July 8, 2010

By Rick Winterson

A business with South Boston family roots moved from downtown six years ago to the corner of Summer and First.  Boston Appliance started as ship chandlers in World War II.  They now offer a complete range of competitively priced appliances and kitchen treatments, supported by one-to-one services.

  Businesses as well as people can come home.  Five years ago, that became true for Boston Appliance when they relocated from Broad Street in downtown Boston to 840 Summer Street in South Boston – on the corner of First Street, where it meets L.  As you can imagine, there’s a story behind this move.  But first, back to the present.

  The modern-day Boston Appliance has a flagship appliance showroom occupying several thousand square feet.  This gives them space to display numerous appliances and “kitchen treatments” attractively and effectively, side by side.  The Boston Appliance showroom is a place for you to go to generate ideas about your kitchen, whether it’s about individual appliances or complete treatments – original installations or renovations.

  The folks at Boston Appliance know the kitchen is the heart of your home.  It’s more than a place to prepare food; it’s a place for families and friends to gather.  The Boston Appliance sales associates have decades of experience to offer in helping you make the right choice.  The business is family-owned, and is dedicated to developing a one-on-one relationship with each customer.  Needless to say, their approach is low-key and supportive.  And it works.  Repeat business is more than half of Boston Appliance’s total business. 

  A trip to Boston Appliance includes details that will enhance your shopping experience.  Parking is comparatively easy in the Boston Appliance area.  The showroom spaciousness allows you to view each unit or assembly from many angles.  There’s even a small conference room where you can spread out and consider each of your options. 

  If you’re new to South Boston, you may already have a place where you bought your kitchen appliances in the past.  Go by Boston Appliance and compare.  It’s only a few minutes drive from anyplace in South Boston.  The showroom hours are 9 to 5, Monday through Friday.  If you both work, as so many of us do these days, drop in on Saturday mornings between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.  Appointments at other times can also be arranged.

  In developing a one-on-one relationship with its customers, the service at Boston Appliance is important.  That service includes delivery and disposal of the old appliance.  Boston Appliance can also refer you to competent installation technicians, if you need them.  And because they belong to an appliance cooperative with enormous purchasing power, Boston Appliance’s prices are always very competitive.

  And now for the backstory.  Boston Appliance started out as ship chandlers called Boston Ship Service, which began in 1950, but has roots going back to World War II.  Chandlers are specialized merchants, who market supplies and equipment to ships – anything from chains to marine varnish to equipment for galleys.  Gradually, Boston Ship Service specialized in ship’s appliances from their location on State Street.  When that was taken by eminent domain, they moved to Broad Street for the next 40 years and became Boston Appliance.  Since their move here, they have developed many loyal South Boston customers.

  The individual who gave this interview is Christian Jason, the great-grandson of the founder Simon Jason, who immigrated here in 1910 from Lithuania.  That’s four generations in a family-owned business – from the founder Simon Jason to James J. Jason to James Simon Jason to Christian Jason.  “Jason” is derived from a Lithuanian name (perhaps Jasonis?).  Would any of our readers know what the name Jason actually comes from?  Grandfather James J. Jason is from South Boston and is related to the Lehans, Coakleys, and Gartens.

Christian Jason, Online’s interviewee, is a family man.  He and his wife Katie recently became the parents of a three-month-old daughter, Gabrielle.