Alta Paint & Décor has arrived in Columbia County, but not without great deliberation or serious intent.
“We are faithful people, so we said some prayers,” said Consuelo De Lima, co-owner with her husband Freddy De Lima. “It wasn’t just any decision.”
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Alta had its soft opening on July 5. The store specializes in high-tech interior and exterior paints and colors by Benjamin Moore as well as blinds and shades by Hunter Douglas.
The staff at Alta are all educated in style and color to guide any customer toward any budding design or renovation vision they may have.
“We’re very knowledgeable on what makes a house look like a house,” said Chad Chenoweth, assistant manager. “We know what we need to know to make sure the customer is very happy on the color that they choose.”
The color choice is vast, varied and designed to be long-lasting. The people of Evans seem to be slowly but surely acclimating to what Alta has to offer with their own distinctive tastes, particularly for residential jobs.
“Eggshell sheen is extremely popular. Off-whites and grays and beiges are go-to colors right now,” said Will Long, sales associate. “There’s definitely some trends with colors that have been interesting to notice since I started working here.”
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The De Limas were experienced and knowledgeable about the business of paints and how to sell the highest quality. Before leaving Oregon to set up shop, however, they have to discern an ideal locale for their business to flourish. Research ultimately led them to Evans.
“One of the reasons we chose this location is because it’s central,” said Freddy De Lima, referring to the Center At Evans shopping center across from Walmart and its heavy traffic. “The location was so important for us. That’s what brought us over here.”
Alta Paint and Decor sells Benjamin Moore paint. Staff photo by Skyler Q. Andrews Alta Paint and Decor offers a selection of tools required for painting. Staff photo by Skyler Q. Andrews
What has already begun to distinguish Alta in the area is its offering of advanced, high-end paints with congenial, personalized customer service.
“Our primary goal is to make the customers feel welcome,” said Consuelo De Lima. “We all strive to talk to the customers regarding their needs; we want to be their friends. We know them by name.”
She notes that part of that tailored assistance is offering bilingual service.
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“The Hispanic community has been appreciative,” she said. “Many of the contractors that come here speak Spanish.”
The De Lima’s business adventure in Evans, starting a new store in a new area with a product with such a valued name as Benjamin Moore, is all part and parcel of a larger endeavor to build mutually beneficial relationships.
Flooring at Alta Paint and Decor. Staff photo by Skyler Q. Andrews Alta Paint and Decor sells HunterDouglas blinds. Staff photo by Skyler Q. Andrews
“We just wanted to make something to impact the community,” said Consuelo De Lima. “We feel like the brand new kid on the block, trying to get to know the other kids in the school. They don’t know you just yet. But then, you kind of show your true colors. We’re just in the process.”
Alta Paint & Décor will have its grand opening on Aug. 31. Located at 4467 Washington Rd., it’s open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
For more information visit its website at altapaintdecor.com, its Facebook page at facebook.com/altapaintdecor or call (706) 600-6500.
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter covering Columbia County with The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
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