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Logan computer/internet store starts small, but aims for national franchises By
Heather Campbell
It began by selling a few computer parts out of their home, and while Jeff and Mary Limb never originally saw much past that, today, the two USU alumni say, they are ready to take their business to a national level by making franchises. Unique to Logan as both a computer store as well as an internet service provider, PC's Unlimited, 87 E.1400 North, in the Pinecrest shopping center, has been referred to as Logan's Nordstrom of K-marts when it comes to competition. According to its owner Jeff Limb, it's a place where people can find just about everything, from web hosting and design to computer repair and software programs. With the recent opening of their first franchise in Sandy, Utah, Jeff and his wife are eager to keep the ball rolling and admitted to having a couple of more franchises in the works throughout the Utah/Idaho region. Limb says they will provide the newcomers with all of the furnishings and equipment they need to set up the new store and even assist them in getting everything started. According to Limb, the new franchises will have a uniform look and offer the same products and services. While the company only advertises locally right now, national advertisements for PC's Unlimited and its franchise units are expected to run as soon as next month. Limb says his goal is to continue to provide the same smalltown service and competitive prices despite the growth of the company. "It's pretty exciting," he said, "and after doing the first one (franchise) I wish I could get a few more." As for Logan residents, they will have a certain advantage over the other PC's Unlimited stores, as this will be the central location of both the franchise as well as the shipping werehouse. All of the orders will go through the werehouse before they are shipped out to the other franchises. Logan residents will have the convenience of quick delivery time, and easy access to parts and accessories. Because of the increase in local business over the pasts few years, Limb says they also plan to move the Logan store to a new location. The new store will be triple the size of the current one and will offer more work space and an even more efficient environment. While an exact date of the move has not yet been set, Limb said the store will be at 1114 N. Main, next to the new Gart Brothers Superstore. While the franchising is at the top of the to-do list, PC's Unlimited has also taken on some other projects in an effort to make things easier for its customers. Limb says he is working on an online shopping center (www.pcu.net) , where customers will be able to order online instead of having to come into the store, and Limb says, the store has set up an Internet registry site by the name of Cool Registry (www.coolregistry.com) . Cool Registry is owned by the company and allows customers who wish to register their name online, to see what's available and what has already been taken. Cool Registry also allows them to register their name and charges a fee that, according to Limb, is considerably less than the other web registries. "The computer industry," Limb said, "is a very competitive business." He admits being one's own boss and having one's own franchise is quite an undertaking. Limb says the hours are not always regular and can sometimes mean late nights and long weekends. However, Limb said of the PC's Unlimited stores, "You can always find an area where there's a 'hole,' where there's not one around."
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