The fifth-generation Oregon family business delivers nearly 150 years of history, personalized service and a showroom to Central Oregon.

When Basco Appliances opened its Bend showroom in September 2025, the move represented more than just another location for the Oregon appliance retailer.

For owner Marty Cronin, it was the latest chapter in a family business. The Cronin Company began in 1878 as a saddle and harness maker and operated in that business for over 40 years before shifting to the automotive industry as it evolved. Changes in technology and consumer habits continued to drive the company’s evolution into consumer electronics and appliances.

Today, fifth-generation owner Cronin is continuing that pattern of evolution as Basco, a former client of the Cronin Company, establishes a presence in Central Oregon.

“We’ve been looking at Bend for quite a while,” Cronin said. “We decided it was time for us to put our toe in the water, so to speak.”

A Family Business Adapts Across Oregon Cities

Basco became part of the Cronin family story in the 1980s.

The appliance company had previously been a customer of the Cronins’ distribution business. After Basco closed, the Cronin family eventually revived the name and opened a roughly 15,000-square-foot showroom in Northwest Portland.

The showroom focused on displaying appliances in kitchen settings, allowing customers to see products in environments that more closely resemble how they would use them at home. That approach remains central to the company today.

As Basco considered expanding beyond Portland, Bend had been on Cronin’s radar for years because of the Cronin Company ties to the area. The company looked at several potential locations before settling on a former office building on Colorado Avenue, which was converted into a 7,500-square-foot showroom.

“We’ve been in the Bend area as a family, but not as Basco,” he said.

Bringing the Showroom Experience to Bend

For Bend interior designer Castle Larson, owner and founder of Musings Design, Basco was already a resource before the company established its presence in Bend.

Larson works primarily on residential design and said appliance decisions can shape a kitchen long before construction begins. On a new home, questions about how frequently clients cook, the size of their family, and whether they prefer induction or gas can influence the design itself.

“It’s one of the first things that I touch on in the architectural side of design,” Larson said.

Once she understands a client’s priorities and budget, Larson can take them into the showroom to explore the options.

She said the experience stands out because of the attention clients receive and the variety of products available. “Their entire experience is tailored to each person,” Larson said. “You really feel taken care of with Basco.”

On a recent new-construction project, Larson brought a client into Basco after appliances had already been tentatively selected. After working through different options, she said the clients left with selections they preferred and even saved some money.

Appliances for Different Homes and Budgets

While Basco displays premium brands and kitchen environments in its showrooms, Cronin said he doesn’t want the presentation to create the impression that the company serves only the luxury market.

“We carry everything,” he said. “Our prices and product lineup range from A to Z.”

Basco works with individual homeowners as well as designers, builders, developers and multifamily projects. Cronin said the Bend showroom cannot display every available appliance, but customers can order products beyond those on the floor.

The company’s existing Portland operation also gives the Bend location access to Basco’s larger distribution infrastructure, including a 100,000-square-foot warehouse.

For customers buying larger appliances, Cronin said the experience continues after a purchase. Basco uses three-person delivery crews because of the size and weight of many products.

“We want to make sure that we get it into the home safely and smoothly,” he said. “It’s almost like white glove service that we try to provide for customers.”

A Local Resource for Designers and Homeowners

For Larson, having that kind of resource closer to her Bend clients is particularly valuable.

She appreciates working with a family-owned company where service feels personal, something she also values as the owner of a small business.

“I like smaller operations,” Larson said. “It really is tailored to people.”

She also pointed to Basco’s thoughtful showroom approach, where clients move beyond comparison and start imagining how an appliance will function in their home.

“It’s a really pleasant experience,” Larson said. “You can tell that it’s an investment for them.”

For Cronin, the Bend showroom continues a family tradition that has endured by evolving with its customers.