I’ve driven by Modern TV on Lake Street many times and the outside of the shop has always amazed me. It’s called Modern TV, yet the place is decorated and has signs that display a real throwback look that I find most appealing! So I decided to take a visit there and look inside and see if I can have a talk with the owner or someone who works there. And that time is right now, so let’s go and tune in to Modern TV!
Here’s the sign near Lake Avenue and there’s the store right behind it, let’s go take a look and a photo.
I love this storefront! It’s like walking back in time to the ‘70’s, let’s take a closer look at some of the signage here...
I love the “Color” and “Zenith” sign up on top of the store and the three below are classic! “Stereo, TV, VCR.” It reminds me of this website!
Let’s go in and see what’s on the channel at Modern TV!
It’s nice in here and surprise, theres lots of TV sets in here! This is Dave who’s been working here for years (I forgot to write the number down, but it’s well over 15 years!) and he told me they’ve been open in this same location since 1968. He said they exclusively sell LG TV’s and they also do TV repairs (you have to bring your set in, very few house calls are made these days.) Dave said I could take a look around and take some pictures and so that’s exactly what I’m going to do!
As you can see, they have a nice selection of large and flat screen TV’s in here, all reasonably priced. I really like it in here, it’s cozy and the place reminds me of a stereo shop from the ‘70’s!
Check out the window back there in the far wall, let’s go say hi to this guy! This is the owner of Modern TV, Jim Morris. Jim’s a really nice guy and when I asked him how this store came to be, he just laughed and said, “It’s a long story!” The short version of the story is this: In 1968 Jim was itching to start his own business and moved from Decatur to Peoria, checked in to the Towne House Motel on Knoxville, found this spot through a realtor, bought it and started this business! The original name for the store was, “Modern Appliance” and then Jim changed it to, “Modern TV” once they started specializing in selling and repairing TV sets. They stay true to this vision today and they also repair the occasional sewing machine as well, which is what Jim was working on before I broke in and started pestering him with photos and questions! Hey, it’s what I do!
Jim stepped out from behind to introduce me to the Chief of the Complaint Department and said he’s been in charge of that department for years!
There’s a PJ Star feature story by MBIP pal, Steve Tarter on the wall as well as a Modern TV bowling trophy.
Here’s a shot of Jim in his workspace behind the back wall...
And he also showed me the back repair room, where TV’s and sewing machines are being brought back to life!
This was a fun visit and it was cool to see a Modern TV shop in Peoria flourishing in this day and age! Thanks to Dave and Jim for the tour and taking the time to chat with me!
And on the way out...gumball machine alert! We’ll see you all tomorrow!
Modern TV
325 E Lake Avenue
Peoria
309-682-5941
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