Don Simpson is getting a lot more visitors these days.
Amid the economic downturn and troubles in the banking sector, people are visiting Simpson at his safe store in Chino Valley, kicking the tires on a safe that will protect their valuables.
Simpson, owner of The Arizona Safe Keeper, says consumers are more conscious about safes as unemployment soars and a possible increase in crime.
"My average customer doesn't just buy one for his guns," he said.
Even though he has a nice selection of large gun safes, Simpson said people are buying them and placing important belongings such as jewelry, laptop computers and tax records inside them.
People are pulling their keepsakes out of their branch banks in favor of storing them safely at home.
"They have gotten rid of their safe deposit box," he said. "They'd rather keep those items at home in a good rated heat safe, (and) they are better off."
Safe manufactures are reporting sales spikes.
Industry safe maker Champion Safe Co. recently reported in its most recent newsletter that sales are up 5 percent to 20 percent, especially in the Midwest, Southeast and Northwest.
Loretta Nichols estimates her safe sales are up around 25 percent as people want to keep their personal belonging within their reach.
Nichols, owner of Prescott Lock & Safe, says she sold three of them right around Christmas Day.
That means Nichol's showroom now has three safes when she used to have eight to 10.
"In fact, I'm so low on them right now, it's ridiculous," she said. "I've sold more lately than I normally do."
Nichols believes the economy is at least partially driving safe sales.
But Nichols says it's also about convenience for people.
"They just figure if they have a safe, they can have them (valuables) at home," she said. "They want to wear it and they forget to go get it and by the time they want it the bank has closed and they can't get it, so it becomes a matter of convenience."
When selecting a safe, Simpson recommends that people choose one that they can grow into.
"Always allow yourself more space than what you need at this time," he said.
Other factors Simpson suggests people look at are the heat ratings, warranty information and locking mechanisms.
For information, call Simpson at 636-7233 or Nichols at 445-8349.
Reader Comments
Posted: Saturday, January 10, 2009
Article comment by:
Dumb and dumber.
Yep. That's the ticket. Get out thar quick and buy yerself a home safe. And take what's left of yer money and yer important papers and get yer jewels out of the safe deposit box at the bank and stow them with yer guns safely at home. Then throw away your shoes, marry your sister,and dance to the theme from Deliverance.
