Best Brands Plus store closing

When Mike Marchetti opened Best Brands Plus six years ago in the Southtowne Shopping Center it was with a passion for customer service.

In fact, he had gone toe-to-toe with Sears before that on several occasions about how to bring his customers the very best service. He often went above and beyond manufacturers' warranties and insisted that customers be treated well.

He ended every marketing statement with "You won't be disappointed." Marchetti himself became a brand in retailing.

Things change.

After 10 years with Sears and another six as Best Brands Plus owner, Machetti has returned to another profession he knows well--mining and energy. He took a position with the Prairie State Energy Campus in Washington County.

With that said--as well as the end of his current lease December 31 and certain higher leasing costs--Marchetti is closing the popular name brand appliance and lawn and garden center.

In fact, the store is already half-empty and appliances and garden equipment are being sold at his cost or below. The store sells appliances by companies like Whirlpool, Maytag and Frigidaire, Serta bedding and lawn equipment by Husqvarna and Poulan Pro.

The store is open from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. and is closed Sundays.

Marchetti is making arrangements to have warranty work covered for recent purchasers of appliances. Stop by the store for more information.

The Best Brands Plus retail space--originally home to the Revco Pharmacy when the strip mall opened in 1980-- already has some interest alongside an expected announcement in the coming days on the future of the Kroger property.