Hali-Spechts Plans National Lighting Chain

Hali-Spechts Inc. of Los Angeles, one of the Southland’s largest retail lighting firms, said Tuesday that it plans to expand into a national chain.

In an industry of mostly mom and pop stores, Hali-Spechts said it plans to license the use of its name to at least six stores within the next year and expand over the next five years into what would be the country’s first national retail lighting chain, said Alan Specht, president and chief executive of the firm.

The object is to increase market share. “Not to expand means sitting still,” said Specht, “I’ve never wanted to be No. 2.” With 21 stores mostly in Los Angeles and Orange counties, the privately held company has the most outlets locally but is believed to rank second in sales volume to Lamps Plus, a Chatsworth-based operator of 18 stores.

“We’d like to go national within the next five years,” said Specht. “At least, that’s what our five-year plan says.” Under the growth plan, the company would not only open in new locations, but also offer some of its current locations to licensees. It would then follow with a franchising program--with closer corporate control--over the next two years, Specht said.

Executives at Lamps Plus said they were surprised at the move by the competition. Growth by licensing or franchising “has never even crossed our minds,” said Jerry Bass, vice president of finance. All of Lamps Plus growth has been financed from within the company. “Lamps have always been more of a mom and pop type of business,” Bass said.

Indeed, Hali-Spechts was founded in 1947 in Los Angeles by Specht’s father, Jack, and it did not add a second unit until 1960. Said Specht: “It’s time for this company to take a step--and we’re taking it.”