While many business people verbally trash the West Virginia economy, managers of Best Buy, Marshall's, and Dick's Sporting Goods, companies that recently opened stores in Cabell County, all have great things to say about their first few weeks.
"It's great. The traffic's been decent. Business is outstanding. We're in a great (Huntington) Mall, and it's been an outstanding experience," said Dick's Sporting Goods Sales Manager J.R. Samuel. "The reception has been warm. More of our employees have stayed than we anticipated. They're happy, our customers have been great to us. It's just been outstanding."
"We are very happy," said a Best Buy manager who would only identify herself as Lisa. She also indicated that she was very happy with the output of her new workforce in West Virginia, then referred any more questions to the corporate office which did not return phone calls.
"Business has been great," said Marshall's Manager Tammy Woodrum, "And the employees have been wonderful." Woodrum then referred all questions to the corporate office, which was closed on Saturday.
The customers were happy to talk to the press, and are glad to have the new stores.
"I get a sporting goods store and an electronics store," said Matt McComas, of Salt Rock. "My wife gets Marshall's. It saves a long drive to Southridge and they're all within a mile."
Matt's wife, Linda, adds, "The only problem is getting all the stuff into my new Bug. I need a SUV to get it all home.'
"When Sun folded a few years ago," said Larry Elkins, of Huntington, "We didn't have many alternatives. Yes, we can order from the Internet, but you can't hear the sound of a speaker that way, or see a TV's picture. Now with Best Buy and Circuit City at the same mall, I can play with the toys and not have to drive all over town."
Both Marshall's and Dick's already had stores in Southridge, as does Target, which opens at Merritt's Creek next month. This is Best Buy's first venture into West Virginia. The company also has plans to open a store in Southridge.