Courting Success Downtown
When it comes to business in Buffalo, there is nothing I like to hear more than when one of our own is expanding. That's why I am happy to announce that a longstanding operation like the Copy Store is outgrowing its current location and investing into a new space directly next-door. Copy Store owners, Chris (VP - left) and Fran Riordan (President - right), recently decided to take their business to the next level because they saw an opportunity to grow their products and services into a vacating storefront close-by. Their workable space is growing from 2000 sq' to 3700 sq.', but more importantly, they are in the process of orchestrated a relatively flawless transition into a brilliantly inspirational floor plan.
Fran and Chris took us on a tour of the two spaces today, and the stars must have been aligned, because after seeing the original office we were blown away by the new digs – the two were like night and day. Their former location was tight and outdated… "We called the basement (production area) the dungeon", Fran told me. "We would work long hours here, and though our products and services were top rate, the working conditions could have been better. When we saw that Sutherland's Office Furniture was moving over to Elm, we jumped at the opportunity to grow the business. The move gives us the ability to offer shipping services, a public internet workstation, and digital wide-format poster capabilities among other things."
The Copy Store was founded back in 1985, and the boys' father, Frank, purchased it in 1990. As times have changed, so has the business. "We cater heavily to the legal community," Fran said. "We also offer the basic daily services to walk-in customers. Invititions, business cards, copies... we cover the basics too." Chris chimed in that the move would allow for expanded business due to the overall layout, "We will now have a mezzanine instead of a basement. There will be an elevated production area with offices, and more room for offering services to our clients down below." The two pointed out the old-school marble staircase in the back, with a beautiful wood banister. They also motioned for us to take a look out over Court Street to see the awesome views looking onto the Liberty Building and City Hall.
We discussed Carl Paladino's proposed office building that might be built across the street, and the two expressed their excitement about Bashar Issa and The Statler building. "We're doing our part," Fran and Chris told me. "We are excited to be a part of this downtown resurgence, and we look forward to continued relations with the local business community. Scott Barry Painting is finishing up the walls and then we're going to tackle the electric." Fran, 31 years old, just had a baby girl named Brooke, and Uncle Chris, 25 years old, is excited to have the first niece in the family. A burgeoning business and a growing family at the same time? Now that's pretty cool to see.
The Copy Store is located at 53 Court Street in Buffalo. 716.847.6400
It is a real pleasure to see these guys expand. The service here is top notch and the quality can't be matched. Why go to Kinkos?!? This is just another example of small business being the backbone of our local economy. Congratulations and continued sucess to the both of you!
Love to see the continued expansion of viable retail downtown, especially when its quality people leading the way.
Its refreshing to read about companies that are growing and expanding in order to meet their clients rising demands. It's even better when that does not involve leaving the city limits. "Hats Off" to The Copy Store for making a firm committment to Buffalo's downtown resurgence. Wishing you guys the best of luck on your new venture!!
When I saw the sign for the Office Store moving to Genesee St. I did wonder what would happen to this space. Glad to see it taken care of ASAP.
An excellent and long-overdue improvement for the Copy Store, which is one of the yuckiest businesses I have ever patronized. Don't get me wrong--the staff is capable and courteous and the location is ideal. It was just the stained carpet, the chipped counter, the bleached out posters, the dreary fluorescent lighting, the poor ventilation of nasty copier fumes...
But wait!! Sutherlands is moving to Elm?? Where on Elm??
KILLER space, congrats to these two hard working guys, they deseve it I'm sure.
But why ruin the story with Carl Paladino's name? I love that word "proposed" so "old" buffalo...right up there with the proposed Bass Pro and the Proposed Peace Bridge yadda yadda yadda [btw I may be wrong, but is Paladino the one who announced "big" plans on Main? Two years later still looking at a unfinished gas station and no new housing...hmmmmmmmm.
Marce Croce also owes up a boutique hotel on Huron @ Franklin, a Chez Ami replica restaurant, and an idea for his new parking lot on Main St. next to the Arts Council. He's another one who has been making announcements for years and still we wait.
I am all for new businesses coming in and old ones expanding, BUT when do we get to see CLOTHING STORES DOWNTOWN? We have the Get Dressed for men, but what about other options. Club Wear? Work Gear for women and those who don't have to wear suites? Shoes? Purses? ......oh and most of all, I am aware of the retail stores already available at the mall and along Main St. , but they only cator to hip hopers and fat asses. I did see a cool shirt once, but they only had large and up. They looked at me like I was crazy when asking for a size small.
Sorry, I met Mark Croce.
I'm sorry I met Mark Croce too.
Some of the store owners at those Main Street shops are so ignorant. Not saying "hello", "do you need any help?". I wonder how they even survive at all with such horrible customer service skills.
And as for the Mall, my god, have you ever run into or noticed how imature the so called security guards are there? I'm thankfull, I never needed help from one of them, they seem so useless. - Talking about people walking pass them, flirting with minor aged girls, acting like fools with other ignorant people walking in. Hmmmm, can this contribute to the loss of stores and why most of us tend not to go inside anymore?
The Main Place Mall is only good for watching the crazy's yell and talk to themselfs, welfare mothers smacking thier kids around, kids screaming at each other, security guards lounging around flirting with high school girls, young thugs acting all hard to show off (to whome? don't ask me), an almost complety empty mall (now Walden Books is closing this month), out dated interior and exterior just screaming "HELLO ,1969!". If anyone was to invest or even come from far away to shop here again, will take some renovation, better security, and marketing.
Hey Buffalo Rising-- Just wanted to thank you for mentioning Scott Barry Painting in the post. We appreciate it!
For anyone interested in checking out more pictures of the Copy Store's new digs and finished paint job, they're on the SBP site, here
Hey Buffalo Rising-- Just wanted to thank you for mentioning Scott Barry Painting in the post. We appreciate it!
For anyone interested, there are more before images of the new Copy Store digs--with afters coming-- on the SBP site at http://scottbarrypainting.typepad.com