Krevco Turns 30 Since the 1980s, Manitobans who just ‘gotta have it’ have turned to Krevco for the leading edge in home lifestyle products. In fact, so good had been the company’s reputation that when Winnipeg businessman Don Carson went looking to expand his commercial portfolio five years ago, he bought the whole company in a move that ushered in a period of growth for the well-known retail chain. “Krevco’s history is a huge source of pride for all of us. We were able to build on this with new ownership back in 2006, and create fresh energy and bring in new products that hadn’t been seen here before,” says Krevco President Don Carson. Indeed, not only is Krevco the leader in pools, hot tubs and patio furniture, but with the acquisition of Embers, they are now a one-stop shop for any kind of flame and hearth product you care to imagine. According to Carson, recent consumer developments have meant they have to bring their ‘A’ game to the market every day. “The Internet has brought real change in that people have done their research before they come in, or make contact and know what they want. We have to have good sales people that know their products and the industry trends if we want to maintain the respect of the buying public,”
he says, pointing to people like Kerry Johnson, a guy who wrote the book on fireplaces and BBQs for the unique Manitoba market.
people with two BBQs on the deck – one for charcoal and another gas or electric model for quick cooking options.”
Now Krevco is broadening its scope becoming Western Canada’s lifestyle store with operations in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Thunder Bay. This is in concert with the group’s five local retail locations that include Winnipeg, Kenora and Brandon.
New as well at Krevco is the Gotta Have Club, a loyalty program that works alongside Air Miles Reward Miles to enhance value and drive sales in everything from hot tubs to water care products to fireplaces. “There is no cost to join online and the benefits are substantial. It’s a great add-on,” says Carson.
“Following the acquisition of Embers, we have been working to incorporate it into the Krevco Lifestyles package. Now we are fully ready to provide a very wide range of contemporary flame related products at all our outlets,” says Carson. GM of the Embers division, Kerry Johnson notes that back in 1993 they had just four fireplace models. “Now we have over 300,” he says. “Our product selection changes constantly and we seek out only the best manufacturers. For instance, we have just introduced a new line of BBQ from Australia (Beefeater) that includes a pizza oven, something that should prove very popular during this year’s grilling season,” he says, noting that people are a lot more serious about outdoor cooking than they had been in the past. “We are seeing more
Further, Don comments that altogether Krevco is so much more than just a pool and spa store. “We are experts in creating comfortable exciting indoor and outdoor lifestyle options that include such items as pools, hot tubs, gazebos, patio furniture and BBQs, to fireplaces, games room products, fitness equipment, bathroom plumbing, saunas and everything in between. We strive to be best in class by staying away from the ‘me too’ product assortment that everyone sees on the Internet shopping sites and in some of the big box stores. We are local and offer the kind of expertise that makes sense for our customers. At Krevco, we are focused on the best products and service, which has made us number one with Manitoba families and individuals for the past 30 years.”
spring 2011 | STYLE MANITOBA | 55