| The three DirectBuy franchises of greater Tampa | | | | groups are just an extension of that |
| — DirectBuy Pinellas County in Largo, DirectBuy | | | | philosophy.” |
| Sarasota and DirectBuy Tampa — have | | | | Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped consumers |
| developed a “Kids Zone” area in their | | | | enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, |
| respective clubs so parents can focus on the task | | | | home improvement items, entertainment and |
| at hand and kids can enjoy the DirectBuy | | | | outdoor products, and accessories, by providing |
| experience, too. | | | | an avenue to purchase directly from the |
| Though not a supervised area, the Kids Zone | | | | manufacturer. With three convenient locations in |
| features a number of things to keep school-age | | | | the area, DirectBuy offers consumers a |
| children occupied and entertained: books, puzzles | | | | comfortable, country-club setting, where they |
| and games. The Kids Zone also includes a flat | | | | finally have the financial control of buying direct. |
| screen television so children of members can | | | | For more information on DirectBuy, you can visit |
| watch TV or DVDs. | | | | or |
| “Let’s face it, most kids would rather go | | | | About DirectBuy |
| to the dentist than watch their parents shop for | | | | Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of |
| their next home improvement project. By the | | | | thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, |
| same token, it’s difficult for members with | | | | enabling them to buy directly from more than |
| children to get the most out of the experience | | | | 700 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. |
| and do the research they need to do if | | | | Buying direct enables members’ hard-earned |
| they’re concerned about the kids getting | | | | money to go much further, while having the |
| fidgety. The Kids Zone gives children of DirectBuy | | | | selection and choice not available at any retail |
| members a place to play games, watch TV or | | | | store. DirectBuy prides itself in providing excellent |
| even make new friends with other members’ | | | | member service. Access to confidential prices, |
| kids while the grown-ups have their | | | | local suppliers and unparalleled selection helps make |
| ‘fun’,” said Katherine Miller, co-owner | | | | members' dream projects a reality. It's a |
| of DirectBuy Sarasota. | | | | comfortable, country-club setting, where you |
| Creating fun things to do for children is nothing | | | | finally have the financial control of buying direct. |
| new for DirectBuy. DirectBuy franchises across | | | | There are more than 150 franchise locations |
| North America regularly donate equipment to | | | | throughout North America. |
| youth organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs, | | | | Locations of the three DirectBuy showrooms |
| YMCAs and children’s hospitals. | | | | serving greater Tampa are: DirectBuy Pinellas |
| “Because we are entrenched in the local | | | | County, 8040 Bryan Diary Road, Suite B, Largo, |
| community, we have an even greater incentive | | | | Florida, 33777, 727-471-0500; DirectBuy Tampa, |
| to make this a one-of-a-kind, unique shopping | | | | 8641 Elm Fair Boulevard, Tampa, Florida, 33610, |
| experience because many of the members are | | | | 813-740-0100; and DirectBuy Sarasota, 7246 16th |
| our friends, neighbors, even relatives,” said | | | | Street, East #108, Sarasota, Florida, 34243, |
| Miller. “The Kids Zone and donations to youth | | | | 941-487-6666. |