Button bright Spokane retail center

,r-\NE of the newer Diamond International (formerly l:-fDiamond National) retail building supply centers is located in Spokane, Wa. The modern store, opened in April, 1973, replaced an older facility in another part of Spokane.

The center is the 39th operated by the company's Western Retail Division in California,Idaho and Washington. Manager Vernon Payne, who has been a resident of Spokane for over 40 years, is a l5 year employee of Diamond.

The entire installation covers an area of 4.5 acres. The modern structure provides 10,000 sq. ft. of shopping area displaying name brand appliances, carpeting, power tools, garden equipment and supplies,hardware, and other building and home improvement materials.

An additional 12,000 sq. ft. of the adjoining warehouse displays pre-cut lumber, plywood, doors, moulding and related items. Another 24,000 sq. ft. building will warehouse additional materials for the building trades.

Following the supermarket principle of merchandising, items are displayed to facilitate self-service stropping. All merchandise, including lumber, is pre-priced to make it easy for customers to calculate their costs for home improvement projects.

Do-it-yourself shoppers can purchase lumber in small quantities as easily as they buy groceries. A large parking area assures ample space and makes it easy for the shoulder trade to carry small lumber purchases home in their own cars. Delivery of larger orders is provided from the lumber center.

The store has a display area where customers may see a model kitchen and bathroom, inspect product displays, see demonstrations and receive advice about home improvement projects from the trained sales staff.

Besides offering Master Charge accounts and revolving credit, Diamond has its own financing plan to assist homeowners in obtaining loans for home and farm modernization or repairs.

Story at a Glance

Diamond International's 39th retail building supply center, now about two years old covers 41/z dcre,s, stresses the d-i-y market and backs up the standard charge cards with its own financing plan.

An experienced sales force assists customers in both planning home improvements and in working out the financing details. Interim loans are available for new home construction and a Builder's Control Service is offered for the contractors.

Diamond International Corp. is composed of 8 operating subsidiaries and 62 manufacturins facilities in the United oSUSPEIII0ED CEltltG, flush lights (l) hang above electrical department. Asphalt tile is used in most of store, with carpeting for selected departments. (2) Plumbing displays feature fully equipped sinks, with a choice of faucets, spouts, etc. mounted in carrier board directly above. Low gondolas create open, modern look; signing is smallish, low keyed. (3) Service counter signs make no secret of firm's attitude regarding credit. Countermen wear identical blue vests to identify themselves t0 customers. (4) Vanities, toiles, mirrors, lamps, etc. are all price-tagged. (51 Lots of parking under the "lumber and building materials" sign.

States, and 5 in Canada and Western Europe, engaged in packaging and printing, moulded-pulp packaging, plastic and metal containers, paperb oard, papermaking machinery, automated packaging systems, lumber, plywood, household tissue products, and other consumer and industrial wood products and, of course, matches.