ShoppersChoice.com is expanding its footprint in Baton Rouge, says CEO Corey Tisdale, with plans to open a retail store on Coursey Boulevard in about three months. The 13,000-square-foot building will also be home to some administrative offices and warehouse space. The building has been vacant for years and is located next to The Chimes East restaurant.
“We’re going to start with fireplaces, indoor appliances, outdoor appliances and patio furniture on the retail floor,” Tisdale says. Before going entirely online in 2002, ShoppersChoice.com operated a pair of retail stores in Baton Rouge under the name The Grill Store & More, as well as a New Orleans location. The company has been growing steadily ever since. Revenue grew by 31.6% in 2010, to $25 million. Tisdale says the company is retaining all of its current warehouse and administrative offices in the area.
Tisdale says the e-commerce business decided to open a retail store to better serve local customers, as well as to provide its sales staff face-to-face sales experience and enhance product familiarity. Local delivery and installation will be offered by the store, he adds. —Steve Sanoski
