After 25 years, a local MA and PA family-oriented business run by Doug Patrick and Rick Ursu, is closing.
Marquis AVU will close at the end of January. Revitalized and located in a prime downtown location, the building has been sold and owner Doug Patrick says it’s time to move on to new things. A struggling economy and consumers’ changing shopping habits are also behind the decision. More people are travelling to larger communities to shop or choosing to spend their money online.
After 25 years in business, Doug and Rick thank all those who supported their local business. They estimate their location has served more than 15,000 customers over the last 25 years and credit local customer support with their longevity.
“We felt good at the end of the day when we assisted a customer and they left our store with a more personalized experience,” he said.
“It was a good, long day when we made someone happy.”
Providing good, unique, quality home and car audio, appliances and cellular services was important at Marquis AVU. So was convenient service and the team at Marquis AVU worked hard to insure customers had the right information and the best products for their customers each time they walked in.
“We didn’t sell throwaway electronics. We offered quality products that we could professionally install,” Doug added.
“We sold quality products and service that maybe cost a little bit more, but they lasted and it was worth the investment.”
Doug moved to Prince Albert from Saskatoon in the late 1980s, originally to start a car detailing business, take advantage of the many recreational opportunities in the area and start a family. Enjoying activities like skiing, hockey and motocross, the outdoor enthusiasts and their family were active in the local community.
“I wanted to have a lifestyle here and I still believe that Prince Albert is a great place to raise a family.”
Doug is also a long-time Chamber member and served as Chair of the Chamber Board of Directors from 2011 to 2012.
Doug says they are thankful to have worked with so many great staff members and customers in their time at Marquis AVU and will take away many great memories. When the business first started, the cellular and satellite market were still new industries. Doug recalls working on a Beta Test for what was known then as Star Choice to check whether the signal even could reach Prince Albert. One of the city’s first cell phone dealers, Patrick also remembers a time when the cost of a cell phone was between $2,000 and $3,000 and customers had to pay to lease the device on top of their monthly phone bill.
Doug predicts that someday local businesses will be programming SMART cars like Apple, Google and Tesla. But, that is for the next generation of entrepreneurs to look forward, prepare and enjoy, he says.
A private sale is planned for later this week to sell the remaining stock and fixtures at Marquis AVU. And, Doug will continue to work with his land development company, which is behind the Adanac Pointe development, the city’s first architecturally-coordinated neighbourhood in Prince Albert.
Marquis AVU will close at the end of January. Revitalized and located in a prime downtown location, the building has been sold and owner Doug Patrick says it’s time to move on to new things. A struggling economy and consumers’ changing shopping habits are also behind the decision. More people are travelling to larger communities to shop or choosing to spend their money online.
After 25 years in business, Doug and Rick thank all those who supported their local business. They estimate their location has served more than 15,000 customers over the last 25 years and credit local customer support with their longevity.
“We felt good at the end of the day when we assisted a customer and they left our store with a more personalized experience,” he said.
“It was a good, long day when we made someone happy.”
Providing good, unique, quality home and car audio, appliances and cellular services was important at Marquis AVU. So was convenient service and the team at Marquis AVU worked hard to insure customers had the right information and the best products for their customers each time they walked in.
“We didn’t sell throwaway electronics. We offered quality products that we could professionally install,” Doug added.
“We sold quality products and service that maybe cost a little bit more, but they lasted and it was worth the investment.”
Doug moved to Prince Albert from Saskatoon in the late 1980s, originally to start a car detailing business, take advantage of the many recreational opportunities in the area and start a family. Enjoying activities like skiing, hockey and motocross, the outdoor enthusiasts and their family were active in the local community.
“I wanted to have a lifestyle here and I still believe that Prince Albert is a great place to raise a family.”
Doug is also a long-time Chamber member and served as Chair of the Chamber Board of Directors from 2011 to 2012.
Doug says they are thankful to have worked with so many great staff members and customers in their time at Marquis AVU and will take away many great memories. When the business first started, the cellular and satellite market were still new industries. Doug recalls working on a Beta Test for what was known then as Star Choice to check whether the signal even could reach Prince Albert. One of the city’s first cell phone dealers, Patrick also remembers a time when the cost of a cell phone was between $2,000 and $3,000 and customers had to pay to lease the device on top of their monthly phone bill.
Doug predicts that someday local businesses will be programming SMART cars like Apple, Google and Tesla. But, that is for the next generation of entrepreneurs to look forward, prepare and enjoy, he says.
A private sale is planned for later this week to sell the remaining stock and fixtures at Marquis AVU. And, Doug will continue to work with his land development company, which is behind the Adanac Pointe development, the city’s first architecturally-coordinated neighbourhood in Prince Albert.
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