News Summary
The Vacuum Center in West Columbia has reopened just eight weeks after a lightning strike caused significant fire and water damage to their original location. Owners Mike and Peg Wilson quickly relocated to a new site nearby, receiving positive community support. Due to high customer demand, they plan to double their store size, making it the largest vacuum store in the Southeastern United States. The Vacuum Center is known for its wide range of products and exceptional customer service, further strengthened by a full-service repair department.
West Columbia – The Vacuum Center, a vacuum store with a 55-year history in West Columbia, has successfully reopened its doors just eight weeks after a devastating lightning strike severely damaged their original location. The business, formerly located at 1306 Charleston Hwy, experienced significant fire damage in May, which deemed the building a total loss.
The incident occurred while owners Mike and Peg Wilson were out of state on vacation. The lightning strike caused extensive burns to the roof and resulted in additional water damage when firefighters extinguished the blaze. Many products within the store were compromised due to the fire and subsequent rain that entered the building.
Against this backdrop of crisis, the Wilsons demonstrated resilience by quickly relocating their operations to a new location at 1505 Charleston Hwy, Suite A. This facility is only 1,000 feet from their former site and has recently completed its fourth week of operation, receiving a positive response from the community.
Given the strong customer demand, the Wilsons have signed an agreement to double the size of their store from 2,300 square feet to 4,500 square feet. This expansion will position the Vacuum Center as the largest vacuum store in the Southeastern United States.
The Vacuum Center is renowned for offering a wide range of vacuum products, including several European brands known for their durability and efficiency. Mike Wilson places a strong emphasis on personal customer service, ensuring that each customer receives tailored recommendations based on their specific needs and circumstances.
In addition to sales, the Vacuum Center features a full-service department dedicated to repairs. This allows customers to bring their vacuum products in for service rather than having to send them back to manufacturers, reducing inconvenience and improving overall customer experience. Mike Wilson has built lasting relationships with his customers over his 3.5 years of ownership, alongside his previous experience as store manager, fostering a loyal customer base.
Patrons often describe the Vacuum Center as a welcoming, family-friendly environment, reinforcing the company’s commitment to serving the community. Customers appreciate the personalized attention they receive and the expertise offered by the staff.
The Vacuum Center operates Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and remains closed on Sundays. For those interested in learning more about their product offerings and services, the public can visit VacuumCenter.com and follow the store’s Facebook page.
This remarkable recovery not only showcases the owners’ dedication and determination but also highlights the support of the West Columbia community. The Vacuum Center is poised to continue its legacy as a trusted destination for vacuum products and customer service excellence.
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- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
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The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
