On Canyon Street, Irvin and Evelyn Sobry are enjoying their independence as owners of Lectric Avenue Electronics.
“We love the challenge of finding our own sources for products, and getting them when we need them, rather than running under somebody’s big banner,” Irv says.
The approach is working. Irvin and Evelyn have purchased larger premises just up the street (the former Nadan Nessie Gear) and are preparing for a move by Christmas.
The relocation is necessitated, in part, by the move to become an Apple sales and service centre. Technician Ian Richardson has now completed his Apple courses and is an officially certified repairman, making Lectric Avenue one of two businesses in the Kootenays that can do warranty work.
“It felt like I was studying to become a doctor or something,” Ian laughs. “They are very thorough in their training. The course was mind boggling!”
In making the transition from a franchise to an independent business, Irvin and Evelyn agree that community support has been amazing. They built up strong relationships as owners of Creston U-Brew years ago, and their easy affinity with customers shines through.
While moving a business can never be described as fun, they look forward to giving Ian much-needed repair space, and adding to their warehousing storage.
“We even have stock at home,” Evelyn laughs. “It’s ridiculous. We go into our storage area here and we have to move ten boxes to get at one.”
More display room for Apple products and the mobile phone selection (Lectric Avenue is also a Telus outlet) can only mean a better shopping experience for customers “who have supported us from the get-go”, Irv says.