Ask the Expert: Why Should You Consider Shopping Local?

Despite the ease and convenience of online retail, there are some definite benefits of shopping in-person and at local independent retailers, in particular. The Sponsors of Mass Save^® – Cape Light Compact, Eversource, National Grid, and Unitil – work with dozens of retailers across the state to provide customers with discounts on lighting and rebates on energy-saving appliances.

Recently, we met with Allan Rogers of Warrendale Appliance, a Mass Save retail partner, to hear firsthand why customers should consider shopping at local independent retailers, especially for bigger-ticket home items, such as electric clothes dryers. Here are some of the top reasons:

Attentive Customer Service and Strong Product Expertise   

Having face-to-face time with a sales consultant who’s dedicated to helping you choose a new appliance is one of the key benefits of shopping local. “We’re going to help you pick out what you want,” Rogers explains, “We’re going to make sure you get the right size for your space. Whoever you talk to, the sales person is going to ask you the right questions.”

Having product experts to talk to is especially important in today’s world, where it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the number of product offerings. “Years ago, people would go into appliance stores and the owner or manager would tell them which was the best one to buy, and you’d have three options to pick from and you’d pick one,” Rogers explained.

Today’s world is quite different. Now customers come in having done their research online, and they have questions about the dozens of models that may be available. For instance, when it comes to dryers, customers may be unsure about the appropriate size, which special features to look for, or how unique units, like heat pump dryers or “smart” dryers, work. At Warrendale Appliance, much like at other local retailers, there are always staff on-hand to guide you through the buying process. Plus, their sales staff regularly completes intensive product trainings to keep on top of current trends and technologies.

An Opportunity to Explore Models In-Person

Going to see appliances in-person will provide you with a much better idea of what is best for your home. In fact, Warrendale Appliance recently moved locations to a larger space just to be able to have more models on the floor. “If you don’t have all the models for people to see, they can’t make a decision on what to buy. There’s only 20 types of appliances out there, but there’s 300 models of them.” While Rogers doesn’t have 300 of every appliance out on the floor, he does have the best-sellers. This way, people can come in, explore the features, and better imagine a particular appliance in their home.

Warrendale Appliance is always sure to stock ENERGY STAR® certified appliances, too. According to Rogers, most of the models available today do have this certification, and customers recognize the value of having efficient appliances in their homes. They know these units save energy and money, plus many customers are eager to take advantage of the appliance rebates the Sponsors provide on ENERGY STAR certified units, including a $30 rebate on dehumidifiers, $40 rebate on room air cleaners and room air conditioners, and $50 rebate on dryers.

The Ability to Take Advantage of Special Services

On top of having an array of options on the floor and friendly salesmen to help you make a selection, Warrendale Appliance and many other independent retailers offer custom services. For instance, Warrendale Appliance offers a convenient service repair program. Additionally, as part of a cohort with other independent retailers in New England, Warrendale Appliance can access a regional stock warehouse that at times enables them to offer 24-hour delivery. These types of added perks help set apart independent retailers like Warrendale Appliance.

Ready to Shop?!

Between the customer service, technical expertise, opportunity to check out units in-person, and special services, local independent retailers like Warrendale Appliance provide a great channel through which to purchase energy-saving products for your home. If you’re in the Waltham area, be sure to check out Warrendale Appliance. Otherwise, take a look at this comprehensive list of stores where you can take advantage of discounts and rebates on energy-saving lighting and products, made possible by the Mass Save Sponsors.