Maruszczak Appliances 7809 W. Lincoln Highway, Schererville, (219) 865-0555

Owners: Doug and Pam Maruszczak

When opened: In business for 21 years in Munster, moved to current location May 5, 2008

Number of employees: 26

Type of business: Appliance store

Fresh facts: For 21 years, Doug and Pam Maruszczak ran a successful appliance store in Munster. But when the Town of Munster started planning the underpass/overpass project at 45th and Calumet Avenue, the Maruszczaks knew it was time to move.

"Because of changes along Calumet Avenue, access to our business had become more difficult in recent years," said Pam Maruszczak. "We also didn't own that building. So we decided to buy some land, design our own store and move to (U.S. 30) to make our location more convenient to the many people moving south."

Although family-owned and independent, the new appliance retail store is designed like its big box competitors, with an open feel it didn't have in the old location.

Maruszczak Appliance has its roots in service and family. Doug and Pam Maruszczak launched the business in the mid-1980s, servicing appliances out of their home. Customers then began asking if they also sold appliances, which prompted the couple to open the store in Munster. While only 20 percent of their business is service, Pam feels that is part of what sets her business apart from the large retailers.

"It is still worthwhile to offer service to people for their older appliances and on everything that is sold under warranty," she said. "If you buy something at a huge retailer and have a problem while it is under warranty, you call an 800 number. We take care of the people who buy from us. This is a very competitive business. We've seen so many places come and go. But there are people who still need service. They need delivery and installation."

But service people are becoming more difficult to find.

"It's a dying trade," Pam said. "But we've been fortunate to pick up several really good service techs who had been laid off from larger retailers."

The larger space allows the new store to display more inventory, including everything from high-end appliances such Sub Zero, Maytag and Whirlpool to a scratch-and-dent section.

"It's easy for us to accommodate every budget," Pam said. "Since we've opened, we've been doing a very nice business. We have good, loyal customers, and there are also some people who come in who have never heard of us. The new store has put more energy into everyone working here."