Archive for the ‘Events’ Category

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Happy to provide the award-winnning assist, twice

December 5, 2011

The people behind the Parade of Homes (the Builders Association of the Twin Cities) awarded 14 of the best homes on the tour with the coveted Reggie Award, as chosen by peers and the members of the public.

Because of our help with two of those projects, we’ve got a Trillium Award for each hand (in case one gets jealous).

Carla Warner, VP/Director of Sales; Bob Rohweder, Contract Sales Representative

Carla Warner, VP/Director of Sales; Bob Rohweder, Contract Sales Representative

We’re so proud to be involved in these award-winning projects and honored to be recognized. Thanks to all involved!

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Posted in About Warners' Stellian, Best, Events | Comments Off

Happy Plaid Friday!

November 24, 2011

I’m not going to judge anyone for camping out to shed plasma for a flat screen TV today, but I’d like to think the holidays are about more than just “stuff.”

Remember when holiday shopping was leisurely and fun, and shops and gifts were unique and thoughtful? That’s the idea of Plaid Friday, a movement started on the West Coast to celebrate the diversity and creativity of independent businesses.

Plaid Friday is the fun and enjoyable alternative to the big box store “Black Friday”, and is designed to promote both local and independently owned businesses during the holidays.

Warners’ Stellian is participating in our own “Plaid Friday”-like program with other Twin Cities  independent retailers.

The Buy Local/Buy Smart Holiday Gift Guide is a selection of gift ideas from local, indie retailers. The money you spend with them recirculates an average of 3x more than the money you spend at absentee-owned national chains.

Plus, the shopping experience and products is usually much better.

Use your American Express card at a local, independent business on Small Business Saturday (Nov. 26) for a $25 statement credit.

As a local (family-owned!) business, Warners’ Stellian is proud to support our community, source our business needs from other local businesses and pay our employees who live and shop nearby.

Posted in About Warners' Stellian, Budget-wise, Events | 2 Comments »

Drop off coats for your neighbors in need

November 17, 2011

When Eric Wenzel of Cottage Grove battled cancer a couple years ago, his church provided the necessary help and prayers.

As a thank you for the support they received, Eric and his wife — Karen — decided to pay it forward and began collecting coats and other winter necessities for those in need within the community.

As a result, their organization — Coats of Kindness — collected 450 coats and $500 last year.

Again this year, you can drop off your clean, gently used coats, snowpants, hats and gloves at  Warners’ Stellian’s six Twin Cities appliance stores, in St. Paul, Minneapolis, Edina, Woodbury, Maple Grove and Apple Valley. Edina, St. Paul, Minneapolis, Apple Valley, Maple Grove, and Woodbury.

Also accepting donations are Fury Motors in South St. Paul and Lake Elmo, Wenzel Financial Service in Cottage Grove and Eric’s church, All Saints Lutheran Church in Cottage Grove.

You have till Jan. 15 to drop off your coats. Monetary donations can also be made, which will be used to purchase new coats. Contact: Coats of Kindness 7584 80th St., Suite 3, Cottage Grove, MN 55016 or by calling 651.485.9981.

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Our Extreme gratitude

November 14, 2011

Thank you to everyone who made our Fall 2011 Extreme Warehouse Sale a success.

It's always a mad rush for the pro ranges.

We had thousands through our St. Paul warehouse doors on Saturday and Sunday (we counted nearly 2,500 “shopping groups,” as people make purchases as households, not individuals most the time).

Founder Jim Warner (left) chats with current Warners' Stellian employees.

My grandpa, Jim Warner, the retired founder of Warners’ Stellian even got out on the floor to sell a few appliances again. When I asked him how many he sold, he answered, “I don’t sell, I just hand it off to someone else.”

And then, in his usual style, told us one man pointed at a product and asked, “What’s this thing?” And grandpa answered, “Darned if I know.” He’s hilarious, and we were all really happy to have him out to the sale.

These happy customers asked for their photo post-buying agreement.

But mostly, it’s a fun two days for our company. It’s an Extreme amount of work, but we never get so many happy customers in one place at one time.

How do we do it? See below:

Wow! Quite the deal on this one.

Make sure you find out about next year’s spring and fall sales by signing up for our email alerts.

Refrigerators from a few hundred to several thousand dollars -- and everything in between.

Thanks again. We’ll see you next year!

See even more photos on our Facebook page.

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Posted in Budget-wise, Discount appliances, Events | Comments Off

HOW TO: Shop the Warners’ Stellian Warehouse Sale 2011 like a pro

November 11, 2011

Want more? Sign up for our eClub and never miss a sale

I’m reposting this now-classic blog because hey, why reinvent the wheel? These tips remain relevant for the Warners’ Stellian Extreme Warehouse Sale 2011. Measure twice and cut once, people.

Here are some Extreme Warehouse Sale pros, lined up before the doors open.

What is it with us Midwesterners and our deal-bragging? You know: upon receiving a compliment we gloat about the gasp-worthy low price we got it for, unsolicited. Perhaps it’s because we fancy ourselves pro deal hunters.

But our Extreme Warehouse Sale 2011 this Saturday and Sunday is no Macy’s clearance rack. I’m talkin’ big-ticket items at huge discounts: you need to prepare a bit. The savings are so hot, all sales are final.

Luckily for you, I’ve compiled the secrets of the pros — tips that will prepare any appliance rookie for the big league.

Before the sale

Don't be a fool; Use this tool.

Measure your space
Don’t learn the hard way: there is no “standard” in appliance sizes. Use a measuring tape on the available space — not the existing appliance — and write down dimensions to bring to the sale.

Also — and this is HUGE — measure the width of the doorways and staircases the appliance will need to travel through. Some door frames can be removed, but it’s often that someone buys a washer only to find it doesn’t fit down her narrow basement staircase.

Know your fuel type
This might seem obvious if you’re buying a cooking appliance like a range or cooktop (is it flat, coiled or does it have grates? Duh.). But you should double-check whether you have a gas or electric hookup when buying a dryer or oven.

Consider your hinges
For example, some refrigerators on sale will be left hinge only. Wouldn’t it be terrible to find a great deal on a fridge only to get it home and not be able to open it? Also know what side you want the hinges on a front-load washer and any type of dryer, in case there’s an option.

Do some research
We’ll have more than 2,000 appliances available at the start of the sale, so have something in mind to avoid frustration. The best tip? Know what you like and don’t like about your existing model. Check out our website for more ideas on what features are important to you.

Get preapproved
You MUST pay for your purchase at the time of sale, though we certainly have financing options to help you pay. Save time by getting approved online at home. Just make sure to bring in your approval slip with your new account number for our files.

Also, even if you’re financing the purchase, you must pay the sales tax at the time of sale.

The day of the sale

744336_pick-upBring a hauling vehicle
Usually, we offer free delivery on purchases $499 and above, but this sale is anything but usual. Our warehouse is full of products, so we encourage customers to take their purchases with them the day of the sale. We’ll help you load it up and everything.

If you do choose to have it delivered, it’s $75 and you must take delivery within 14 days.

Know your schedule
We’ll arrange for delivery and any installation for built-in appliances (available for additional charges) at the time of sale. We’ll call you the day before the delivery with an AM/PM estimate and our crew can call you before they arrive if you need to meet them at your house.

warnersstellianwarehousesale

Pack a stroller
Our warehouse is a warehouse. It’s clean and safe, but it’s also big and crowded and without a play area. Strollers work well to keep small children nearby when you’re shopping the selection. We have coloring stations and movies once you get to checkout to keep meltdowns at bay.

After the sale

Receive delivery/install time estimate
You’ll receive a call with an three-hour window estimate the night before your scheduled delivery and/or install.

Apply for rebates
You could qualify for even more savings by rebate. Once you receive your product, you can fill in the serial number (the delivery crew can help you locate this) on your rebate forms and submit them promptly, as they expire.

1139528_communicate_4Don’t waste your investment because you lack product knowledge.

Read your manual
Knowing your new product can help you save time and improve the quality of your cooking and cleaning. Stow it somewhere memorable to refer to for troubleshooting and general operation questions.

Don’t ignore accessories
If you get a dishwasher, buy rinse aid to help dry your dishes. If you buy a smooth-top electric range, you’ll want cooktop cleaner to keep it looking new. Your refrigerator water filter will need to be replaced every six to 12 months. And please, for the sake of your breathing, don’t overstuff your vacuum bags!

Visit my blog
I attack the FAQs plaguing our industry. Hard-hitting issues like, Troubleshoot (almost) any dishwasher problems and HOW TO: change a refrigerator water filter. It’s also an easy way to reach me if you need help. Plus, you’ll be the first to know about the next Extreme Sale!

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Posted in Budget-wise, Discount appliances, Events | Comments Off

Appliance warehouse sale this weekend only

November 7, 2011

I’m plotting the semiannual cleaning of my office, which only predicts one thing: Extreme Warehouse Sale.

This weekend marks a rare two-day window during which hundreds of appliances are priced at or below our cost.

But in total we’ll have thousands of deeply discounted appliance — in every category — marked down because they’re closeout models, floor models, scratch and dent, discontinued.

All items come with a full factory warranty.  Metro area delivery is available for $75, so people should arrange to pickup their purchase within 14 days for the best savings.

Financing is available, and we can either approve you on site or you can get financing approval now.

WHEN:   Saturday, Nov. 12 from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.  Sunday, Nov. 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WHERE:    Warners’ Stellian Warehouse.  550 Atwater Circle, one mile north of I-94 on Dale Street at Topping Street, St. Paul.

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Homes By Architects Tour — Sept. 17-18

September 14, 2011

Architect Jean Rehkamp and Carla Warner check out a kitchen on the Homes By Architects Tour.

So, you’ve heard of the Parade of Homes, but this weekend visit a select group of homes in Minnesota designed with all the thoughtfulness and beauty an architect can lend.

Now in its third year, the Homes By Architects Tour runs Saturday, Sept. 17 and Sunday, Sept. 18 from 10-5.

Want a sneak peak?

Carla Warner previewed Home #6 in Edina with architect Jean Rehkamp of Rehkamp Larson Architects about integrated appliances (streamlining the look of appliances into your kitchen cabinets).

And in case you missed it, a couple months ago, I visited with the owners of  Home #11 in Grant and learned how a perfect kitchen is created for the Homes By Architects blog.

>> Read “For the Love of Appliances”

Dana Wheelock photo

I was jealous of their setup, to say the least. It’s a must see!

Since Warners’ Stellian is featured in several of the homes (also #7 and #10), we’re sponsoring the tour.

Buy tickets online through Friday or at the door at any house Saturday and Sunday.

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Posted in Appliance Design, Design, Events, Kitchen Design | 2 Comments »

Limited spots available for our upcoming canning class

September 6, 2011

Coming to a pantry near you. Actually, it could be your pantry, which is really nearby.

Warners’ Stellian Appliance has jumped on the homemaker-trend bandwagon by offering our very own canning class.

Partly inspired by our beautiful, functional kitchen vignettes and partly motivated by my desire to pickle, I managed to wrangle master food preserver Liz McMann of Mississippi Markets Co-op and blog Food Snobbery Is My Hobbery into teaching a small group how to can their own Dill Pickled Green Beans.

You’ll walk away with plenty of know-how for your own food preservation efforts, and most importantly, your own jar of beans. Plus, it’s only $10 — we provide everything.

Canning class: Dill Pickled Green Beans
Saturday, Sept. 24
1-2:30(ish) p.m.
Warners’ Stellian-St. Paul, 1711 N. Snelling Ave. (more location details)

Want in? RSVP to me (Julie) at jawarner at warnersstellian.com. Hurry! Spots are limited to 10.

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Posted in About Warners' Stellian, cooking, Events, HOW TO | 1 Comment »

Common Cottage Eco Experience at the Minnesota State Fair

August 25, 2011

Again this year, Warners’ Stellian appliances among other eco-friendly home ideas in the Eco Experience Common Cottage exhibit at the Minnesota State Fair.

Sure the house has a smart design and is constructed from reused and reclaimed materials, but you can also learn tips to improve the house you have: increase the energy efficiency of your home with an energy audit, incorporate composting and recycling systems, improve indoor air quality and install eco-friendly kitchen surfaces and appliances.

And if that doesn’t get you going, there are backyard chickens on the patio, covered by part of the now-defunct Metrodome roof (and a super pretty natural gas grill from Warners’ Stellian).

If you’re intersted in improving the energy efficiency of your home, you’ll be introduced to the best resources for financing your energy improvements, from loans, rebates, tax credits, or grants.

My camera ran out of batteries before I could take pictures of the STUNNING kitchen, with its blue-green colored reclaimed cabinets and recycled glass counter tops, but I can show you the smart and sexy appliances we chose to showcase this year:

Liebherr refrigerator

The architects on this project specifically requested Liebherr, and we couldn’t have agreed more. Liebherr goes beyond being super energy efficient (27% over federal standards) to become the most sustainable refrigerators; its refrigerators are manufactured in the greenest way out there. Plus, its two compressors ensure premium food preservation. Basically, your fresh (local?) foods will last way longer because the dry air from the freezer won’t disturb the humidity in the refrigerator.

Electrolux induction range

Elements on this Electrolux induction range automatically detect the presence of magnetic cookware, activate the induction field and adjust it to the exact size of the pan. This means that no energy is wasted heating anything else but the cookware holding your food. Induction is 20% more efficient than electric and 70% more efficient than gas, though it boasts the same power and responsiveness that cooks love.

Bosch dishwasher

Not only is it whisper quiet, this Bosch dishwasher uses only 2.4 gallons of water per wash; the average kitchen faucet flows about 4 to 7 gallons per minute!

LG washer/dryer combination

 

This ventless LG washer / dryer combo takes up less space and washes and dry in one appliance. Plus the washer is Energy Star rated, meaning it uses less energy and water to do its job.

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Posted in Dishwashers, Dryer, Energy Efficiency, Energy Star, Events, laundry, Product Roundup, Ranges, Refrigerator, Sustainability | 1 Comment »

Appliance Warehouse On A Stick

August 23, 2011

A sign posted in view of State Fair traffic at the edge of our flagship store's parking lot on Snelling and Larpenteur avenues, two blocks north of the Fairgrounds.

Back since Warners’ Stellian was simply Stellian in the 1950s, our appliances were warehoused at the State Fairgrounds all but two months of the year.

Many different buildings housed our refrigerators, washing machines, etc. through the decades we spent there. After a customer bought something, our guys would just drive the two blocks to the Fairgrounds, load the appliance into the truck bearing our name on its stakes, and deliver it — sometimes beating the customer to his own house, my grandpa, Jim Warner, would brag.

An earlier iteration of our delivery fleet. My grandpa retained our own trucks so we could paint our own name and logo on them to further awareness of our appliance store.

We kept overhead low enough to offer great prices. In exchange, we had to completely clear our stuff out for the State Fair and for the circus (before which my dad remembers hauling appliances out as the elephants walked in  — probably when we were in the 4-H Building).

We also shared a building with Steichen’s grocery. Still another building we used across the street lacked a toilet, so the side of the building had to do…sorry!

When we’d return all the inventory hauled from the building to our  (then) little single store in Falcon Heights, we barely had space for it, thus creating our annual State Fair Warehouse Sale (a little different from our now EXTREME Warehouse Sale!).


Finally in 1995, we built our first warehouse in the North End neighborhood of St. Paul, which we expanded a few years later and outgrew by 2004, at which time we built our current Warners’ Stellian warehouse and corporate headquarters.

Our current 150,000-square-foot warehouse is a far cry from our days dodging horse maneur in the 4-H building.

For some years now, we’ve been referring to our history there and our former annual warehouse sale with our “Savings On A Stick” promotion during the Minnesota State Fair.

“Make sure you say they were good to us,” my grandpa said, referring to the State Fairgrounds. He said being able to store our inventory so cheaply probably deserves much credit for keeping us around to today.

Sounds fair to me.

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Posted in About Warners' Stellian, Discount appliances, Events | 4 Comments »

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