(Joplin, MO) – Metro Appliances & More, a pioneer in the appliance industry, proudly celebrates its 50th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its journey, starting as a small garage operation and growing to the largest company of its kind in the United States.
Founded in 1972 by Nick Stavros, who immigrated from Greece at the age of 13, Metro Appliances & More originated with a vision to provide quality appliances to home builders. Starting as a one-man operation, Stavros negotiated with vendors and purchased the first wholesale shipment of appliances, initially operating from his garage. In 1974, alongside his wife, Jane, he opened the first showroom under the name Metro Builders Supply Inc. at 9410 E. 54th St. in Tulsa, Oklahoma, focusing on direct sales to builders. The company has since expanded to sales directly to the public while maintaining a builder focus.
Since opening in 1974, Metro Appliances & More has grown and expanded its footprint, opening showrooms and new locations across the Midwest:
- 1986: Showroom opened in Rogers, Arkansas.
- 1987: Showroom opened in Oklahoma City. It has been located at 7400 W. Reno Ave. since 1992.
- 1989: A store opened in Joplin, Missouri. As of 2023, that store is located on Range Line Rd.
- 1990: Opened a location in Little Rock on Scott Hamilton Blvd. Today located at 8800 Maumelle Blvd.
- 1992: Opened the first Springfield, Missouri store. Today, that store is located on North Glenstone.
- 2003: A location opened in Wichita, Kansas, today located on Hillside Drive.
- 2003: A location opened in Edmond, Oklahoma, as Metro Appliances & More. It was rebranded to Hahn Appliance in 2019.
- 2010: A location opened in Jonesboro, Arkansas on E. Parker Rd.
- 2018: Acquisition of Hahn Appliance.
- 2023: Second Metro Appliances & More location opened in Little Rock on Chenal Parkway.
In Joplin, Metro Appliances & More has been a longstanding partner in the city’s home development since its inception in 1989. From its humble beginnings in a 1,500-square-foot location on Illinois St., Metro Appliances & More quickly responded to the community’s needs by relocating to a larger, 4,000-square-foot building on 4th St. in 1991. Recognizing the growth and potential of the area, the company built a dedicated showroom on N. Main in 1992. The recent opening of a new showroom on Range Line Rd in 2023 further solidifies Metro Appliances & More’s commitment to serving the Joplin community with top-quality appliances and exceptional service. The company’s journey in Joplin is a testament to its adaptability and enduring connection with the community.
Notably, in 2001, founders Nick and Jane Stavros sold the company to its employees, transitioning into an employee-owned enterprise. In 2010, the company rebranded to Metro Appliances & More to better reflect its diverse product range for retail and builder customer segments.
Currently led by co-Presidents Doug Howell and Todd Krauser, Metro Appliances & More employs over 650 individuals across its nine locations, with an additional four locations under the Hahn Appliance brand. The company boasts 50 years of industry expertise, offering 70 brands of appliances, free local delivery, and 12-month no-interest financing.
As Metro Appliances & More celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2024, the company remains committed to providing top-quality appliances to customers, new construction, and multi-family developments nationwide, solidifying its position as a leader in the industry.
About Metro Appliances & More
Metro Appliances & More is a leading provider of home appliances, serving builders and consumers with a wide range of products for 50 years. With a commitment to quality, service, and innovation, Metro Appliances & More has grown into the largest company of its kind in the United States, operating 13 stores and providing elite name brand appliances to individuals and builders across the nation.
Reference:
Judy Bilyeu, Corporate Marketing Director
Metro Appliances & More
417.844.6532
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