What do flat panel TVs, new jobs and an environmentally friendly building have in common? Here in Gwinnett they are all found at the new BrandsMart USA, which opened in Buford near the Mall of Georgia in August.
The newest of the BrandsMart USA locations will bring a welcome boost to the local economy, both in job creation and an increase in revenue sure to come from the sales of almost 50,000 electronics and appliances on the showroom floor.
This increase in local revenue and jobs represents considerable growth. The new Gwinnett location has created 220 jobs to support the expected gross annual sales of $100 million. Many of these jobs are still available to Gwinnett residents.
At a time when the economy has caused a decline in the number of businesses opening, such a large, prosperous company opening its doors for Gwinnett citizens is exciting news. For BrandsMart, though, the current economy is all the more reason to grow.
"BrandsMart pricing is very competitive," explained Bobby Johnson, senior vice president of sales. "So in a struggling economy, we dominate because we are cheaper than everyone else."
The addition of a Gwinnett location to the BrandsMart USA company, one of the largest per-volume retailers in the U.S., was not a recent decision. In fact, Gwinnett County has been on the company's radar for quite some time as an ideal location for expansion.
"Gwinnett is a diverse community. We had been looking at the county for a long time, but didn't have the right location. When this location opened up, we jumped on it," explained Johnson.
Although the increased revenue and job creation is a huge benefit for Gwinnett, especially in this economy, these aren't the only benefits the new location brings. The BrandsMart building has been created with a multitude of environmentally friendly aspects that will not only allow residents to breathe easier as they peruse the showroom, but will help to keep our community beautiful in the future.
The 118,000-square-foot showroom will have excellent indoor air quality thanks to a unique carbon dioxide scrubbing system that continuously changes and refreshes indoor air. The use of only low emitting materials for adhesives, sealants, paints, coatings and carpets in the building will further contribute to the air quality shoppers at the new location will enjoy.
And the air isn't the only thing "green" about the new BrandsMart. The building has a daylight harvesting system that reduces the need for electricity during daylight hours, which will help the environment and lower the company's electricity bill.
Water conservation has also been a priority in the construction of the new location. Rooftop irrigation systems have been installed for collection of rainwater, and landscaping has been chosen with an emphasis on low water usage.
Consumers may be amazed at BrandsMart's distinctive octagonal showroom design, the stadium feeling that allows you to view every item on display, or even just the pure quantity of everything from LED technology to health care aids. But the boost to the county's jobs, revenue and environment may have as important an impact as the increased selection of appliances.
