Rebuilding in Wellston
On
Jan. 1, 2003, Arvin Walker-Bey re-opened a furniture and appliance
store in Wellston. Within two weeks, the store had recorded $27,000
in sales and completed 10 deliveries from its 14,000-square foot showroom
and catalogue center. "Our goal for the year is to reach $300,000
in sales. With the level of success we've achieved since January 1,
I am confident we'll be on target," says Walker-Bey.
Arvin's Appliance and Furniture is one of several small businesses
that have received valuable technical and financial assistance from
the Greater St. Louis Regional Empowerment Zone (EZ) in partnership
with the St. Louis Regional Office of the Missouri Small Business
Development Center (MO SBDC).
The Empowerment Zone has provided a low interest loan that will be
used for equipment, inventory and working capital necessary to re-open
the retail business following a fire in 2001. Technical assistance
provided by the SBDC supported the company's loan package and application
for funding. Together, the resources of the EZ and SBDC have made
it possible for Arvin's to re-open.
Walker-Bey, a trained appliance repair technician, started his business
in the basement of his sister's home repairing appliances. In 1990,
the volume of business increased at the same time that a small space
in Wellston became available next to antique dealer. He took the leap
and soon expanded into the antique and auction market when customers
wanted to buy things that were not available. As his skills grew,
so did the number and profile of his customer base. He instituted
direct mail campaigns and advertising on television and in local newspapers.
Business boomed.
In 2001, lightening struck the store. Fire severely damaged the building
and its contents. To support his family, Walker-Bey took a job at
Rothman furniture, staying involved in the industry and with his customer
base. But the Mayor of Wellston, William Harvey, introduced him to
the Empowerment Zone as a representative to the Community Council
from Wellston. "Arvin had provided a necessary business service
to the people of Wellston, North County and the City of St. Louis.
He was the best representative of both the business community and
grass roots citizens we could have from Wellston."
Arvin Walker-Bey
3201 Alfred Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63116
Phone: (314) 776-4926
Manufacturer
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