Dan's Papers - May 9, 2008 - Hampton Tradition XXXVI

For the last 25 years, when it came to appliances, a tradition in the Hamptons has been to visit Bob Stevens Appliances in Westhampton Beach. Stevens and his staff are comfortably tucked into a huge showroom/warehouse that features a selection of appliances that attracts both new homeowners and seasoned homebuilders. Stevens, a veteran of the business, was born in Columbus, Ohio around the end of World War II. In 1958, when he was 14, his family relocated to Long Island. Two years later, he started selling appliances, and used saved money accrued over 21 years to open his first venture in the early '80s in Flushing, Queens. In 1983, he traveled east to Riverhead to reestablish his business and in 1986 he brought his knowledge to Westhampton Beach - and the rest is Hamptons history. In 2002 he moved to his present spacious location. Stevens said, "A well-trained quality sales force is very important to providing the customer with what he truly needs." He emphasized "needs," explaining that he doesn't try to sell what's convenient, but instead uses his complete network to allow the customer to select from over a thousand different models that he has in stock or in a warehouse. That is why the pros go to Bob Stevens Appliances - for one stop shopping to get exactly what they need.

Sitting down with Stevens in his back office, I sampled the intensity and passion he has after working in the appliance business for over 45 years. With a freshly pressed shirt, suit, tie and shined shoes, Stevens personified a meticulous businessman whose attention to detail trickles down to his staff. My first impression of the store was that I had never seen so many appliances. The range of products is amazing, some beyond your wildest dreams and others recognizable. I asked Stevens what his priciest item is - the answer is a $25,000 AGA range. He also mentioned the $14,000 Sub Zero refrigerator. Even though I currently don't have space for a washing machine or dryer, I couldn't keep my eyes off one that looked like it would fit perfectly in my small rented room.

Stevens's two sons, Robert and Danny, are also very active in keeping a personal touch on the premises at all times. Jeannie Robinson, a retail salesperson at the store, was also extremely helpful and pleasant. Her wit and charm along with her product knowledge was impressive. During my visit, I learned that many of the top-end Hamptons homes have appliances from Bob Stevens. Homeowners who have just purchased multi-million dollar homes often remodel the kitchens before moving in and send their contractors directly to Bob Stevens to get exactly what they want, and Stevens told me he stands behind all of his products.

After visiting Bob Stevens Appliances and talking with Stevens himself, many people gave me their personal Bob Stevens story. One East Hampton resident said, "I went there about 20 years ago, and everything still works."

Bob Stevens Appliances is located at Gabreski Airport on Old Riverhead Road (Route 31). Open Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 631-283-3000.