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Why the NHL playoffs are best viewed from a “man cave”…

OTTAWA, ON…

In your dad’s day, the “man cave” was the workshop in the garage. Today, it’s your basement den or office. Whereas your father might not have cared about sprucing up the workshop for company, today’s caveman, with the NHL Playoffs coming up, might want to upgrade their sanctuary before inviting other cavemen and their better halves.

DirectBuy, the leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, has some pointers for making the man cave guest-friendly for the upcoming NHL playoffs and beyond.

“While being able to get away from the rest of the house and watch sporting events like the NHL playoffs 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 Regis Girard, owner of DirectBuy of Ottawa.

So what items might today’s cave-gent need to complete the perfect hockey-watching 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 halftime 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 hockey 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.

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.

Locations of DirectBuy by province are:

Alberta:

DirectBuy of Calgary Unit 17 3900 106th Ave. SE, Calgary, 403-543-1620

DirectBuy of Edmonton, 10427 174 St. NW, Edmonton, 780-413-8242

 

British Columbia:

DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver, 91 Golden Drive Unit #1, Coquitlam, 604-552-5252

DirectBuy of Vancouver, 2659 Lillooet St., Vancouver, 604-251-5822

DirectBuy of Central Okanagan, #5 2260 Hunter Rd, Kelowna, 250-763-4130

DirectBuy of Greater Victoria, 350B Bay Street, Victoria, 250-412-0238

 

Manitoba:

DirectBuy of Winnipeg, 180-117 King Edward Street East, Winnipeg, 204-925-4190

 

New Brunswick:

DirectBuy of New Brunswick, 950 Mountain Road, Moncton, 506-384-3009

 

Nova Scotia:

DirectBuy of Halifax, 60 Williams Avenue, Dartmouth, 902-446-4355

 

Ontario:

DirectBuy of Toronto Northwest, 2500 Williams Parkway E Unit 37, Brampton, 905-793-0639

DirectBuy of Ottawa, 1392 Cyrville Road, Ottawa, 613-749-2700

DirectBuy of London, 4093 Meadowbrook Dr. Unit 108, London, 519-652-0552

DirectBuy of Toronto North, 205 Torbay Road, Unit #2, Markham, 905-948-1911

DirectBuy of Mississauga, 4120 Ridgeway Drive Unit 26, Mississauga, 905-608-9244

DirectBuy of Kingston, 1121 John Counter Blvd, Kingston, 613-545-1200

DirectBuy of Toronto East, 1735 Bayly Unit 17, Pickering, 905-839-7747

DirectBuy of Hamilton – Niagara, 589 Barton St, Suite 102, Stoney Creek, 905-643-8271

DirectBuy of Toronto Downtown, 20 Banigan Drive, Toronto, 416-467-0078

DirectBuy of Waterloo, 755 Bridge St. Ste. 14, Waterloo, 519-885-3231

DirectBuy of Windsor, 2705 Kew Drive, Windsor, 519-945-3200

DirectBuy of Barrie, 320 Bayfield Street Unit 63, Barrie, 705-719-2999

 

Saskatchewan:

DirectBuy of Saskatoon, 201 Robin Crescent, Saskatoon, 306-683-3490

Why the NHL playoffs are best viewed from a “man cave”…Read More

Effective storage solutions for your garage…DirectBuy locations in and around Chicago provide tips on garage organization

CHICAGO, GURNEE, HOFFMAN ESTATES, NAPERVILLE, TINLEY PARK, IL …

As you’re tripping over paint cans and bumping into old bicycles, you may not realize that your garage could be the most functional space in the house. After all, what other room can serve as workshop, potting shed, storage locker, recycling plant, and carport all at once? A garage is also the best place to store many items that are not used on a daily basis such as holiday decorations, gardening supplies, tools and anything else that clutters the home.

Creating effective storage in the garage can be done with a bit of ingenuity and planning.  The five DirectBuy clubs of greater Chicago— DirectBuy of Chicago North at 6325 North Avondale, DirectBuy of Gurnee, DirectBuy of DuPage County in Naperville, DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates and DirectBuy of Tinley Park —offer these helpful hints on creating usable working space in your garage.

§         When in doubt, throw it out … Clutter can take over a garage – Before you plan your storage solutions, sort through the clutter — have a garage sale, give it to charity or truly just throw it out.

§         Get organized …  Cut down on clutter and get your garage organized by installing garage cabinets.  A new set of cabinets will clear the floor of tools, supplies and athletic equipment and open new space for perhaps a workshop or potting shed. Cabinets also work well for protecting their contents from moisture and dust.

§         Maximize your space … Maximize available space in your garage by using narrow storage shelves or wall-mounted racks that can stack up neatly against the walls and leave room for cars.

§         Smart labeling … Another smart idea is to mark storage bins so they are easy to find or use clear plastic storage boxes to immediately see what you are looking for.  No more wasted time searching through an unorganized mess!

“Installing effective storage solutions in your garage means you have quickly created a new room in your home.  In a short amount of time and with little investment, homeowners can create a workshop, athletic storage system, potting shed, or any other working solution they may need or imagine,” said Dave Kushner, owner of DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates. “DirectBuy also gives members the opportunity to save a lot of money by buying storage solutions for their garage, directly from the manufacturer.”

DirectBuy carries a wide selection of garage cabinets to help you cut-down on clutter and get organized. A one-stop shop for all your home building and home remodeling projects, DirectBuy offers industrial quality and strength garage cabinets that can hold and organize a variety of items that would normally clutter your garage. These garage storage cabinets make a great addition to your home garage or auto shop business storing assorted parts, tools and chemicals, which can pose a threat when simply lying around.

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.

Effective storage solutions for your garage…DirectBuy locations in and around Chicago provide tips on garage organizationRead More

Divorced and getting back in the dating game…How and when to play.

NORWELL, MA…

Going through a divorce is not a life experience you wanted, but it happens. Now, after licking your wounds, you’re ready to get out there. For many, it’s not that easy. It could have been years, even decades since you last actively sought a date. So, where do you start?

Paul A. Falzone, CEO of The Right One and Together Dating–one of the world’s largest brick-and-mortar dating services with more than 60 offices nationwide—has paired hundreds of newly divorced clients during his quarter of a century in business. He’s also been divorced himself and happily remarried now for __ years.

“When you’re newly divorced, it seems everybody either has a friend they want to set you up with or words of advice or a little pep talk to get you back out there. The truth is, only you can know when you’re ready to start dating. That’s why it’s really important to take some time, think and get a sense of where you are emotionally first before you start dating—particularly if it’s been a very long time since you’ve dated,” said Falzone.

For starters, Falzone recommends:

●        Going slow – perhaps it’s a cliché, but a divorce is a life-altering event and you do need some time to heal.

●        Avoid the bar scene – Getting out with friends and co-workers as a way to re-enter the social scene but don’t do it as a way to meet potential dates.

●        Get fit – Being ready to date again means feeling good about yourself. Starting an exercise program or going to a gym can begin that process of feeling good about  you again.

●        Be wary of dating at work – it’s natural for you to be close to people you work with, particularly if they’ve helped you through a tough time. Just be careful before entering into a relationship or even dating somebody at the office.

●        Networking – While being set up might not be your idea of getting back into the dating game, if you’re looking it couldn’t hurt to let people in your social or professional network know that you are interested in meeting new people.

●        The ex – It’s safe to say that dwelling on the ex will not do much good in dating new people. Just remember that you’re dating again for you, not to get back at him/her or to find somebody before he or she does.

●        Take your time before introducing your dates to friends and, especially family – if you think your divorce is an adjustment for you, it’s also one for family, friends and your children. Wait before introducing your date to them, especially the children.

●        No overnight guests – If you have children, wait a significant amount of time before having any overnight guests—at least until your date is something more serious and has had a chance to form some kind of a relationship with your kids.

“Getting back into the dating game doesn’t have to be scary. It can actually be an exciting time of your new life but you want to do it for the right reasons and be able to enjoy it,” said Falzone. “Take it slow, be open and upbeat, and you can find love again.”

“It’s great to be excited about somebody after a first date. What’s even better is to be even more excited after two. If’ your goal is for something lasting, there’s nothing wrong with taking it slow and making sure it really is, pun intended, the right one for you,” said Falzone.

Help is on the way
Catering to more than 300,000 members at more than 60 locations throughout North America, The Right One and Together Dating are the largest brick and mortar dating services in the industry, offering a more consistent product, a greater number of potentially compatible mates and added value of flexibility in transferring memberships to another geographic region. 
Romantic Locations

North American locations and affiliates of Together are located in:  Indiana (Ft. Wayne, Carmel, Mishawaka); Kentucky (Louisville); Louisiana (Metairie); Maryland (Columbia, Frederick); Minnesota (Edina); Nevada (Reno); New Hampshire (Hooksett, Nashua, Portsmouth and Salem); Pennsylvania (Harrisburg);Ohio (Cincinnati); South Carolina (Greenville); Texas (San Antonio) and Virginia (Falls Church).

The Right One’s offices and affiliates located throughout the United States include:  California (San Diego); Colorado (Glendale); Georgia (Atlanta); Illinois (Chicago, Downers Grove, Rockford and Normal); Massachusetts (Norwell, Newton Center, Shrewsbury and Woburn); Michigan (Bingham Farms); Nebraska (Omaha and Lincoln); New Jersey (Cherry Hill); Nevada (Las Vegas); Pennsylvania (King of Prussia); Rhode Island (Warwick); Texas (Dallas and Austin); Utah (Salt Lake City); and Wisconsin (Madison, Appleton, Elm Grove).

Singles Station Dating Company, an affiliate of The Right One and Together Dating, is the largest independently owned personal introduction service in the Southwest. In the last 25 years, Singles Station has introduced more than 100,000 couples and is responsible for thousands of successful relationships and marriages. Singles Station Dating Co. has offices conveniently located in Oklahoma (Oklahoma City and Tulsa), Arkansas (Bentonville, Fort Smith and Little Rock), Tennessee (Memphis and Nashville), Missouri (Springfield and St. Louis) and will be opening soon in Kansas (Wichita and Kansas City). For more information about Singles Station, please visit www.singlesstation.com or call 866-807-LOVE(5683).

For more information about Together Dating and The Right One, please visit their websites at www.togetherdating.com and www.therightone.com, or call (800) 818-DATE (3283).

Divorced and getting back in the dating game…How and when to play.Read More

Tough times call for creative answers…AAFD Franchisee Leadership Summit seminars address economy’s effect on franchisees.

San Diego, CA…

The American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD) will host its annual Franchisee Leadership Summit at Crowne Plaza Riverwalk in San Antonio, April 29 to May 2. While each of the previous 16 conferences have held their own special place in the history of AAFD, this year’s summit finds franchisees in the midst of the most challenging economic times in the U.S. since the great Depression.

That fact has not been lost on AAFD and they have set up an agenda of seminars that either incorporate the thriving in a difficult economy theme or address it within the content.

“While the current economy is troubling, it actually makes a great case for owning a franchise. As a franchisee you have the support of a network of fellow franchisees, not to mention franchisee associations like AAFD,” said Robert Purvin, AAFD chairman. “The seminars at this year’s Franchisee Leadership Summit illustrate not only how you can utilize the support elements of being a franchisee but be successful in a bad economy.”

This year’s seminars include:

  • The 5 Top Reasons Associations Succeed or Fail
  • The Power of the Network in Financially Difficult Times
  • Mastering Cooperation and Unity
  • How to Really Negotiate a Fair Franchise Agreement
  • Learning How to Utilize the Blogosphere in Association Communications
  • The Buying Group Strategy:  Harnessing Purchase Power:

“These seminars will be a great help to longtime franchisees and the new crop of franchise owners who are a byproduct of this current economy–senior citizens who realized their nest egg might not last, corporate refugees and recent college graduates who decided not to enter a shrinking job market,” adds Purvin.

In addition to these powerful seminars, this year’s conference will also feature annual Total Quality Franchising Awards Banquets and Gala, Franchisee Leadership Council Session, The AAFD Market Power Trade Show and AAFD Annual conference luncheon.

For complete conference information, please visit www.aafd.org or call 800-733-9858. You can also e-mail benefits@aafd.org.

About the AAFD
The AAFD is a national non-profit trade association representing the rights and interests of franchisees and independent dealers throughout the United States. Formed in 1992, the AAFD is focused on market driven reform to achieve its mission to define and promote collaborative franchise cultures that the AAFD describes as Total Quality Franchising. Since its formation the AAFD has grown to represent more than 50,000 franchised locations throughout the United States. The AAFD has members in all 50 states and represents more than 100 different franchise systems.
The AAFD’s Fair Franchising Standards, Fair Franchising Seal, Trademark

Chapters, and emphasis on Marketplace Solutions led to the Association’s recognition as a growing force in franchising. The AAFD’s Branded Partner programs add a new dimension to the value of AAFD membership. The AAFD provides a broad range of member services designed to help franchisees build market power, create legislative support of interest to franchisees, provide legal and financial support, and provide a wide range of general member benefits.
For more information about the conference or the AAFD, please call toll free – 800-733-9858 or visit www.AAFD.org.

 

Tough times call for creative answers…AAFD Franchisee Leadership Summit seminars address economy’s effect on franchisees.Read More

DirectBuy of Woodbridge awards $50,000 home makeover to area resident

Woodbridge, VA, March 19, 2009 – DirectBuy of Woodbridge, the home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, is set to award $50,000 to a local family at 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2009, as part of the company’s national Home Makeover Program. The celebration will be highlighted by the presentation of an oversized check to George and Virginia Kirk of Catlett, Virginia.

“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.

DirectBuy of Woodbridge awards $50,000 home makeover to area residentRead More

A customer and contractor’s best friend…DirectBuy refers contractors and services for its members.

CHICAGO, GURNEE, HOFFMAN ESTATES, NAPERVILLE, TINLEY PARK, IL …

Whether you’re looking for new kitchen cabinets, flooring or any other materials for a home improvement project, the search for the right products and the right look is a large enough project all by itself. When you add finding a capable, trusted and, most importantly, available contractor to do the work, it’s an even bigger chore. DirectBuy, the leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, not only offers consumers a brand new way to save on home improvement projects, but also a roster of hand-selected contractors to expedite those projects.

The list of contractor services available through DirectBuy includes: carpet and hardwood installation; cabinet installation; general contractors; counter tops/stone slabs and tile; delivery services; blind installers; electricians; fireplace installation; plumbers and plumbing installation; and much more.

“We want our members to be happy with their purchases. For home improvement purchases, that ultimately comes down to how good things look once they are installed in your home. That’s why we’re extremely selective about the contractors we work with and refer to our members,” said Dave Kushner, owner of DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates.

Adds Jeremy Vest, owner of DirectBuy of Dupage County, “It’s important to note that many of the highly skilled professionals who do contract work for DirectBuy are also DirectBuy members. Therefore, they have a vested interest in providing good service and customer satisfaction for future referrals and to remain in good standing as a member. It’s also why often times they work at a discounted rate for fellow members.”

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.

 

A customer and contractor’s best friend…DirectBuy refers contractors and services for its members.Read More

Rolling a 7…DirectBuy of BostonSouth, Rockland, ranks 7th in U.S. in merchandise sales for January 2009

ROCKLAND, MA…

DirectBuy of Boston South, located at 10A Commerce Road in Rockland, ranked seventh among all U.S DirectBuy clubs in merchandise sales for the month of January 2009.

“Being ranked seventh in the country is pretty amazing. In today’s economy, people are finding buying direct is a smart choice. The last three months are the best we’ve had in our 22-year history while servicing the South Shore of Boston. We haven’t down-sized our staff, as a matter of fact – we just hired four new people, and are looking for one more to join our staff,” said John Massaria, owner of DirectBuy of Boston South.

With more than 165 locations in North American and Canada, DirectBuy is the leading home improvement and furnishings designer showroom, offering direct insider prices. DirectBuy members have the ability of buying directly from more than 700 brand-name manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. 

Looking at the trends in the market, stores like Amazon.com, warehouse clubs, and DirectBuy are all experiencing similar growth at this time. According to news and stock reports, Costco and BJ’s, along with Amazon.com, reported an average increase in merchandise growth of 16-18% over last year’s numbers. DirectBuy of Boston South is experiencing the same growth; 17% over last year’s volume.  The main difference is that DirectBuy offers these items direct from the manufacturer with no traditional mark-ups.

So what can you buy at DirectBuy? DirectBuy clubs offer members the opportunity to enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products and accessories. In addition, DirectBuy boasts a team of designers to help members with their purchases and gives them access to a roster of hand-selected contractors to expedite those projects, usually at a discounted price for members.

“People are staying in their homes longer now and dollars that may have gone towards the purchase of a new home are now going to improving their current ones,” said Massaria. “Perhaps more than that, people have less to spend and it’s absolutely a must to get the most value for those precious dollars. That’s why DirectBuy makes more sense in today’s economy than when times are good, and is part of why we’re off to a good start in 2009.”

DirectBuy Membership

Consumers who are interested in joining DirectBuy of Boston South 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.directbuybostonsouth.com or www.directbuycares.com.

Rolling a 7…DirectBuy of BostonSouth, Rockland, ranks 7th in U.S. in merchandise sales for January 2009Read More

Giving blood is no laughing matter…Blood drive set for April 1 at DirectBuy of Buffalo in Cheektowaga

CHEEKTOWAGA, NY…

When it comes to giving blood, there’s no fooling around…even on April 1. That’s when DirectBuy of Buffalo, located at 4950 Genesee Street in Cheektowaga, will host a blood drive with the American Red Cross.

The American Red Cross Traveling Donor Center will be at DirectBuy of Buffalo’s 4950 Genesee Street location—less than a mile from the Buffalo-Niagra International Airport—from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Donors from the general public are welcome to attend. Walk-ins are welcome. Though due to limited space in the Donor Center, the Red Cross encourages donors to make an appointment by calling DirectBuy of Buffalo at 716-684-1400.

“The people of greater Buffalo have a pretty good track record of donating blood. With the winter we’ve had this year, it’s been tough for people who ordinarily give to get out and donate. By holding this drive, we’re hoping to draw enough people to make up for some of that,” said Mark Klinger, owner of DirectBuy of Buffalo. “We urge all able bodied Buffalo residents to come out and donate. Donating blood can literally save lives.”

Donated blood plays a critical role in surgery and emergency care. A unit of blood can save as many as three lives.

Charitable endeavors are nothing new for DirectBuy. DirectBuy locations across Canada and the United States are active contributors to many local non-profits and charities, including the Boys & Girls Clubs, Salvation Army, YMCAs, Homes for Our Troops and Children’s Hospitals. Locally, DirectBuy of Buffalo was a sponsor of the first annual Kevin Everett Golf Weekend Classic, a current sponsoring a Habitat for Humanity effort on Guilford Street in Buffalo and will be holding a groomathon on March 21 to benefit Buffalo Humane.

Since 1971, DirectBuy 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. Conveniently located at 4950 Genesee Street in Cheektowaga, New York, DirectBuy offers members a comfortable setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, you can call 716-684-1400 or visit www.directbuy-buffalo.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. DirectBuy has been serving the greater Buffalo area since 2005. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality.  It’s a comfortable setting, where you finally have the financial control of buying direct. DirectBuy of Buffalo is one of more than 160 DirectBuy locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by contacting DirectBuy at 716-684-1400, or visiting www.DirectBuy-Buffalo.com. 

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

Giving blood is no laughing matter…Blood drive set for April 1 at DirectBuy of Buffalo in CheektowagaRead More

Designing your home office…DirectBuy clubs of Chicago provide tips on setting up your home office.

CHICAGO, GURNEE, HOFFMAN ESTATES, NAPERVILLE, TINLEY PARK, IL …

Not too long ago, the home office used to mean the corporate headquarters of a company. With more and more people running businesses out of their home or telecommuting to their “day job” a day or more a week, the home office has had to become every bit as functional and comfortable as the cube or office at work. Even more so. To that end, the DirectBuy clubs of greater Chicago, the leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, have some helpful tips on setting up your home office.

For starters, DirectBuy recommends drawing a floor plan of the room or area where your home office will be. Your floor plan should include markings of where the electrical outlets are and accurate measurements of the heights of the windows, doorways and any closet space to give you additional design options.

“If you’re going to be spending significant time in your home office, from eight to 20 hours a week or more, you’re going to want a space that’s a little more comfortable, functional and aesthetically pleasing than the spare room or corner of a room that’s passed for a home office in years past,” said Jeremy Vest, owner of DirectBuy of DuPage County in Naperville. “Many of our members work with our designers to create not just a comfortable workspace for one or members of the household, but also a room you’ll want to show off to guests.”

Some of the things you may want to consider in planning your office space:

●        Ergonomic chairs, desks, and other office pieces.

●        Lower shelves so you can reach for books, folders and other items without strain.

●        Lighting under workspace shelves to make it easier to read.

●        A mount or platform for your computer monitor so you can look at the screen without tilting your head up or down.

●        Neutral soothing colors for your walls like teal blues, soft cool grays and warm Tuscan colors to create the work atmosphere you’re looking for.

●        How much natural light does the room get and how much do you want? Do you prefer curtains to blinds? There are a wide range of innovative blinds, sheers, louvers and shutters to achieve the look you want.

●        The depth of the pieces you’re putting in your office. There’s nothing worse than trying to add a desk to spot that fits length- and width-wise but leaves no room for the chair.

●        Installing additional outlets to give you more layout and design options.

●        Avoiding wall-to-wall carpeting if possible; offices are high traffic areas and wear will show on your rugs the more time you work at home. Use carpet tiles for the areas you want carpeting, so that you can replace them if they fade or show stains, and use hardwood or ceramic tile for the rest of the space.

DirectBuy carries a large selection of brand-name office furniture at wholesale prices direct from the manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. In addition, each DirectBuy club employs product specialists and designers who can help members create the home office that works best for their individual needs and for family members if it’s a shared workspace.

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.

Designing your home office…DirectBuy clubs of Chicago provide tips on setting up your home office.Read More