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Doing good does some good…Alexandria Shaban named DirectBuy of Buffalo’s July “Do-Gooder” of the month.

CHEEKTOWAGA, NEW YORK…

DirectBuy of Buffalo, the leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, established the “Do-Gooder of the Month” award to recognize employees, vendors and even members going above and beyond the call of duty—either on the job or in their everyday lives. July’s winner is Alexandria Shaban, a service specialist at DirectBuy of Buffalo, for her efforts in coordinating a silent auction and vendor meet-and-greet for DirectBuy of Buffalo members last month.

DirectBuy of Buffalo holds silent auctions once or twice a year to sell items that manufacturers do not want as part of an exchange. Typically, these items are only slightly nicked and in good working order. The silent auctions enable members to save even more through their DirectBuy membership. Shaban, as service specialist, coordinated every detail of the silent auction, a process that took about three months—in addition to her work on the meet-and-greet for the vendors.

“The silent auction and vendor event are not small undertakings. It’s pretty involved and something Alexandria took on in addition to her normal duties as service specialist. With Alexandria as the go-to person, the auction and event went off without a hitch. That makes her a very worthy recipient of our Do-Gooder of the Month award,” said Mark Klinger, owner of DirectBuy of Buffalo.

As for DirectBuy of Buffalo’s Do-Gooder of the Month, beyond the recognition, the recipient receives a restaurant gift certificate.

“Interacting with members is one of the things I love about working with DirectBuy. In helping members research and make purchases for their renovation projects, you feel like you’re buying for your home as well. The silent auction has that same sort of appeal because you’re helping members save even more on some really nice stuff,” said Shaban.

Previously working customer service and sales management, Shaban began with DirectBuy of Buffalo in 2008. Hailing from Sterling, Massachusetts, she currently resides in Buffalo.

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, country-club 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 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.  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.

Doing good does some good…Alexandria Shaban named DirectBuy of Buffalo’s July “Do-Gooder” of the month.Read More

Got game? …Game rooms the latest indoor room to move to the great outdoors

CHEEKTOWAGA, NY…

People in western New York love the outdoors, perhaps because we’re forced inside all too often by the weather. So it’s no surprise we look for ways to spend even more time outside when the weather turns nicer. Case in point, another hot trend, outdoor game rooms.

According to DirectBuy of Buffalo, the leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, covered patio areas have become a haven for pool, ping-pong and foosball tables in recent years. In fact, many manufacturers have started producing these tables with weather-resistant materials to accommodate this demand.

“Many people don’t have the space for a game room in their home, so converting a portion of your patio into one makes perfect sense, especially if you have tables that are made of weather-resistant materials,” said Mark Klinger, owner of DirectBuy of Buffalo. “When you consider how many people have transformed their grill areas into ‘outdoor kitchens,’ adding a game room to the mix creates the ultimate outdoor ‘man cave.’”

In addition to billiards, ping-pong and foosball, you can also furnish your patio game room with game tables, so you can enjoy board games as well.

Besides being a fun place for grown ups, an outdoor game room provides a place for the kids to entertain while Mom and Dad can enjoy some semblance of peace and quiet inside. This can dramatically reduce the in-and-out traffic volume that can make an impression on your floors and carpets.

DirectBuy has everything you need to furnish your patio to suit your lifestyle – all at manufacturer-direct prices. In addition, DirectBuy also employs product specialists who can provide helpful pointers on selecting the right equipment and setup for your home.

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 club 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 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.   DirectBuy of Buffalo is one of more than 160 DirectBuy club 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 club membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

Got game? …Game rooms the latest indoor room to move to the great outdoorsRead More

High Five! DirectBuy of Ottawa owners celebrate five-year milestone.

GLOUCESTER, ONTARIO…

Five years ago, when Frank Andrée and Chantal Lapalme purchased the DirectBuy of Ottawa club, they had a mission: to show consumers in the greater Ottawa area a brand new way to save on home improvement projects, home furnishings and accessories. After just a few short years, Andrée and Lapalme led the Ottawa club to top honors for sales, service and merchandise volume.

In late 2008, Lise and Regis Girard joined the ownership team and continued the winning tradition, ranking number two in Merchandise Sales for 2009 among Canadian DirectBuys—including a top ranking for merchandise sales among Canadian clubs for the month of May.  Additionally, Ottawa has ranked in the top 5 for all clubs for membership sales in each of the past 6 months.

“The growth we’ve experienced since we opened our doors five 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,” said Regis Girard, co-owner of DirectBuy of Ottawa. “In finishing first in merchandise sales for May, I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate our anniversary. Frankly, I’m even more excited about the next five years.”

As the leading members-only home improvement and home furnishings club, DirectBuy of Ottawa offers direct insider pricing on products ranging from light fixtures to televisions to kitchen cabinets, all from more than 500 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. 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 five years in business have not only given us the opportunity to help families 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 Girard. “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.”

DirectBuy of Ottawa 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 1392 Cyrville, Road in Gloucester, Ontario, DirectBuy offers consumers a comfortable, country-club setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

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, visit www.directbuy.com.

About DirectBuy

For more than 38 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 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.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 Central Okanagan, #5 2260 Hunter Rd, Kelowna, 250-763-4130

 

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

 

 

 

High Five! DirectBuy of Ottawa owners celebrate five-year milestone.Read More

DirectBuy names Mark Steinberg Merchandising VP

DirectBuy, the home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, recently announced Mark Steinberg as its new Vice President of Merchandising.

Based out of DirectBuy Corporate Headquarters in Merrillville, Indiana, Steinberg will head the merchandising team, merging his expertise in the merchandising process, vendor relations and data-driven analysis with the extensive direct category experience of the existing DirectBuy merchandising team.

“The value our members get out of joining DirectBuy is the tremendous savings they can achieve buying top-of-the-line merchandise. To that end, the position of vice president merchandising is a critical one,” said Bart Fesperman, DirectBuy’s Executive Vice President. “Mark Steinberg is a proven merchandising pro with more than three decades experience in distribution, retail and Internet merchandising and we’re positively thrilled to have him on board.”

Prior to joining DirectBuy, Steinberg was Vice President and GMM for United Stationers, Inc and Senior Buyer for CompUSA, where he was named “Buyer of the Year” for two consecutive years before being promoted to Divisional Merchandise Manager. In addition to his time with United Stationers and CompUSA, Steinberg’s diverse resume includes some of the most notable names in the retail and distribution industry, including Edward Don, JC Penney, Office Warehouse, Home Quarters and Roses.

“DirectBuy is changing the way consumers shop and literally making it possible for people to make their dreams come true. It’s an absolute pleasure to be a part of that and I’m looking forward to the challenge of bringing the very best merchandise and value to our members,” said Steinberg.

Steinberg holds a bachelor of science degree from Stockton College. Married, he and his wife Joelle and their three daughters are in the process of relocating to the south suburbs of Chicago.

DirectBuy offers consumers thousands of items, including kitchen cabinets, flat-screen televisions and major appliances from more than 1000 top manufacturers and their authorized suppliers throughout North America. At more than 160 clubs throughout the United States and Canada, DirectBuy members enjoy a comfortable, welcoming setting and design center where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

To assist members with their home renovation projects, DirectBuy also offers access to 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 Membership

Consumers who are interested in joining DirectBuy 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 38 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.

 

DirectBuy names Mark Steinberg Merchandising VPRead More

Naperville resident receives DirectBuy’s Success Circle honors

NAPERVILLE, IL…

Naperville resident Aaron Kirk, a membership associate at DirectBuy of DuPage County in Naperville, was recently awarded Success Circle honors by DirectBuy’s corporate offices for his dedication to helping introduce new families to DirectBuy club membership during the month of May.

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

“It’s no accident that this is the third time Aaron has earned Success Circle honors. He’s very good at working with prospective new members and is a valuable member of our marketing team,” said Jeremy Vest, owner of DirectBuy of DuPage County, located at 1864 Highgrove, Suite 136 in Naperville.

Kirk began with DirectBuy of DuPage County in 2007. Prior to that, he had worked in sales management.

“I love working at DirectBuy because we’re selling a product that people actually need and can improve their lives,” said Kirk. “In addition, I work with a great group of people. It’s a high-energy work environment and we’re always brainstorming ways we can improve.”

Kirk resides in Naperville with his wife Christina Loiaza and their son Jaden.

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, 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 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; DirectBuy of Lake County, 3900 Washington Street, Unit K, Gurnee, 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.

Naperville resident receives DirectBuy’s Success Circle honorsRead More

Got game? …Game rooms the latest indoor room to move to the great outdoors

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

People in the Midwest love the outdoors, perhaps because we’re forced inside all too often by the weather. So it’s no surprise we look for ways to spend even more time outside when the weather turns nicer. Case in point, another hot trend, outdoor game rooms.

According to the DirectBuy locations of greater Chicago, the leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, covered patio areas have become a haven for pool, ping-pong and foosball tables in recent years. In fact, many manufacturers have started producing these tables with weather-resistant materials to accommodate this demand.

“Many people don’t have the space for a game room in their home, so converting a portion of your patio into one makes perfect sense, especially if you have tables that are made of weather-resistant materials,” said Dave Kushner, owner of DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates. “When you consider how many people have transformed their grill areas into ‘outdoor kitchens,’ adding a game room to the mix creates the ultimate outdoor ‘man cave.’”

In addition to billiards, ping-pong and foosball, you can also furnish your patio game room with game tables, so you can enjoy board games as well.

Besides being a fun place for grown ups, an outdoor game room provides a place for the kids to entertain while Mom and Dad can enjoy some semblance of peace and quiet inside. This can dramatically reduce the in-and-out traffic volume that can make an impression on your floors and carpets.

DirectBuy has everything you need to furnish your patio to suit your lifestyle – all at manufacturer-direct prices that can save up to 50% off. In addition, DirectBuy also employs product specialists who can provide helpful pointers on selecting the right equipment and setup for your home.

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, 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 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; DirectBuy of Lake County, 3900 Washington Street, Unit K, Gurnee, 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.

Got game? …Game rooms the latest indoor room to move to the great outdoorsRead More

DirectBuy of Buffalo sponsored Buffalo Pro Football Player of the Year award at FAN Awards.

CHEEKTOWAGA, NY…

DirectBuy of Buffalo, the leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, recently took part in Buffalo’s first ever FAN Awards show on May 21 at the historic Shea’s Performing Arts Center in Buffalo, New York.

DirectBuy of Buffalo Owner Mark Klinger, along with former Buffalo Bill great and NFL Hall of Famer Joe DeLamielleure, presented the award for Buffalo Pro Football Player of the Year to Trent Edwards, current Buffalo Bill quarterback. DeLamielleure accepted the award on Edwards’ behalf.

Produced by Ahmad Rashad’s FAN Awards Network (FAN), the Buffalo Fan Awards event honors local sports stars and legends from high school, college and professional sports in the Western New York area.

“It was an absolute honor and thrill to be a part of the first ever Buffalo Fan Awards. Even more so since we presented our award with an NFL Hall of Famer like Joe DeLamielleure,” said Klinger.

In addition to DeLamielleure, some of Buffalo’s most beloved sports figures and celebrities participated in the event, including: Thurman Thomas, Andre Reed, Ryan Miller, Matthew Barnaby, Billy Shaw, Booker Edgerson, Ruben Brown, Rob Ray, Danny Gare, Alex Van Pelt and many more.

“The passion for high school, college and pro sports in every local community nationwide was one of the reasons I wanted to create FAN Awards Network,” said Rashad. “I also wanted to develop top quality award shows that will honor and celebrate local student athletes and allow the fans to have their voices heard.”

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 club 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 club 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 club membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

About FAN Awards Network, LLC (FAN)
Co-Founded by football legend, Emmy Award winning TV producer and host, Ahmad Rashad, FAN Awards Network, LLC (FAN) was created to produce the highest quality local sports award shows where hometown sports legends present awards to student-athletes as voted on by their local “fans”.  FAN prides itself on our interactive online network dedicated to celebrating local student athlete achievements and humanitarian efforts year round.

FAN local websites also provide a proprietary platform for “fans” to vote on over 35 local awards, and an active online social network connecting local sports communities of student athletes, sports legends, current pros and passionate supporters of hometown sports.  FAN Awards Network, LLC plans to roll out at least twenty regional websites and award shows by the end of 2010. For more information, check out www.buffalofanawards.com

DirectBuy of Buffalo sponsored Buffalo Pro Football Player of the Year award at FAN Awards.Read More

DirectBuy of Spokane and Habitat for Humanity Team Up for Annual Blitz Build

SPOKANE, WA…

DirectBuy of Spokane, the home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, is passionate about helping families experience a better quality of life — both in their club, and through their partnership with Habitat for Humanity and its Blitz Build program.

Over the past four years, the Spokane club has regularly donated merchandise and volunteered their time to Habitat for Humanity’s Blitz Build program. This year’s donation consisted of new windows, laminate flooring and cabinetry for the home, totaling more than $6,000. Additionally,  the owners and staff of DirectBuy contributed nearly 100 hours to the project during an employee work day on June 8, 2009.

“We are really pleased to be able to give again this year, given the current economic environment,” DirectBuy of Spokane Owner Ron Cully explained. “No matter how tough things are for us, there are always others who need some help. Now is the time to dig deep to support our community.”

Through the efforts of all volunteers and sponsors, the home took only 12 days to complete. From May 25th, when the project broke ground, to the dedication ceremony on the final day, everyone involved in the project gave their all to ensure this year’s Blitz Build came off without a hitch.

DirectBuy of Spokane’s service and sales teams – as well as owners, friends and family – contributed not only their talents, but also their time in putting the finishing touches on the home. Through 21 rotating shifts, volunteers from DirectBuy of Spokane were involved in painting, appliance installation, clean-up and even assisted skilled laborers in various construction projects.

Crews of DirectBuy of Spokane staff members were excited to have the opportunity to help in projects requiring more skilled labor. Sales Director Joe Thiefault even volunteered the use of his own personal Bobcat to help level the ground for sod installation, while others got in on the action by leveling and compacting the driveway or helping to install some laminate flooring inside.

“It is great to meet and work with the families that will soon be living in these homes,” acknowledged Devin Curry, a Service Specialist at DirectBuy of Spokane. “It is very rewarding to experience the joy they have in knowing they will soon have a home of their own.”

While much excitement was expressed during the process, the real rewards were realized on the final day of the build when DirectBuy of Spokane had the privilege of presenting the keys and a traditional bible to the new owners of the Blitz Build home during a dedication ceremony.

“Habitat is a natural fit for DirectBuy support. We help people create their dream homes and Habitat for Humanity similarly helps families realize their dream of home ownership,” said Ron Cully. “It’s not just giving a handout; it’s giving families a hand up.”

About DirectBuy
For 38 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 furniture, carpet and flooring, and custom window treatments, to kitchen and bath cabinets and fixtures, appliances and much, much more. DirectBuy enables members to purchase products from several hundred manufacturers at more than 160 clubs across North America. To learn more about DirectBuy, visit www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com.

About Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity works to build affordable, descent, and simple homes for low-income families. Habitat helps create a neighborhood families can be proud of and allows them to live a better quality of life. To get involved with your local Habitat for Humanity or to find more information, please visit www.habitat.org.

DirectBuy of Spokane and Habitat for Humanity Team Up for Annual Blitz BuildRead More

Why ENERGY STAR makes dollars and sense.

DORAL and DAVIE, FLORIDA…

Most people want to know what they can do to make their dollar go further, particularly when purchasing household appliances. While most consumers have their eyes on the price tag, it really should be on how much it costs to power those appliances, and that’s where ENERGY STAR comes in.

ENERGY STAR is the program created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to reduce energy consumption. Typically, ENERGY STAR products offer 20 to 30 percent savings on your energy bills. DirectBuy of Fort Lauderdale and DirectBuy of Miami, the leading home improvement and furnishings clubs with direct insider prices, sell a wide ride range of ENERGY STAR products to help members save.

“The irony about ENERGY STAR products is the program itself was set up to combat the negative effect running our appliances was having on our environment,” said Gail Eaton, owner of DirectBuy of Fort Lauderdale. “While most people do want to minimize their carbon footprint, in today’s economy, it’s just as much about how much you can save by having appliances that run more efficiently.”

So, how much can you save by purchasing ENERGY STAR appliances? Here’s a small sampling:

  • Clothes washers – replacing a 10-year-old washing machine with a new ENERGY STAR machine can save a household more than $145 per year.
  • Dishwashers – ENERGY STAR dishwashers use 41 percent less energy and water than non-ENERGY STAR washers. That translates to $30 a year on your utility bill.
  • Refrigerators – a typical two-door, freezer-on-top refrigerator can cost $100 per year to run. Upgrading to ENERGY STAR can knock $30 per year off that, resulting in savings of $150 in just five years.
  • Home electronics – the average household spends $100 per year powering electronics devices in “standby” mode. ENERGY STAR products use less energy when in standby.
  • LED Lighting – requires 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs and lasts 25 times longer. According to energystar.gov, LED lighting can last more than 25,000 hours than its incandescent counterparts or more than 22 years!

“As if the tremendous savings ENERGY STAR products offer weren’t enough, the U.S. government also offers tax exemptions, rebates and other incentives for consumers to purchase more energy-efficient items like ENERGY STAR products,” said Eaton. “As a company that deals specifically in home improvement, you often hear the expression that this project will pay for itself, meaning resale. Yet when it comes to ENERGY STAR products, they literally do pay for themselves over time.” 

DirectBuy carries a large selection of ENERGY STAR products and appliances at insider prices direct from manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. In addition, each DirectBuy club employs product specialists and designers who can help members select the appliance that works best for their works best for their home.

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. DirectBuy of Miami is conveniently located at 2190 NW 89th Place in Doral, while DirectBuy of Fort Lauderdale is located at 6545 Nova Drive, Suite 200, in Davie. Both clubs offer consumers a comfortable, welcoming setting where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by contacting DirectBuy of Miami at 786-363-4560 or DirectBuy of Fort Lauderdale at 954-634-8221 or by visiting www.directbuycares.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 enables 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 Fort Lauderdale/Miami area since 2002 and prides itself in providing excellent member service, access to confidential prices, local suppliers and unparalleled selection, all of which help make members’ dream projects a reality.  It’s a comfortable setting, where you finally have the financial control of buying direct. DirectBuy of Miami and DirectBuy of Fort Lauderdale are two 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 of Miami at 786-363-4560 or DirectBuy of Fort Lauderdale at 954-634-8221 or by visiting www.directbuycares.com. 

 

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