at 180 threads per square inch. The higher the thread count, the softer the feel of the sheet and the more pill resistant it will be.

Fiber content is the next item to consider when choosing bed linens. Sheets are usually made of cotton, polyester/cotton blends, or silk.  Cotton is often chosen because it’s a natural fabric and feels cooler and softer to the touch. Blends of polyester and cotton are popular because they are more wrinkle-resistant.

Yet the softest and most luxurious of all bed linens, silk, is surprisingly also the strongest. And, it’s naturally hypoallergenic.  In addition, silk sheets provide comfort year round. In the summer, silk keeps the moisture from your body, and in the winter it gently forms to your body eliminating air pockets and holding in your body heat.

Besides thread count and fabric type, you should also consider the weave of the fabric. A standard weave is alternating one stitch over one another. A sateen weave has a stitch of four over, one under, placing the most threads on the surface, making it soft, though slightly less durable than other weaves. A pinpoint weave is two over and one under. It is more durable than the standard weave, but not as soft as sateen. A jacquard weave means a design, such as stripes, is woven into the fabric.

“It might seem like a lot of details to consider when selecting something as commonplace as your bed sheets, but it can make an unbelievable difference in the quality and quantity of sleep you get every night,” adds Shragal.

In addition to bedding, DirectBuy offers everything from mattresses to comforters and duvets to complete bedroom sets at prices direct from the manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. If you need assistance in selecting items in recreating your bedroom, DirectBuy employs product specialists and designers, who are at your service.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, you can visit http://www.directbuycares.com.

About DirectBuy

For more than 37 years, DirectBuy has been showing thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories and much, much more. With more than 160 locations in North America, DirectBuy offers its members access to approximately 700 brand-name manufacturers and their authorized suppliers in the US, and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers and authorized suppliers in Canada.

Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy’s savings, service and selection up close may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com.

In your dad’s day, the stereotypical man’s domain, or “man cave,” was the workshop in the garage. Today, the man cave is often the basement den or office. When it’s time to watch the Canucks and the resident “caveman” wants to entertain other cavemen and their better halves, he’ll likely realize that his sanctuary might need a little upgrading. DirectBuy, the leading members-only showroom and home design center, has some pointers for making your man cave guest-friendly for the regular season and upcoming NHL playoffs.

“While being able to get away from the rest of the house and watch a game in peace may have been the genesis of the man cave, what might not have been taken into consideration initially was the desire to someday invite others to watch the game with you. And setting up a space fit for entertaining guests is something a lot of men may want some assistance with,” said Jade Allen, owner of DirectBuy of Vancouver.

So what items might today’s cave-gent need to complete the perfect indoor tailgate party?

• Kegerator – a man-cave essential for a beer-drinking crowd
•  Wide Screen TV with HD; surround sound speakers optional but highly desirable
•  Sectional sofa to accommodate multiple visitors; reclining chair with cup holders for the host.
•  Full-size built-in bar area or free-standing, mobile bar station
• Tile or wood flooring that’s particularly resilient to potential spillage
•  Pool table, air hockey or foosball for between-periods recreation
•  Mini-kitchen with microwave to reheat buffalo wings.
•  Home gym equipment—e.g. treadmill, elliptical—to work off the excess calories consumed during man cave weekend marathon.

DirectBuy offers nearly everything you need to create the perfect man cave no matter what your favorite sport might be at prices direct from manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. If you know what you want but don’t know how to pull it all together, DirectBuy also employs product specialists and professional designers well versed in the art of designing the perfect recreational space, while keeping you on budget.

Since 1971, DirectBuy franchises have offered members the opportunity to enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products and accessories by buying wholesale, directly from the manufacturer and their authorized suppliers. In addition, DirectBuy also offers members a Rolodex of installers, many of who are DirectBuy members, who can help members create their dream kitchen, bathroom or any other room in the house.

With four convenient locations in the greater Vancouver area (Victoria, Vancouver, Coquitlam, and Kelowna), consumers can enjoy a comfortable, country-club setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, visit www.DirectBuyBC.ca. 

About DirectBuy

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, enabling them to buy directly from more than 500 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money to go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. DirectBuy has been serving the greater Vancouver area since 1997. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality.  It’s a comfortable, country-club setting, where you finally have the financial control of buying direct. The four DirectBuy showrooms serving the greater Vancouver area are part of more than 160 locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by contacting DirectBuy at 604-552-5255, or visiting www.DirectBuyBC.ca. 

Locations of the four DirectBuy showrooms serving the greater Vancouver area are: DirectBuy of Vancouver, 2659 Lillooet St., Vancouver, British Columbia V5M 4P7; DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver, 91 Golden Drive Unit #1, Coquitlam, British Columbia V3K 6R2; DirectBuy of Central Okanagan, #5 2260 Hunter Rd., Kelowna, British Columbia V1X 7J8; and DirectBuy of Greater Victoria, 350B Bay Street, Victoria, British Columbia V8T 1P7.

To learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

When you take on a home improvement project, your objectives are generally two-fold: 1. to enhance the quality of your life and; 2. increase the value of your home on the market. Yet which home improvement projects actually “pay for themselves” or increase the value of your home the most? DirectBuy, the leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, offers some insights into the home improvement projects that deliver the most return on investment (ROI).

“Because of the soft real estate market people are staying in their homes much longer than before. Consequently, people are taking on more home improvement renovations to increase their enjoyment of their homes as well as increase the value,” said Jeremy Vest, owner of DirectBuy of DuPage County in Naperville.

So which home improvements projects do you have the best chance to recoup your investment? According to Remodeling magazine’s 2007 report, the home improvement projects you’re most likely to recover construction costs in a resale are:

●        Minor kitchen remodel (e.g. new cabinets) – 83 percent cost recouped

●        Deck addition – 85.4% cost recouped

●        Bathroom remodel – 78.3% cost recouped

●        Siding replacement – 83.2% cost recouped

●        Window replacement (vinyl) – 79.3% cost recouped

●        Attic bedroom remodel – 76.6% cost recouped

These numbers reflect a national average, with some home improvement projects coming in higher or lower in different parts of the country (e.g. in Chicago, siding replacement will recoup more than the national average; most likely the higher value of siding in a colder climate).

By enabling its members to buy directly from manufacturers at wholesale prices, DirectBuy gives consumers an even greater chance to recoup construction costs at the time of sale. Taking it one step further, DirectBuy also provides members with connections to contractors providing installation services, generally at a discounted rate between five and 20 percent, to improve even further the likelihood of recovering construction costs.

“When you take on a project in your home, it makes you feel like you’ve got more of a stake in the property. So, where before people would only make improvements to get a better price at resale, now they do it because it’s what they want in their home. That makes a big difference in how you view your home and your quality of life,” said I.J. Sell, owner of DirectBuy of Tinley Park.

Since 1971, DirectBuy clubs have offered members the opportunity to enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products and accessories by buying wholesale, directly from the manufacturer. With five convenient locations in the greater Chicago area (Chicago, Gurnee, Hoffman Estates, Naperville, and Tinley Park), consumers can enjoy a comfortable, country-club setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, you can visit http://www.directbuychicago.com/.

About DirectBuy

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, enabling them to buy directly from more than 700 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money to go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality.  It’s a comfortable, country-club setting, where you finally have the financial control of buying direct. The five DirectBuy clubs serving the greater Chicago area are part of more than 160 locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting http://www.directbuychicago.com/. 

Locations of the five DirectBuy clubs serving the greater Chicago area are: DirectBuy of Gurnee, 4081 Ryan Rd. #107, Gurnee, IL; DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates, 2200 N. Stonington Ave Ste. 150 Hoffman Estates, IL; DirectBuy of Chicago North, 6325 Avondale, Chicago, IL; DirectBuy of DuPage County, 1864 Highgrove Ste. 136 Naperville, IL; and DirectBuy of Tinley Park, 18400 S. 76th Avenue Ste. B, Tinley Park, IL.

To learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

For ten years, DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates has been offering consumers in the greater Chicago area a brand new way to save on home improvement projects, furnishings and accessories.

As the leading members-only showroom and home design center, DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates offers manufacturer-direct pricing on products ranging from light fixtures to televisions to kitchen cabinets, all from more than 700 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. DirectBuy also offers design, delivery and installation services.

“The growth we’ve experienced since we opened our doors 10 years ago is a little hard to fathom. Not only have we grown in terms of the number of our members, but also in the number of manufacturers who want to sell their products through DirectBuy. And that’s got us even more excited about the next 10 years,” said Dave Kushner, owner of DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates.

In addition to tremendous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products and accessories, DirectBuy also offers design services to its members, as well as a listing of local contractors who offer installation services to DirectBuy members, many times at a discounted rate.

“Our 10 years in business have not only given us the opportunity to help families in the greater Chicago area create the home of their dreams, but to also establish ourselves as part of the local business community and as a contributor to local charities,” said Kushner. “We look forward to further cultivating those relationships with our customers and the community as we build toward even bigger and better things in the years to come.”

Since 1999, DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates has helped consumers enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, and accessories, by providing an avenue to purchase directly from the manufacturer and their authorized suppliers. Conveniently located at 2200 North Stonington Ave in Hoffman Estates, DirectBuy offers consumers a comfortable, country-club setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

About DirectBuy

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, enabling them to buy directly from more than 700 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money to go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality.  It’s a comfortable, country-club setting, where you finally have the financial control of buying direct. The five DirectBuy showrooms serving the greater Chicago area are part of more than 160 locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting http://www.directbuychicago.com/. 

Locations of the five DirectBuy showrooms serving the greater Chicago area are: DirectBuy of Gurnee, 4081 Ryan Rd. #107, Gurnee, IL; DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates, 2200 N. Stonington Ave Ste. 150 Hoffman Estates, IL; DirectBuy of Chicago North, 6325 Avondale, Chicago, IL; DirectBuy of DuPage County, 1864 Highgrove Ste. 136 Naperville, IL; and DirectBuy of Tinley Park, 18400 S. 76th Avenue Ste. B, Tinley Park, IL.

To learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

DirectBuy, the leading members-only showroom and home design centre that offers merchandise direct from manufacturers and their authorized suppliers, is proud to announce that DirectBuy of Toronto North, led by franchise owners Steve and Kary Tratner, recently received the highest honour for new member purchase volume awarded to franchises – New Member Purchase Centre of the Year.

“We feel very proud to have been chosen for this award. Seeing the enthusiasm of our members realizing their dreams is remarkably gratifying for us as franchise owners,” said owner Steve Tratner. “It’s just as rewarding to witness the dedication and hard work of our service staff pay off with recognition as New Member Purchase Centre of the Year.”

DirectBuy centres had the opportunity to qualify for New Member Purchase Centre of the Year based on new member purchase volume — a reflection of the overall happiness and value members are experiencing through their DirectBuy memberships, while also signifying continued excellence in customer service. To earn this award, centres were ranked according to the highest percentage of new members who placed their first order within 12 months of joining DirectBuy. The qualification period for award consideration was October 2007 through September 2008.

For their achievement, DirectBuy of Toronto North received on-stage recognition at DirectBuy’s International Sales & Service Conference, a plaque commemorating their success and acknowledgment in BuyLines – the company’s network-wide newsletter.

Earning company-wide recognition is something the Toronto North showroom does very well. Since opening their doors in June of 1997, the franchise has been named Service Centre of the Year and Canadian Merchandise Centre of the Year numerous times.

“Working to constantly improve customer service is something our service staff takes very seriously,” co-owner Kary Tratner continued. “We strive to elevate the shopping experience for our members while continuing to provide them with tremendous selection and savings.”

Steve and Kary Tratner own and operate the 21,800 sq. foot DirectBuy of Toronto North showroom, conveniently located at 205 Torbay Road Unit 12 in Markham, ON. DirectBuy offers consumers a comfortable, welcoming setting and design centre where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

DirectBuy of Toronto North offers area residents thousands of items, including kitchen cabinets, flat-screen televisions and major appliances from more than 500 top manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. To assist members with their home renovation projects, DirectBuy employs product specialists who are specially trained across five major product categories: Home Furnishing, Home Improvement, Flooring, Accessories, and Entertainment/Outdoor.

DirectBuy members also have access to renowned designer Christopher Lowell.  Lowell has designed twelve room settings – created exclusively with products available through DirectBuy – using his Seven Layers of Design.  An innovative approach to home décor, The Seven Layers of Design keeps homeowners on budget and from feeling overwhelmed by their project.

DirectBuy Membership

Consumers who are interested in joining DirectBuy of Toronto North are encouraged to attend an exclusive Open House event, which is designed to educate families about DirectBuy’s unique business model.  The Open House also helps consumers better understand how DirectBuy members avoid traditional retail markup when purchasing brand-name merchandise. 

To request a “Free Insider’s Guide to Buying Direct” and a Visitor’s Pass to learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, call 905-948-1911 or visit www.directbuy.com.

About DirectBuy

For more than 37 years, DirectBuy has been showing thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories and much, much more. With more than 160 locations in North America, DirectBuy offers its members access to approximately 500 brand-name manufacturers and authorized suppliers in Canada and more than 700 brand-name manufacturers and their authorized suppliers in the United States.

Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy’s savings, service and selection up close may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com.

“It is with great pride and honor that we accept this award on behalf of our team members.  Régis and I, as managing owners, are dedicated to offering our members exceptional customer service,” said co-owner Lise Girard.  “This award is certainly recognition from our members that they continue to put their trust in DirectBuy of Ottawa, and that we are making a difference in their lives. We would like to thank all our members for their support and appreciation. ”

DirectBuy centres had the opportunity to qualify for Renewal Centre of the Year by displaying a high renewal rate – a testament to service excellence – on first and subsequent member renewals during a 12-month qualification period. During the past year, all DirectBuy locations were ranked according to their renewal percentage culminating with the top centre, DirectBuy of Ottawa, earning on-stage recognition at DirectBuy’s International Sales & Service Conference and acknowledgment in BuyLines – the company’s network wide newsletter.

Lise & Régis Girard with Frank Andrée and Chantal Lapalme own the 20,000 sq. foot DirectBuy of Ottawa showroom, conveniently located at 1392 Cyrville Road in Ottawa, ON. DirectBuy offers consumers a comfortable, welcoming setting and design centre where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

“DirectBuy of Ottawa sets itself apart from traditional retailers by providing consumers with a low-cost, ‘one-stop shopping’ destination where they can furnish, build or renovate their home,” said Co-owner Chantal Lapalme. “Members enjoy personalized service as they navigate through our extensive selection of brand-name, top-of-the-line merchandise.”

DirectBuy of Ottawa offers area residents thousands of items, including kitchen cabinets, flat-screen televisions and major appliances from more than 500 top manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. 

To assist members with their home renovation projects, DirectBuy employs interior designers and product specialists who are specially trained in one of five areas of merchandise: Home Furnishing, Home Improvement, Flooring, Accessories, and Entertainment/Outdoor.

DirectBuy members also have access to renowned designer Christopher Lowell.  Lowell has designed twelve room settings – created exclusively with products available through DirectBuy – using his Seven Layers of Design. An innovative approach to home décor, The Seven Layers of Design keeps homeowners on budget and from feeling overwhelmed by their project.

DirectBuy Membership

Consumers who are interested in joining DirectBuy of Ottawa are encouraged to attend an exclusive Open House event, which is designed to educate families about DirectBuy’s unique business model.  The Open House also helps consumers better understand how DirectBuy members avoid traditional retail markup when purchasing brand-name merchandise. 

To request a “Free Insider’s Guide to Buying Direct” and a Visitor’s Pass to learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, call (613) 749-7399  or visit www.directbuy.com.

About DirectBuy

For more than 37 years, DirectBuy has been showing thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories and much, much more. With more than 160 locations in North America, DirectBuy offers its members access to approximately 500 brand-name manufacturers and their authorized suppliers in Canada, and more than 700 brand-name manufacturers and authorized suppliers in the United States.

Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy’s savings, service and selection up close may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com.