rucceeds in Texas

The Loop store carries no lumber or heavy building materials. It does have a complete plumbing department including bath fixtures along with hardware, tools, electrical, auto, paint and sundries, housewares and gifts, outdoor living, lawn and garden sections. Merchandising is aimed at the consumer. Contractor trade is nil.

The store stays open seven days a week, opening at 8 a.m. on weekdays and Saturdays. Closing is 8 p.m. weekdays and 8:30 on Saturday. Sunday hours are l0 a.m. to 5 p.m.

There are 18 employees. All are trained to help the customer and offer guidance on installation. Customers are urged to call or come back if they need further help in their do-ityourself projects. The store offers no installation service, partially because of Texas requirements for licensing, Lo says.

The store has plenty of competition. Lo counts at least half a dozen hardware/home center type operations in Longview including a Payless Cashways unit as a neighbor. Although Longview has a population of only 46,000, the market area contains about 80,000 people.

Lo calls the turnkey operation a good concept. He says that both he and Reddick are pleased with the store. When asked if he would do it again, he said that he's "always thinking and looking ahead to see what will come."