Even after 31 years in the vacuum-selling business, Arch Adams still gets excited by the little things, like using his favourite vacuum around his own house.
“I’m still having fun, and I enjoy vacuuming,” said the 74-year-old owner.
Adams first got into the vacuum business in the 1960s after a serving as a merchant seaman.
“One night I was at a house and a guy was selling this vacuum cleaner, and I thought that might be a job for me because I like working,’” he said.
Selling vacuums door-to-door was a money-making business back then. Housewives were home most days looking after the house and kids, and were interested in what he was selling.
But, as women began entering the workforce, Adams saw that door-to-door sales was not as lucrative anymore, and he had dreams of opening his own shop.
The Vacuum Hut retail store opened its doors in the former Bayers Road Shopping Centre in 1980, and that’s where it still is today.
Adams’ store offers customers a selection of about 60 different models ranging in price from $69 to $1,000.
And while Adams has a lot more competition these days, he’s carved out a niche for himself in the marketplace.
“Our retail business is doing good. They talk about the big box stores hurting small stores, but that is not a problem,” Adams said.
In fact, Adams said, many of the big retailers will send their customers to the Vacuum Hut for parts and service when they can’t help them.
“We offer service and that’s the big thing. Sixty-five per cent of our business comes from referrals. That’s one of our biggest assets.”
The Vacuum Hut is truly a family affair. Adams and his wife Ingrid opened and ran the shop for years, but it’s now managed by their daughter Doris Brown. Adams’ sons and son-in-law do any vacuum repairs and install any central vacuum systems they sell.
kmoar@hfxnews.ca
The Vacuum Hut is located at 7071 Bayers Rd. in Halifax. For more information, go to http://vacuumhut.ca/.
