"Machida Denki" on Senzoku-dori Turns 50 — The Neighborhood Electronics Shop That Looks After You Even After You Buy

"Machida Denki," located in the Senzoku-dori shopping street, is a local electronics shop with half a century of history. It was founded in Minowa in 1974 (Showa 49) and moved to its current location in 1988 (Showa 63). The owner, Mr. Akio Machida, trained at an electronics shop in Akihabara before going independent, and built the store up in a single generation. What makes it special is that you can talk things over and choose together, and that they support you after the purchase too — with installation, repairs, and even how to use your product. Apparently quite a few customers come rushing in when they run into trouble installing something they bought online, or when it breaks down. Air conditioners are the most popular items, followed by TVs, and today the shop handles a wide range of products regardless of manufacturer. A renovation some ten-odd years ago gave the shop a Japanese feel, with a thatched-roof-style design incorporating an irori hearth and a sugidama (cedar ball). The shop also makes many house calls, and the owner says, "Whether or not we can do it comes later — please feel free to consult us first."

Source: senzokudori.com