Fred’s plans high-end store

A locally grown business is planning a new store featuring full lines of mid-to-high-end appliances while simultaneously expanding “ding and dent” products catering to a different segment of the Spokane market.

Fred’s Appliance is preparing to open a 20,000-square-foot store showcasing ranges, refrigerators and other appliances made by companies including Viking, Bosch, ASKO and Jenn-Air. The store is being built near Spokane Valley Mall, at the corner of Evergreen Street and Interstate 90, and should open this fall, said John Amistoso, who owns the business started by his father, Fred, in 1962.

Fred’s Appliance will lease the store from Spokane Valley-based Hanson Industries Inc., Amistoso said.

At the same time, the retailer will convert an existing retail store at Sprague Avenue and University Road into a scratch-and-dent center. And a ding-and-dent store on North Division will move to the old Foot Locker Outlet building at 3321 N. Division St. Fred’s Appliance at 2525 N. Monroe St. will remain open and offer design services, and two adjacent buildings will be redesigned for repair service functions, he said. The company’s Coeur d’Alene store will remain the same.

Keeping with the rich tradition of Spokane bargain hunting, both ding-and-dent stores will sell discounted products. Stores will sell new products with minor imperfections that are covered under full manufacturer’s warranties.

“Spokane is great for that kind of market,” said Amistoso, adding that some of the appliances arrive in unopened boxes because customers change their minds.

Fred’s has competed with giants like Sears, The Home Depot and Lowe’s, by catering to homebuilders and their customers. The mix of products and services offered by the company has garnered a client list of 200 local builders, including Condron Homes LLC.

The locally-based construction company builds about 150 homes a year in Spokane County and sends all its homebuyers to Fred’s to select appliances, said Corey Condron, owner and administrator for the company.

Condron customers meet with Steve Ellis, a Fred’s salesman, who juggles multiple duties. Ellis coordinates deliveries with electrical and plumbing contractors, scheduling that is crucial to keep things running smoothly, Condron said.

“If the delivery doesn’t happen at the exact time, that can cost money,” he said.

The sales representative also notifies Huntwood Industries, a Liberty Lake cabinet manufacturer, if homebuyers select appliances that would require modifications to cabinetry, Condron explained, adding, “There’s more to it than just writing down an order.”

As one of 32 salespeople working with local builders, Ellis said they strive to exceed expectations and build customer loyalty.

“It’s not just the point of their customers coming in and seeing me — it’s five years and 10 years down the road,” Ellis said.

Condron said that type of forward-thinking has kept his company coming back for the past six years.

“They do a good job. If something comes up they do own up to it and do what it takes to make us and our customers happy.”

Although Fred’s has ridden the construction boom, the retailer still values its everyday customers.

“I think our message to the public is we’re a locally owned company. You come in when your refrigerator is out and we get you one today,” Amistoso said.