New store for an old firm

1| NE of the oldest of Arizona's business firms, Babbitt \-.u7 Brothers Trading Co., has recently opened up one of the state's newest lumber and building materials operations, building a new yard to replace an existing one. lt is located in Sedona, which is at the southern end of the scenic and much photographed Oak Creek Canyon area of central Arizona.

Despite its remoteness from the major arteries of commerce, the new store and yard are as well laid out and as clean and modern as you're apt to find in any Western metropolis.

The total operation covers approximately 4 acres. Included in that total is an B0' x B0' showroom, and B0' x 120' warehouse plus parking for more than 60 customers on a eravelled lot.

Story at a Glance

Despite remote location, new Sedona , Az.,yard and showroom are first rate . . new facility resulted when old operation outgrew its quarters . . unit is part of a pioneer Western trading company.

The trade area that the store serves is approximately 60C0 population, including a fair share of second homes.

The basic thrust of the operation is towards the consumer, with a wide variety of do-it-yourself items stocked. A strong secondary emphasis is also put on serving the contractor-builder trade.

All material lines of products are stocked in regular inventory. A very strong emphasis is placed on sales of hardware and paint, in addition to lumber and building materials. Displays and inventory include plumbing, electrical, hand and power tools and a variety of appliances.

Sedona Lumber Co. manager is Dave Cech, 37, who is married, with one child and is active in the local Elk's Club.

He was originally employed with Babbitt Brothers in Flagstaff in 1958, Ieaving to work with another firm for 3 years and returning to Babbitts as manager of the Sedona yard in 1971.

The Sedona operation is under the management of Mike Medigovich as Verde Valley area manager and the supervision of Ralph Bilby, exec. v.p. of Babbitt Brothers in Flagstaff. Ray Lopp is v. p. , general manager of the wholesale div.

The store advertises on a consistent weekly basis using both media of newspaper and radio. They also have a telephone classified directory listing.

The Sedona operation is a branch of the Babbitt Brothers Trading Co. with general offices in Flagstaff, operating lumber yards, supermarketso department stores and the wholesale division in Flagstaff, with (Please turn to page 27)