Store remodel improves traffic, looks

ONGTIME retailers are often faced with deciding if a remodeling job will be worthwhile. San Luis Mill and Lumber, San Luis Obispo, Ca., made the choice of updating their facility and found that it paid off both by attracting customers and increasing the efficiency of the staff.

According to co-owner Roy Parsons, guests consumed a grand total of 2,44A hot dogs during the twoday open house. Some 1,100 people put in for drawings sponsored by suppliers and staged every half-hour for a total of 30 prizes. Giveaways included a $500 gift certificate, a ceiling, a saw, interior paint and a designer entry door. Simpson Building Supply donated redwood seedlings to be given to guests. Clowns handing out balloons completed the carnival atmosphere.

The firm advertised for the event by running a series of advertisements in a weekly classified section, augmented by a full page ad in the local paper. Spots were run on three local radio stations and invitations were mailed to a list of 1,000 recent charge customers. On-site broadcasting by a local radio station interviewed store personnel, suppliers, and customers attending.

Parsons is proud to say that San Luis Mill and Lumber has "grown with the town." Ninety-eight years ago thefirm opened, boasting a planing mill and an office. Lee Parsons, with two partners, bought the firm in 1909 from H.H. Waite, the founder. According to Roy, the elder Parsons became sole owner in 1916 and began buying lumber at that time. Soon he was in the lumber business as well as the milling business. When their father died in 1952, Roy and his brother Gerard were given stock in the business each year. They inherited the remainder of the stock when their mother died, and are now equal share owners. Gerard is in charge of the mill and

Story at a Glance

98 year old firm modernizes.. attracts more customers increases efficiency in operation, fire protection, energy use.

yard activities, while Roy handles store and paperwork responsibilities.

The store building was first remodeled 20 years ago and contained 3,500 sq. ft. This most recent renovation provides an additional 4,200 sq. ft. One half of an existing warehouse was made into a portion of the store. Existing display racks were painted and new racks were purchased, providing better organization for the previously overcrowded store.

The sales/customer service area

(Please turn to page 5B)