Business Notebook: Stereo One ends car audio, mobile electronics division

A longtime local dealer of car stereo equipment and electronics in Cape Girardeau is shifting its business focus, according to a release from Stereo One Inc.

Stereo One will stop selling car audio mobile electronics at the end of the year, said owner John Selby in a news release. The business has sold vehicle-related equipment for 34 years, and will continue providing support for its mobile electronics customers through January. Stereo One in Carbondale, Illinois, will pick up service and support for Cape Girardeau customers' in-warranty mobile electronics purchases after that time.

Stereo One is developing a new business plan while the building, at 345 S. Kingshighway, is undergoing major renovations. The renovated building, according to the release, will include leasing a significant portion of the space to a complimentary business that has not yet been announced. A new initiative for the business is expected to be launched in April and may include a name change. Selby said in the release "the new initiative will focus on products and services that are underserved or nonexistent at our competition. Any area where we feel we can add value to the customer experience is under consideration. This will probably include some surprises."

Stereo One's home audio/video division remains open with full service and support staff, including repairs.

The business was offering discounts on car audio and mobile electronics over the weekend and plans a Jan. 5 auction to sell excess inventory, fixtures, office equipment and other assets to free up space for the new initiative, according to the release.

Cape, Jackson chambers set events

The Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce's First Friday Coffee event will be held Friday. This month's sponsors are Bug Zero and Robinson Construction. Doors open at 7 a.m. and the program begins at 7:40 a.m. at Isle Casino Cape Girardeau's event center.

The chamber's Business After Hours event will be from 5 to 6 p.m. Jan. 20 at BG's Old Tyme Deli at 205 S. Plaza Way. Sponsors are Fabick CAT Power Systems and Sam's Club.

The Jackson chamber's Business After Hours event will be from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Jan. 13. The location will be announced later. The event sponsor is Baer and Edington.

The chamber's Business Breakfast will be at 7:30 a.m. Jan. 23 at Creative Edge. The event sponsor is the Jackson Rotary Club.

Business roundup

• The Bar, a restaurant and bar owned by Old Towne Cape Dining Co. at 1009 Themis St., Cape Girardeau, held a grand opening Friday. The location was used in the filming of "Gone Girl" in 2013.
• Walmart Neighborhood Market, 2021 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, will open Jan. 28, according to a sign posted at the store.
• Realty One Associates is planning a ribbon-cutting for a new location in January. The realty office will hold the event at 3 p.m. Jan. 30 at 120 S. Missouri St. in Jackson.

Business licenses

• First Midwest Bank, 1820 N. Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau, opened Nov. 17 and is managed by Kathy Bertrand.
• ASAP 24-hour Towing and Recovery, 1287 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, provides towing service and vehicle storage and offers sales of used auto parts. Joshua Petry is listed as the owner. An anticipated opening date is Thursday.
• Moonwalkers Rental, 522 Good Hope St., Cape Girardeau, offers rentals of inflatable play centers for private parties. Deborah Michel is listed as the owner; an anticipated opening date was Dec. 13.
• Milk & Honey Cafe, 229 S. Broadview St., Cape Girardeau, is a restaurant serving lunch and dinner. Svetlana Franchuk is listed as the owner; an anticipated opening date was Dec. 10.

eragan@semissourian.com

388-3632