Island Opening: TAL unveils the new Browne’s Home Center

In recent weeks, the Washington-based prodealer has done away with the TAL Holdings name in favor of TAL Building Centers. The name TAL itself is a nod to the company's roots and the Tum-A-Lum Lumber banner.

Blair points out that TAL Building Centers does its due diligence before acquiring a company. TAL makes sure that it's a good business with a solid reputation and is a good cultural fit with the organization.

“We bring a set of resources that were not there before,” Blair says, noting that companies under TAL’s wing receive major upgrades in regard to purchasing power, training, marketing, and human resources, among other departments.

Browne’s Home Center is the fourth TAL location that has seen a major remodel in recent years.

First acquired by TAL in 2017, the location has undergone an overhaul both physically and in its merchandising. What was once multiple retail buildings on the site has been remodeled and combined into one.

“We combined several buildings into one cohesive space, resulting in a substantial expansion of the home center,” says Katherine Cornelius, marketing director at TAL Building Centers.

The updated retail area increased from 14,000 square feet to 28,450 square feet. Included within the retail space is a forthcoming 1,500-square-foot design center and a second, mezzanine level, which will host 1,500 square feet of retail space for lifestyle clothing and workwear. 

Given there aren’t that many shopping options once on the island, Browne’s has one of the widest arrays of product categories that can be found at a home center. From hardware power tools, and pet supplies to auto care, electrical, paint, plumbing supplies, and sporting goods, it can all be found at Browne’s.

TAL’s Mount Vernon Building Center in Mount Vernon, Washington handles incoming product, which is then shipped on the ferry via truckloads. 

San Juan Island is the second-largest island in the archipelago and has a population of more than 8,600 people with Friday Harbor hosting more than 2,700 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. 

"What we are shooting for is to provide as wide an assortment as possible,” Blair says. “We need to ensure that people on the island can shop for their needs here.”

The updated location maintains a 1-acre garden center featuring a large selection of shrubs, ornamental trees, house plants, pottery, and outdoor decor.

The complete remodel took the better part of nine months and could have been completed sooner if hadn’t been for a tough labor market, according to Blair. 

This latest TAL remodel was designed by Seattle-based Graham Baba Architects. The firm has had a hand in previous TAL remodels and updates. The face of the Friday Harbor home center features vertical, sleek lines of lumber that project an image, which is both modern and purposeful.

Although the island has other retail outlets when it comes to hardware and building supplies, the new Browne’s Home Center carries the largest selection.

Additionally, the island is home to Harbor Rental and Saw Shop. TAL acquired the small engine repair and tool rental business in April, which helps complete TAL’s home improvement and pro offerings on the island.

On Sept. 15, Browne’s hosted a grand opening party attended by TAL management, associates, and contractor customers. A community celebration was held the day after.

“Because we are on the island, we have the opportunity to be different than our presence in other markets,” Blair says.