Independent Retailer Expands Its SoCal Professional Builder Services Program
LA HABRA, Calif – Howard’s, Southern California’s premier independent appliance retailer, today announced that it has acquired Long Beach-based Ward’s Appliance to expand its professional builder services division. The fourth-generation, family-owned and operated Ward’s has called Long Beach home since 1941, serving its share of the local market’s home appliance needs. Howard’s is bringing together the procurement of Ward’s with that of last fall’s Taylor’s Appliance in Riverside to further bolster its professional business sector, servicing the appliance needs of builders throughout Southern California.
“The merger of Ward’s and Howard’s Pro Group, allows Howard’s to significantly expand its B2B unit,” said John Riddle, President & CEO, Howard’s. “We are now running 20+ delivery trucks and 15 installation trucks per day, helping developers and property managers to outfit their apartments, high-rise condominiums and single- and multi-family homes with major appliances in bulk.
“When collaborating with our specialized pro team, Builders & Property Managers can shop core and premium appliance packages across a wide range of brands and options, specially priced for use in their construction and remodel projects.”
Ward’s services will now operate out of Howard’s corporate headquarters in La Habra, where the 5-person team will relocate to work under the direct supervision of Mike Sanchez, Sr. Vice President of Business Development for Howard’s and the company’s Builder Program Manager.
“We are excited to grow our professional builder business with this newest acquisition,” said Sanchez. “The development allows us to enhance our current offerings, giving us greater capacity to take direct orders for the appliance needs of builders and manage even more client projects from initial selection to final installation at the construction site.”
In addition to Howard’s professional services growth, the company continues its aggressive, strategic expansion throughout Southern California. Howard’s launched its West Los Angeles location on LA Brea and Willoughby in April and looks forward to the grand opening of its Huntington Beach, Tustin, Agoura Hills, Murietta, and Vista Experience Centers later this year. The retailer possesses large showrooms throughout Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside Counties.
For more information about Howard’s, please visit howards.com.
ABOUT HOWARD’S
Howard’s is Southern California’s premier independent appliance retailer, committed to the customer experience. Through the RARE (Revolutionizing the Appliance Retail Experience) customer service initiative they have revolutionized the traditional sales model, placing the customer at its center and guaranteeing a friction-free shopping experience. The introduction of the Experience Center concept gives customers a personalized and interactive shopping alternative with immersive demonstration and display centers designed to encourage informed purchasing.
There are currently 15 Southern California Howard’s locations throughout Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside Counties in the company’s portfolio, with plans to expand throughout the Western U.S., focusing on reshaping the retail experience. For more information, visit howards.com or connect on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.
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