Fred’s Appliance, the largest appliance dealer in Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho, will open a new store in the Kalispell area, possibly by mid-March, general manager Troy Varness said Friday.

The location of the store is still under wraps, since the building deal is not yet complete. Fred’s will move into an existing site, but Varness said if he gave the building’s square footage, its location would be obvious.

“This is a cost-effective and smart business move for us,” Varness said. “I’ve been over there several times, it’s a great community. It’s just a great market right now.

“I’d love to be open today. It can’t happen quick enough for us, and I’m pushing as hard as I can to get it done.”

Varness said he already purchased trucks for the store and hiring has begun. He is looking for sales, delivery and warehouse employees as well as service technicians. He anticipates a staff of 10 to 12 will be needed to open the store, with more added as time goes on.

Varness said Fred’s is well known for its service and in-stock selection. Fred’s services all of the appliances it sells, which Varness said is currently lacking in the Montana appliance market.

“If we sell it to you and you have a problem, we’ll fix it with our own technicians,” he said.

Another Fred’s trademark is keeping almost everything on the showroom floor in stock.

“Appliance buying is usually not a fun event, people just want to be done with it and not have it stretched over days and days,” Varness said. “With the exception of special-order items, we try to have everything in stock so we can deliver it that day.”

Fred’s carries all major brands of appliances for every room in the house, though the stores do not carry electronics.

“We’re very involved with the building trade, from multi-family-type homes to high-end homes,” he said. “We carry all the nice exclusive brands, a lot of European brands. We really do try to be a one-stop appliance place.”

The family-run chain, founded in 1962, currently has six retail locations in Spokane; Kennewick, Wash.; and Coeur d’Alene.

It also is expanding with a new Missoula store, which Varness said will probably open a short time before the Kalispell location.

Business reporter Heidi Gaiser may be reached at 758-4439 or by email at hgaiser@dailyinterlake.com.