<< Previous   of   Next >> Enterprise/ZACH WILSON  (click to enlarge) Chad Miller, sales manager for Conklin's Appliance World in Lynnwood, says personal attention makes the difference.

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57 years and ticking, washing, drying

In an era where price is everything, Conklin's puts service first

By Zach Wilson
Enterprise reporter

LYNNWOOD

Good service is hard to come by these days. But for more than 57 years, customer service has been a first priority at Conklin's Appliance World, located on 196th Street in Lynnwood.

"When you walk through the door everyone treats you the same," said store manager Chad Miller.

As a manager, Miller is amazed by the loyalty of his customer base. He said Conklin's has been servicing many of the same customers for years. Some even come in for service on appliances they bought from the store more than 20 years ago.

Despite not always having the best prices, it's Conklin's "personal touch" that separates them from larger appliance stores, said Miller. Whether looking for your dream house, or simply one item, Conklin's staff is straightforward and direct in meeting your needs, even if that means sending you to another store for a better deal.

"Everyone that works here is honest," said Miller. "We try to make (the customers) feel welcome."

Besides boasting a friendly staff, Conklin's also provides free delivery on all their products. Ever since Miller can remember, Conklin's has been a part of a buyer's group that gives his company better deals and allows them to grant discounts to consumers.

As a store with such a long history, Miller is aware of how the appliance business has evolved over the years.

"500 dollars is the new 150 dollars," said Miller.

Despite the obvious price increase, however, Miller said many appliances today aren't built with the same quality as in the past, and often require more frequent repairs.

Back in the 1950s, when Conklin's first opened, microwave ovens were the "must have" item, said Miller. Today, that trend has shifted to front-loading washing machines.

With the recent economic push to go green and conserve water, Miller said that front-loading washers allow for bigger laundry loads, decreasing the amount of cycles needed. Miller said it's one of the "biggest advancements" in appliance technology.

If you haven't heard of Conklin's before, it may be because they choose not to advertise. Instead, Conklin's relies on its service to speak for itself and leave a lasting impression on its customers.

"Marketing has not been an issue," said Miller. "It's a really unique business set up here."

Newman Conklin founded Conklin's Appliance World as a family owned business in 1951. Conklin sold the business in 1996. Miller, 29, is the store's second sales lead manager in five decades.