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DirectBuy of Vancouver attends international conference

VANCOUVER, BC…

DirectBuy of Vancouver recently sent four members of its staff to DirectBuy’s international sales and service conference last month in San Francisco.

Held from November 22 to 25, 2008, at the San Francisco Marriott, DirectBuy’s conference, appropriately titled Brilliance by the Bay, brought DirectBuy center owners, staff and vendors from across the U.S. and Canada. Besides awards banquets and keynote speakers, the conference provided a team-building opportunity.

“It’s great to attend DirectBuy’s international conference for a lot of reasons: new ideas, as well as meeting other center owners and staff. Perhaps the best benefit is it gives our staff a chance to bond outside the showroom,” said Jade Allen, owner of DirectBuy of Vancouver. “That not only improves morale at work but gets our staff even more excited about what we do here at DirectBuy.”

DirectBuy of Vancouver staff attending the conference included: 

●        Sasha Idema, of Vancouver, BC

●        Mike Brown, of Vancouver, BC

●        Joan Miller, of Delta, BC

●        Mike Basaraba, of Vancouver, BC

As the leading members-only showroom and home design center, DirectBuy of Vancouver offers low 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.

Since 1971, DirectBuy franchises have 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. 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 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 franchise 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.  

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DirectBuy of Buffalo attends international conference

CHEEKTOWAGA, NY…

 

DirectBuy of Buffalo recently sent eight members of its staff to DirectBuy’s international sales and service conference last month in San Francisco.

 

Held from November 22 to 25, 2008, at the San Francisco Marriott, DirectBuy’s conference, appropriately titled Brilliance by the Bay, drew DirectBuy center owners, staff and vendors from across the U.S. and Canada. Besides awards banquets and keynote speakers, the conference provided a team-building opportunity.

 

“It’s great to attend DirectBuy’s international conference for a lot of reasons: new ideas, as well as meeting other center owners and staff. Perhaps the best benefit is it gives our staff a chance to bond outside the showroom,” said Mark Klinger, owner of DirectBuy of Buffalo. “That not only improves morale at work but gets our staff even more excited about what we do here at DirectBuy.”

 

DirectBuy of Buffalo staff attending the conference included:

 

  • Cassandra Hall, Interior Designer, Depew
  • Megan Cox, Warehouse Manager, Depew
  • LeeAnn Evans, Marketing Manager, Amherst
  • Leigh Marie Stegman, Marketing Manager, Cheektowaga
  • Don Goller, Catalog Specialist, Spring Brook
  • Mercedes Zoldos, Service Manager, Orchard Park
  • Jim Zelasko, Marketing Director, Orchard Park
  • Rebecca Dentinger, Product Specialist, Depew

As the leading members-only showroom and home design center, DirectBuy of Buffalo offers low insider 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 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.

 

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

 

DirectBuy offers nearly everything you need to create your dream bathroom—hot tub, showers, flooring, vanities, and much, much more—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, who can create the look that works best for you, your family and your budget.

 

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, you can visit http://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 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 showrooms 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.  

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Where it’s easy buying green…DirectBuy provides one-stop shopping solution for green building materials and appliances.

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

There’s a misconception among many consumers that buying “green” refers strictly to products made of natural materials. While that’s part of the equation, there’s much more to it. Like appliances and lighting that last longer and use less power to run. Or plumbing that requires less water. At the four DirectBuy showrooms of greater Chicago, members not only have the opportunity to purchase the full spectrum of green products under one roof, but they also can save some “green” buy paying manufacturer-direct prices.

Some of the “green” products available to DirectBuy members include:

●        Faucets and plumbing fixtures that offer low consumption

●        Natural cork flooring and underlayments

●        Flooring made of renewable natural bamboo

●        Lighting and ceiling fans with Energy Star ratings

●        Energy Star compliant kitchen appliances, washers and dryers

●        Cabinets treated with low-voc, LEED-compliant stains

●        Bedroom, dining room, living furniture manufactured by members of the Sustainable Furniture Council; many of these pieces are made from natural fibres, use eco-friendly foam and contain organic, halogen-free fire retardants.

“Consumers are always being encouraged to make ‘greener’ purchases, but there’s no real road map as to where to make these purchases and whether or not what they do buy is green,” said Dave Kushman, owner of DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates. “The green products our members can buy through DirectBuy have been rated by recognized ‘green’ authorities like Energy Star, LEED or the Sustainable Furniture Council so you know the green purchase you’re making is part of the solution.”

Energy Star ratings refer to the U.S.-government backed program ranking the energy efficiency of products. LEED, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is voluntary green building rating system, which is a consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance sustainable buildings. The Sustainable Furniture Council is a non-profit balanced coalition of manufacturers, retailers and consumers offering a public tagging program to identify good “green” choices.

“We all know we should be making greener purchases, particularly when it comes to products we use in our everyday lives like lighting and appliances. Unfortunately, making those wiser choices can be quite costly. By making all these green options available at DirectBuy, we give our members the choice to save money and valuable natural resources,” said Kushman.

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. With four convenient locations in the greater Chicago area (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 call 1-800-DIRECTBUY or visit 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 four DirectBuy showrooms serving the greater Chicago area are part of more than 160 franchise locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by contacting DirectBuy at 847-885-3508, or visiting www.DirectBuyChicago.com. 

Locations of the four 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 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.

Where it’s easy buying green…DirectBuy provides one-stop shopping solution for green building materials and appliances.Read More

“Go to your room!”…DirectBuy provides tips to designing the “perfect kid’s room.”

VANCOUVER, COQUITLAM, VICTORIA, AND OKANAGAN, BC…

While in the past, a parent yelling, “Go to your room!” may have been some sort of punishment, nowadays it could pass as a reward, depending on the design and furniture selection your child’s room. DirectBuy of Vancouver and DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver, the leading members-only showroom and home design centers, not only offer consumers a brand new way to save on home improvement projects, but also offers some helpful tips on designing the perfect kid’s room.

“A child’s bedroom serves as much more than a place for you kids to play. It’s a study, computer room, play room, game room, video/entertainment center and even a guest room,” said Jade Allen, owner of DirectBuy of Vancouver. “By following a few simple guidelines, you can create a room that’s comfortable for them to sleep and play in, but also maximizes the space.”

Some guidelines to follow include:

 

●        Involve your children in the buying of the furniture and decorating process; it’s their room, after all, and it stands to reason they will be more comfortable with items they helped select.

●        Take into account your child’s age, gender and how long the furniture will be used (e.g. bunk beds might be fun at 12, but at 16 your teenager might want some more space)

●        Only consider bedroom furniture that has quality construction and age-appropriate design. It is also a good idea to bring children along while shopping to make sure the bedding is comfortable.

●        Plan for growth – not just your child getting bigger but acquiring more things and clothing that will need to be stored.

Both DirectBuy of Vancouver and DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver carry a large selection of brand-name kids’ furniture at wholesale prices direct from the manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. In addition, DirectBuy employs product specialists and designers who can help parents and children select furniture and accessories to create the look you want for your child’s room.

“Sure, parents might lose a little leverage by sending a child to their room not being seen as a form of punishment,” laughs Allen. “The upside is that by creating a room that’s a haven for your child, they’ll be happier, which in turn makes parents happier. So everybody wins.”

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. 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 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 franchise 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.  

“Go to your room!”…DirectBuy provides tips to designing the “perfect kid’s room.”Read More

Hy named DirectBuy of Buffalo’s October “Do-Gooder” of the month.

CHEEKTOWAGA, NEW YORK…

DirectBuy of Buffalo, the leading members-only showroom and home design center, 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. October’s winner is Ernie Hy, a service representative at DirectBuy of Buffalo, for his involvement in the makeover of the Kids Zone at the Cheektowaga showroom.

Like the name suggests, the Kids Zone inside DirectBuy showrooms is a place where children of members can go while their parents shop. DirectBuy of Buffalo’s Kids Zone recently was completely made over with a flat-screen television with video games, “mini” recliners, brand new tables and chairs and a wall painted with blackboard paint so kids can actually draw on the walls without fear of punishment. Hy’s contribution to the project was purchasing an assortment of games and toys; Barbies and G.I. Joes, to make it a more fun area for kids.

“We’re pretty busy around here in general, so it’s always gratifying when our staff take on extra projects like this to improve the DirectBuy experience for our members. Ernie’s contribution of toys and games really does make it a neat place for kids to hang out and that makes him a very worthy winner 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.

“Buying direct from the manufacturer can be a lot of fun for parents, but we wanted it to be just as much fun for the kids. So jazzing up the Kids Zone seemed like a no-brainer. That it earned me the Do-Gooder for this month is really icing on the cake, which I’ll be happy to share with other folks who worked on the project, Cassandra Hall and Megan Cox,” said Hy.

A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Hy began with DirectBuy of Buffalo earlier in 2008, after being a DirectBuy member for the past few years. Married, Hy and his wife Kimberly reside with their two children Alissa and Alex in Niagara Falls.

DirectBuy franchises across the United States and Canada are active contributors to many local non-profits and charities, including the Boys & Girls Clubs, Salvation Army and other South Shore YMCA, Homes for Our Troops and Children’s Hospital. Besides the Habitat for Humanity, DirectBuy of Buffalo was a sponsor of the first annual Kevin Everett Golf Weekend Classic and donates slightly damaged items that manufacturers will not exchange to the Delaware Avenue Baptist Church 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 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 showrooms 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.

Hy named DirectBuy of Buffalo’s October “Do-Gooder” of the month.Read More

DirectBuy of Gurnee helps three young women get a second chance at life.

GURNEE, IL…

On Saturday, October 18, 2008, DirectBuy of Gurnee, in conjunction with the Daisy Resource and Development Center, raised $30,000 for three young women in need of life changing assistance.

DirectBuy Owner Karuna Talwar donated $3,000, along with furniture from both her home and showroom. The owner learned of the program through Mayor of Gurnee Krysti Kovarik, who made it known that this particular charity was in desperate need. Mayor Kovarik also matched all donations made by any contributor on behalf of the Daisy Center.

Many girls that seek help from the center have dysfunctional lives that involve a poor childhood, homelessness, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, or an unwanted pregnancy. By the time they leave the center, they are well educated and have a career. Most importantly, upon their departure from the center, they are able to take on social interactions with the community.

Daisy’s Resource and Developmental Center is a comprehensive human services agency that provides individuals and their families, opportunities and assistance to become self-sufficient through educational, vocational training, childcare services, and community development in order to achieve financial independence. The center offers schooling such as: cosmetology, administrative, nursing, teaching, and administrative. The school has been operating for 35 years and has four life experience doctorates.

Being a true humanitarian, Karuna not only donated money and furniture, she volunteered her time and helped raise money during the ten-hour telethon. The telethon ran on the public television channel 17 in Waukegan, Illinois were Karuna played a key roll.

“I was very happy to participate in the telethon and even more ecstatic about raising enough money to change the lives of three young ladies,” said Karuna. “I truly believe everyone deserves a chance in life, and thankfully through the assistance of the Daisy Resource Center, it’s possible.” 

That type of generosity is fairly standard for DirectBuy of Gurnee. They also donated to the Zachary child abuse center in Gurnee and the Lazarus house in Geneva, Illinois. Showroom owners across North America donate to any number of organizations, and have shown a particular affinity for making contributions to children/family-oriented organizations. 

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 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 most every product offering from several hundred manufacturers and their authorized suppliers at more than 160 showrooms across North America. 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 DirectBuy membership, visit www.DirectBuy.com or www.DirectBuyCares.com.

 

DirectBuy of Gurnee helps three young women get a second chance at life.Read More

DirectBuy offers guidelines for selecting your home improvement projects.

MERRILLVILLE, IN…

Perhaps it’s the innate pioneer spirit in all of us to build and mend our own home. Or maybe it’s watching one too many “Extreme Makeover” shows and thinking, “that seemed simple enough.”  DirectBuy, the leading members-only showroom and home design center, offers some helpful suggestions for deciding when to take on a home improvement project…or just leave it to the pros.

“To steal a line from Shakespeare, to thine own self be true,” said Sara Shragal, of DirectBuy. “What that means is you have to be able to honestly assess your abilities, your temperament, your schedule and your standards. Are you able to do a job nearly as well as a professional? Can you accept that fact, from an aesthetic point of view? If you’re satisfied with your answers, then you have to get the tools and materials you need to do the job.”

Perhaps the most challenging part of deciding whether or not to take on home improvement project is determining your skill level. If you’re painting a room, it doesn’t require a lot of skill and for materials you essentially need a brush or roller, bucket and some rags. Installing hardwood flooring is another story. You’ll probably need to have a power saw, sanders and nailers on hand and know how to competently use them.

Here are some basic guidelines or questions you need to ask before trying a home improvement project:

 

●        Do you have the skill set needed to take on the project? BE HONEST!

●        Do you have the tools needed for the project? If the project requires an expensive tool that you may never use again, you may want to rethink doing it yourself.

●        Do you have the installation instructions and, most importantly, do you understand them?

If you answered ‘yes’ to those questions, you then need to make a further personal assessment on how the project will affect your life, both while undertaking the project and afterwards. For example:

 

●        Do you have the time and patience to undertake this project? Guesstimate the time you think the project should take and then double it. If you can live with that, go forward.

●        How will the project affect your family? Will you be done in a matter of hours, or will your family have to move around your project?

●        Finally, what are your aesthetic standards? Can you live with “good enough,” or do you want perfection? The last thing you want to do is take on a home improvement project and then have to call in a professional because you didn’t like the results.

If you answered affirmatively to the above questions, DirectBuy can help you get the materials and tools you need for any do-it-yourself project—e.g. nailers, sanders, painting supplies, flooring, tiling, and more—all at prices direct from the manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. DirectBuy also employs product specialists and designers, so if a project is a bit out of your skill level or you don’t have the time, you have professionals at your service who can get the job done.

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.

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