VINTON–Vinton Computer has outgrown its location at Woodland Square and moved to 360 East Virginia Avenue, across the road from the Vinton Famous Anthony’s.
The move will enable the computer retailer to accommodate expanding customer demand in about triple the space they had previously.
According to owner Chris Duncan, “Vinton Computer has experienced tremendous year-over-year growth since we first opened five years ago. We are thankful for the opportunity to serve our customers and are excited to expand our store footprint with this new location.”
Vinton Computer is one of two computer stores owned by Duncan. The other outlet, Brambleton Computer located at 3515 Brambleton Avenue in Roanoke, opened in 2013. Since that time, Duncan and his certified computers technicians have serviced more than 12,000 computers from customers living in Vinton, Roanoke, Salem and Smith Mountain Lake.
“Our new Vinton location is a stand-alone building that gives us the space we need to serve more people, while continuing to provide highly personalized service and fast turn-around on computer repairs,” Duncan said. “In addition, we are able to offer a larger inventory of computers and accessories to meet a full range of customer requirements and budgets.”
The store will host a grand opening event in late January, which will be open to the public.
Duncan founded Vinton Computer in 2010 with the mission to help people with all their computer needs – and make the user experience as smooth and easy as possible. Since that time, he developed the business into two thriving locations.
Both locations offer computer repair, virus and malware removal, wireless Internet set-up, password removal, and other computer troubleshooting. All makes and models of computers and tablets are serviced. Brands repaired include Apple/Mac, HP, Dell, Asus, Toshiba, Compaq, Sony, Acer, Gateway and others. In addition, new and used computers and accessories are available for sale.
Duncan has developed a reputation in the communities he serves for providing personalized attention, easy-to-understand counsel, expert technical skills, and fast turnaround. Both stores have an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau and received the Angie’s List Super Service Award.
He is well-known for keeping things basic for customers who are not computer savvy. He speaks in simple language, not “computerese.”
His business has grown rapidly since he moved out of a home office in 2010. He attracted customers at first from small advertisements on the back of Kroger grocery receipts through Register Tapes Unlimited and in newspapers. His reputation quickly spread through word of mouth and continues to grow.
Duncan originally chose to start his business in Vinton because of his wife’s connections to the town as a member of the Wood family. He believed Vinton was a close-knit community where he could grow his business which has turned out to be the case.
Duncan moves between the Brambleton and Vinton locations overseeing both. His father Keith operates the Brambleton store and has an ownership stake in that location. His brother Brian is managing Vinton Computer.
Store hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Walk-ins are welcomed and on-site repair is available by appointment. More information is available by contacting Vinton Computer at 540-904-2070.
The Vinton Computer location in Woodland Square which Duncan is vacating was next door to the Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce office.
“We are sad for Vinton Computer to move from next door to our office but very happy they are expanding and growing and staying in Vinton,” said Angie Chewning, Executive Director of the Chamber.
