Indianapolis – One year after announcing plans for an 11-store outpost in the Peach State, plus a distribution center to supply them, H.H. Gregg made its first foray outside its Midwest operating area earlier this month by opening its first five stores in the Atlanta market.
The expansion represents a continuation of an aggressive growth strategy that has swelled Gregg’s store count from 18 to 51 over the past six years. The company’s grand designs also compelled the $500 million brown and white goods independent to end its 10-year membership in the NATM Buying Corp. last September in anticipation of territorial overlaps with other NATM dealers – most notably BrandsMart U.S.A., which is also planning an Atlanta presence.
Gregg’s Atlanta units fill a specialty CE and majap store void left by the demise of Roberds, a fellow former NATM dealer that succumbed to its growth-fueled debt load. By contrast, Gregg has not assumed any debt to fund the expansion, president/COO Dennis May told TWICE last year.
The new stores, which boast the largest selection of appliances and electronics in the area, feature fully-functional washers, dryers, dishwashers and ranges on the sales floor, which is a first for Gregg and is said to be unique for the industry.
