Designers don't fear big-box challenge - Sears' Great Indoors, Home Depot's Expo Design Centers - Brief Article

Home Channel News, August 6, 2001 by Eleanor Lee Yates

"In the short run, I think the public will embrace these design centers. But ultimately, who will walk people through the whole project?" asked Terry Caldwell, owner of Kitchens, Baths & More in Park Ridge, Ill., which specializes in kitchen cabinetry, entertainment centers and library cabinets and shelves. "Who's going to hold their hand? I don't think customers of these big centers are going to get that. At these places people have to work certain times. Designers don't want to punch a clock. I think they're going to have a hard rime controlling service."

Rainbow Tile in Pompano Beach, Fla., is located about 10 miles south of one Expo Design Center, and 10 miles north of another. The 25-year-old company -- which imports, retails, and wholesales tile -- was approached by Home Depot to be a supplier to Expo. But Paul Young, Rainbow's general manager, demurred because it didn't want to be tied that closely to such a large, demanding retailer.

Much of Rainbow's business is from importing, so Young isn't worried much about competition from companies like Expo or Great Indoors. And he's not worried about losing clients to stores that don't offer discounts to the trade. "But I think someone who is strictly a retailer would find it more difficult going against these big centers," he conceded.

As Depot, Great Indoors and other home decor megastores expand, their ubiquity could force specialty dealers to re-evaluate their mission. "If we had a problem with these businesses, we'd have to look at ourselves," said Allen, the Scottsdale designer. "If you're doing a job correctly, people can't take away business. You are the one who is giving it away."

"I've said if my business ever slows down I'm going to go work at Expo." quipped Adler.