Customer service is Job One at RenTown

    HOULTON – For the last 22 years, RenTown, doing business as Stew’s Downtown Sight & Sound, has been both selling and renting electronics, computers, appliances and furniture to customers in Aroostook County. In Houlton, RenTown has been in business for 14 years.
    Customer service has always been number one, said Stewart Libby, who owns the business with his wife, Cissy.
    “Customer service IS my business,” said Libby. “That’s one of the things that makes us different from the large retailers.
    “We take the time to ask the right questions that will assure that our customer gets the proper product for his/her needs,” he said. “Plus we will be there after the sale for information, upgrades and technical support.”
    While some similar businesses have come and gone, Libby points out that Stew’s Downtown Sight & Sound is nearing 23 years in business.
    “In 1996, we opened a store on North Street in Houlton called RenTown, which except for Radio Shack, offers the same products and services including a larger section of furniture,” said Libby.
    “We’re local people,” he said, “here today and here tomorrow, and we’re ready to help.”
    With eight full- and two part-time employees, Libby said his secret to staying in business in the Star City is “finding a niche, or market, not served by other businesses.”
    “Being aware of changes in the market and reflecting those changes in products and services offered is also key,” said Libby. “We make sure that our customers are getting the ‘right’ product for their particular need, but more than all this, is showing concern for each customer.”
    Libby reminds present and future patrons that Stew’s Downtown Sight & Sound “sells every product that we rent or rent-to-own.” The business is also home to a Radio Shack store.
    As a way to further meet customers’ needs, Libby said the business is selling and installing digital satellite systems DISH Network and Directv to “give the county a competitive value in TV programming.”
    Located at 62 North St. in Houlton, RenTown is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. For more information, drop in or call 532-6900.