Paint Store Moves Into Former Blockbuster Space

Painters Edge is locating a retail paint store at 1041 Farmington Avenue, Berlin. This startup architectural paint store has roots stemming from a family owned company named Albert Kemperle Inc., an automotive coatings distributer in business since 1940.

“Finding a suitable location wasn’t easy. Our initial choice was the old Albert Kemperle location at 32 Chamberlain Highway, Kensington, but because of standing tenant agreements this wasn’t allowed," said Scott Kunic, Specialty Coatings Manager, Albert Kemmerle Inc.. "We then started looking at the West Hartford and Avon area and found two vacant stores that could work but that just didn’t feel right.

"Later that week I was driving down Farmington Ave with our store manager looking to pick up lunch at Kensington Market, we saw the old Blockbuster building sitting empty. That was all it took, one quick look from outside of the building, a call to the property manager, and we knew we found a home. The Berlin-Kensington area has everything that we are seeking for our first store and more. After driving around the various neighborhoods old and new, one fact stood out, these folks take care of their homes.

"All of us here at Painters Edge are proud to be part of the Berlin community and look forward to sharing our more than 70 years of paint knowledge and superior coatings lineup with everyone. Whether you need paint and sundries for your home, business or something from our deep industrial lines we will be here to service you. Please stop by to say hello and browse our selection of fine paint and painting tools and ask about our home/business delivery service."

Mayor Adam Salina said the new business is yet another sign of Berlin's economic development.

"I am delighted that Painters Edge has chosen Berlin as the location for their first retail paint store targeted at the non-automotive market," Berlin Mayor Adam Salina said about the project. "They have filled a prominent building located between Volunteer Park and CVS are will aid the continued renaissance of the Farmington Avenue corridor.

"Farmington Avenue is certainly on the upswing with public investments in the Train Station area and Veterans Park, and business additions including Liberty Bank and Farmington Savings Bank, and the soon to be completed Eye Care Center of Dr. Mary Gina Ratchford. I wish Painter's Edge great success with their new venture."