JJ took on the recession and just keeps on succeeding
JJ` S APPLIANCES opened its doors in December 1, 2007 with a 600 sq ft retail store in Kanturk town, selling white goods, brown goods and small appliances – right on time for the recession.
However, with hard work and long hours, doing deliveries by night and sales by day, JJ O’Sullivan got things up and going. “I was an electrician before I opened the store in 2007 but as I saw the downturn facing us with house sales decreasing and new builds slowing up I decided to open an appliance retail store as every house has got appliances and would always need these products,” says JJ.
With the recession in full swing, in late 2009/ early 2010 JJ took on two employees and branched into repairs, including computers, and a call-outs breakdown service. He put two service vans on the road and built a small workshop out the back of the Kanturk shop. This was a great addition to the business which built up a great customer care relationship.
As business progressed in February 2013 they had to move to a bigger premises and JJ now has a 6,000 sq ft building with up to 60 car spaces just outside of Kanturk town. It includes a 16 bay test centre for appliances, TV repair bay and computer repair bay.
“A massive step in growing our business came in May 2014 when we joined the Expert franchise which gives us great buying power and in return this gives our customers fantastic prices,” says JJ.
“In October (2016) we did a full store revamp with a full new display and increased store space, which has been great for our business.”
WhenJJstartedin2007hismainareacatchment was mainly Duhallow, but they are now serving Cork, Ker- ry and Limerick in sales and repairs. “Only for our fantastic customers and their loyalty we wouldn’t be where we are today,” says JJ. “As for our staff, the place wouldn’t run as efficient as it does without them - Ger Moynihan, Con Goulding, Mark O’Brien and Margaret Lucey, you couldn’t find nicer people and they have fantastic people skills in customer care and relating one to one with our customers, which is key for us in continuing our success in business.”
JJ says the secret of their success is the fact they have after-sales service and they know what they sell. “When a customer rings or comes into our store we automatically don’t go to sell a new product straight away. We talk to our customers, get an idea what`s wrong and see is it possible the machine could be repaired, saving the customer a lot more money,” he says.
As the business is growing from strength to strength JJ is looking to open a second outlet. He also aims to extend their range, to cover all Munster. This, in turn, would increase employment.