northcenter, chicago’s Neighborhood fixture
The neighborhood appliance store is all but gone from the American retail landscape. But on Chicago’s north side, Cole’s Appliance & Furniture Co. has been selling refrigerators and sofas from the same corner since 1946. The Krasney family, which has owned Cole’s for three generations, has learned how to outlast big box stores, online competition, and the booms and busts of the housing market.
The neighborhood appliance store has gone extinct in many cities, but on this corner on Chicago’s north side, Cole’s is in the same spot with the same neon sign hanging over the sidewalk. Going the extra mile for customers, and maintaining those relationships over the long-term, is what the Krasney's believe sets their family business apart from the indifferent big box competitors around them..
Kevin Krasney is 3rd generation owner of this neighborhood store his grandfather started 70 years ago. The same key still opens the doors each day. Hear the story of Cole's history and how he follows in his grandfather's and father's footsteps on The Distance Podcast.