Press » North Coast Electric Branches into a New Market
Lamps and Latte’s…North Coast Electric Branches into a New Market
APRIL 2005
SEATTLE, WA – When you walk into an electrical distributor in Seattle, you expect a product selection with a heavy industrial and contractor focus and electricians waiting for their will-call items. What you may not expect to see is an espresso stand. In between the Allen-Bradley push buttons and the AIW cord sets, behind the Greenlee benders you will find Sparkie’s, serving espresso drinks and fresh pastries 6am- 3pm Monday thru Friday.
Sparkie’s/North Coast Electric is the first espresso stand/electrical distributor in the Northwest, if not the United States. NCE Seattle could be considered in the middle of the coffee world, eight blocks from Starbucks corporate headquarters and about 6 blocks from Tully’s Coffee corporate headquarters. North Coast Electric Seattle has adapted to the market around them.
“Electrical distributors try all sorts of things to get customers in the door, having an espresso stand in our counter area is seen as an added bonus to our customers,” said Counter Salesmen Steve Sandell. Customer Service Manager Joy Wolff adds that “electricians and job site foremen have the option of where to take their discretionary business; getting a latte and a fresh cinnamon roll in the morning at Sparkie’s is an added bonus.”
North Coast Electric Seattle is an example of how the changing electrical distribution market has forced distributors to adapt to, and expand their customer base. Since its opening Sparkie’s has increased its customer base, from the scientists at the crime lab down the street to the construction workers building the lighting showroom.
At North Coast Electric Seattle, don’t forget your double tall half decaf extra foam non-fat vanilla latte with a side of biscotti to go with your Sylvania lamps and Fluke Voltage Tester.
