Gonsumer clinics give Golorado store an edge

By Kathryn Smith Mountain States Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association Englewood, Co.

ataFfUSTOMER clinics give us

Yan edge on the chain self service stores in that we can offer the customer something else-training," according to Steve Stookesberry, general manager, Economy Lumber and Hardware, Denver, Co.

"The key to holding successful clinics is being very thorough and organized in planning, promoting and presenting them, which our vice president, Bob Stookesberry, is and does," he said.

A clinic is held every Saturday morning at Economy,with a few exceptions around the December holidays. The average attendance is 75 people, with some classes as small as 20 and others as large as 100. Some of the most popular clinics are ceramic tile, window replacement and installation, outdoor deck building, kitchen remodeling and garage building.

According to Stookesberry, it is important to: o Have customers make reservations. This gives them a sense of commitment, and you will have a general idea of what kind of a crowd to expect. A reminder can be mailed to them a few days in advance of the clinic. The turnout is usually 70-8090 of those registered. o Have plenty of d-i-y material to

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