Brenda’s Vac Shop

I have wanted a new vacuum for years, during which time i did a lot * A LOT ! * of research on what is available, repair records, peripherals, operating expenses, and initial costs. I made a list of features that i wanted to stay focused on, and then i reached out to online vendors for advice and pricing.
I also am very keen on supporting the small, local, independent businesses that are struggling to stay afloat in this day and age of unseen competition and BigBoxBaloney. I kept seeing good reviews on Brenda’s Vac Shop in various online venues, and i studied the simple website. when i finally decided that my old vacuum was more just not giving me what i wanted, i put data in hand and went to Brenda’s. Now, the West Chester store is nearer, but when i called and said i wanted to see & try vacuums, Anita there steered me right by telling me that there is more inventory in the Thorndale store. It was a nice day for a ride.
The shop is modest, no glitz. It looks like it is pretty much divided into a small repair and service area and about 200 sq ft of space where models are displayed and business is transacted.
There was absolutely no pressure. Brenda’s is family owned and operated, in business since 1937. They do not carry most of the the big-​box low end appliances. In fact, the vacuums i was looking at are made primarily of metal, so pretty and solid :-)
The walls are covered in neatly pegged vacuum accessories and those floors are there for you to try out the vacuums on a variety of surfaces. Brenda’s husband, (who has retired more than once but keeps coming back to work) listened to my list and showed me several options that met my criteria. I gulped, but i knew already that Miele and Sebo were not cheap. I was given information in a no-​nonsense manner and then Brenda finished up with another customer she came over to give me some specifics about using the tools and features. I asked her about the ongoing costs of bags and filters and she gave me answers that confirmed what i had found online. She did not polish any information and was the complete opposite of a slick salesperson. I really appreciated the honesty, and their forthcoming approach to me as a customer.
I got a Miele Callisto because i have a variety of flooring from hand-​waxed oak, ceramic tile, porcelain, area rugs, throw rugs and wall-​to-​wall, and the Callisto has a button on the handle that turns off the beater bar. .. . my floors will get the TLC they deserve, and my back gets a real break. There is a $ 30 coupon on the website so i was able to get the Callisto at a better price than i had seen online, and i got to shake someone’s hand and take it home with me.
I was only there for about 45 minutes and three people came in to pick up repairs on their Panasonic and Hoovers. .. . been there, done that. .. . but, they were happy with the repairs and costs. A good shop is hard to find these days.
Well, i love the new machine and am happy to report a good business transaction!
Thorndale hours are same as West Chester below, only they are open until 6PM Monday, Thursday & Friday. how convenient!
The West Chester store is located at
135 East Market Street
West Chester, PA 19 382
Phone: (610) 696‑6464
M-​F 8:30AM — 5:00PM Saturday:
8:30AM — 1:00PM