Building up

Home Depot store manager Chuck Sullick knows that in order for a business to succeed, it has to operate like a well-oiled machine.

And if that’s the case, The Home Depot is certainly the place to find the tools.

Officially opening its doors last week, the home-improvement store and BJ’s Wholesale Club unofficially will serve as the welcoming committee for other businesses flocking to the new Quartermaster Plaza, 23rd Street and Oregon Avenue.

Both retailers are hoping to lure customers through special events and prices that will, according to each of the stores’ managers, put their competitors to shame.

While both stores are still in the hiring process, they plan to collectively bring 400 new jobs to the area.

"The thing I am most proud of are my employees," said Sullick. "They are constantly being developed every day, and if I take care of them, they will take care of our customers."

In addition, the store will reach out to the public by hosting numerous workshops and events, the manager said.

Children’s workshops will be held the first Saturday of every month, offering instruction in crafting such items as birdhouses, toolboxes and racecars. The programs are free and can last from one to four hours.

"Kids’ workshops are really important for Home Depot," said Sullick. "Children are the future of this community."

Free how-to clinics and workshops are held for adults yearning to be do-it-yourselfers.

Customers not ready to play Bob Vila just yet may seek out company consultants to make house calls and provide free estimates on such projects as window or siding installation.

A toll-free hotline is also available 24 hours a day, should a customer have an issue with one of the 40,000 products the store offers.

"Someone will always be available to service our customers," said Sullick.

The store will feature special sales during its opening month, when certain items will be buy one, get one free.

The retailer also offers "the largest garden center in the city of Philadelphia" with 31,000 square feet of building space, the manager noted.

Of course, most South Philly residents are familiar with The Home Depot from the existing location at 1601 S. Columbus Blvd. The manager of that store said there are no plans to close now that a second site has opened in the area.

On Sept. 23, the Quartermaster Plaza store will host the "Philly Hard Hat Games," an event that will feature competitions in a variety of construction trades.

Registered participants are eligible to win the grand prize, which is a vacation for two, including airfare.

Radio station WMMR is co-hosting the event, and employees of the station are expected to attend.

The Home Depot’s competitor, Lowe’s, is opening a store near the new IKEA on Columbus Boulevard.

Offering its customers discounted prices minus the glam of local department or grocery stores, BJ’s Wholesale Club also is open for business.

Its "no-frills" environment, which includes cement floors and open-beamed ceilings, is intended to keep prices low.

"The value we deliver when compared to our competitors in the area is in our packaging," said general manager Gary Sutton. "It’s much bigger, and you really get a bigger bang for your buck in that regard."

While the store might be known for selling some of its products in bulk, the company also stresses its wide range of other items, such as electronics, appliances, apparel and accessories.

BJ’s celebrated its grand opening Saturday with a Mummers band, magicians and balloonists. It served as an introduction for the area’s first membership club for businesses and individuals.

The annual fee is $40; customers who try out the club with a one-day pass pay a 5-percent surcharge.

"It wasn’t a big deal to pay the membership fee," said first-time customer James Monroe.

Another local consumer found the club overrated.

"The prices are reasonable, but not terrific," said Pauline Shephard. "They’re a wholesale club, but they don’t have wholesale prices."

More shoppers are sure to form their own opinions while checking out BJ’s, The Home Depot and other retailers opening in the Quartermaster Plaza, including Staples, Petsmart, Walgreens, Fleet Bank and apparel retailer A.J. Wright.