Something grand: Gerhard’s Appliances, at 9475 Roosevelt Blvd., will host an official grand opening on Friday that includes food, giveaways and live entertainment. The Northeast location now includes a section where customers can purchase so-called “scratch and dent” products at a reduced price. MARIA POUCHNIKOVA / TIMES PHOTO
On the third Saturday of every month, Gerhard’s Appliances opens its Fort Washington warehouse for five hours so customers can check out so-called “scratch and dent” products.
The monthly sale is very popular.
“They come from Jersey, they come from Delaware. It’s all different demographics,” said Bud Gerhard, president of the company.
In response to the popularity of that monthly event, Gerhard’s has decided to open a scratch and dent section of its store at 9475 Roosevelt Blvd., just south of Grant Avenue.
The store has had a soft opening last week and this week.
The official grand opening will come this weekend, starting Friday at 9 a.m. It will include food, giveaways and live entertainment.
“We’re really excited about it,” said Steph Gerhard, director of merchandising and daughter of the company president. “It’s going to provide better options for customers.”
Gerhard’s has been in business for more than 70 years. Besides the store on the Boulevard and the warehouse in Fort Washington, there are four locations: Route 611 and Almshouse Road in Doylestown; 290 Keswick Ave. in Glenside; 204 E. Lancaster Ave. in Ardmore; and 116 Lancaster Ave. in Malvern.
Inventory includes washers, dryers, refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, ovens, ranges, microwaves, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, sinks, faucets, garbage disposals, mattresses, televisions and grills.
Bud Gerhard said the company has enjoyed a good reputation since opening in 1945.
“We built it on customer service and value for our customers,” he said.
The stores carry major brand names.
While the Boulevard store, which opened five years ago, will have a scratch and dent section, customers will have a selection of new items at normal prices.
“We’ll still have plenty of regular merchandise,” Gerhard said.
But the scratch and dent area has the potential to grow the company’s customer base, judging by a decade of selling similar products at the warehouse.
“It’s been very successful for us,” Gerhard said. “There’s such a demand for that type of merchandise and value.”
The scratch and dent section is displayed prominently.
“It will be a large area of the store,” Gerhard said.
The section will feature closeouts, discontinued items and floor models, all at discounted prices.
“A lot of the stuff is in perfect condition,” Gerhard said.
Gerhard believes the addition of the scratch and dent merchandise will be beneficial to his company and customers.
“We needed a location 365 days,” he said. “It will be a great buy for the consumer. It will be very good for us and very good for the consumer.” ••
Gerhard’s is at 9475 Roosevelt Blvd., across from Miller’s Ale House. Hours are weekdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The telephone number is 215–698–1492. More information is available at www.gerhardsappliance.com or the Gerhard’s Appliances, TV & Mattresses page on Facebook.
