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SHOPPING FANATIC
Walk into a store called The Light Bulb Source and you pretty much know what you're getting into. We're talking bulbs of various wattages. Flashlights. Halogen bulbs in dozens of flavors. Shelf lights. Light fixtures. Chandelier lights. Energy-efficient bulbs. Lamps. Heat lamps. Party bulbs. Reflector lights. Track lighting. Fluorescent tubes of various lengths. Black lights. Frosted lights. Desk lamps. Decorative lights. Metal halide lamps. Bright future for
Light Bulb SourceAnd more. The store just celebrated its 14th anniversary sale (mention this article and get half off their best-selling "torchiere" lamp) and has managed to stay lit during the '90s recession.
"Business has begun to get better," said manager Shawn Kahawai. "Since we specialize -- we're 95 percent light bulbs -- we can stay ahead of the technology changes."
One of the best-selling items is new tech; a spring-shaped fluorescent bulb that screws into a regular light socket. "It saves 75 percent of the energy needed to light it, and lasts for years," said Kahawai. The bulbs cost between $13.99 and $18.99 and are generally placed in fixtures that are continually lit or hard to get to.
The original local owner sold the store within a year of its debut to All-Around Lighting, a mainland lighting wholesaler. Some of the employees, like Gary Chang and George Takenaka, have been there all 14 years. Most of the business is commercial, and discounts are offered for bulk orders.
The Light Bulb Source is located at 535 Ward Avenue and is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. Call 596-2214.
Burl Burlingame, Star-Bulletin Shopping Fanatic is a Thursday feature dedicated to the pursuit of shopping finds beyond the big mall.
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