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Feature Story : Erb's Stove Center
Erb’s Stove Center offers year round warmth By Joanne Lehman Since moving into their new store in 2007, Erb’s Stove Center has increased its customer base. The company offers a wider variety of products than previously and is eager to serve visitors to the area in whatever way possible and continue to serve the locals and visitors. Stoves, fireplaces and grills are their main products; they also offer non-electric kitchen appliances, outdoor play equipment and lawn furniture. This year marks the 26th anniversary of the business started by Edward Erb. His son, Duane, now manages the 5,600-foot retail space located off State Route 39 east of Berlin- the third location for this family-owned business. The spacious interior has many focal points, since nearly every exterior wall- and some interior ones- are backdrops for interesting fireplace designs. Erb’s works with local stone masons, woodworkers and other artisans to create fireplaces that will blend with any home décor. Customers like the option of selecting wood finishes to match new or existing trim in their homes. “We build our own mantels in our own shop,” said Erb. “We have a lot of control over the finished product. If a customer brings us a picture, but wants a different color or wood, we can do that. “Our goal is to try to give ideas to the customer- we don’t do major design drawing but work with those creating the plans to provide materials, information and education. We show approximately 50 burning display units in our store. On any given day in winter we might have about six of these burning.” Customers will find fireplaces in the store that burn gas or electric logs, as well as wood. Stoves they offer burn wood, pellets and gas. Erb said pellets are made of extruded sawdust and sold in 40-pound bags. Pellet mills closest to this area are located in Circleville and western Pennsylvania. “Pellets are all natural and contain no additives. They are more efficient than wood and cost less than purchased firewood. The disadvantage is that they rely on a power source, so if the electricity goes off, the heater won’t work. This summer, Erb’s Stove Center will have a new outdoor room where customers can relax. Erb plans to add a cedar pergola and furnish it with weatherproof, maintenance-free outdoor furniture. “I want it to feel like you are at home in your backyard,” said Erb. As with his fireplace and stove business, the company will not do major design work but will offer the option of working with landscapers and other professionals to create the outdoor area the customer has in mind. Many of their allied companies will travel to surrounding counties and cities if necessary. Erb’s Stove Center is a member of the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association (HPBA). Manufacturers from this organization will help with design and construction of on-site outdoor rooms. Erb wants out of town visitors to feel comfortable dropping by to spend time relaxing in the new outdoor structure. “I hope they can feel like this is a warm place to go- something intriguing to stop and see,” said Erb. Erb’s is located 1.5 miles east of Berlin on State Route 39. The showroom is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The center can also be reached by calling, 330-893-3903. |
Address: 4100 State Route 39 Millersburg, OH 44654 330-893-3903 Visit Us: M-Sat, 9-5
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