Sentinel staff report–
A family-owned medical supply store is now open at the corner of Auburn Boulevard and Antelope Road, offering customers everything from wheel chair rentals, to crutches and compression socks.
Auburn Boulevard Business Association President Rich Hale told The Sentinel he was pleased to see the vacancy filled at the high-profile intersection, saying “nothing good comes from a vacant building.” The location was previously home to a wireless retailer, but the spot had been vacant for several years following the store’s closure.
The new store, Bischoff’s Medical Supplies, opened on Dec. 1 and currently has two locations in the Sacramento area, one in Citrus Heights and the other in Roseville at the intersection of Sunrise and Douglas boulevards. Owner Ed Bischoff opened his first store in Citrus Heights over 10 years ago, where it operated until last month in the nearby shopping center at Antelope Road and Sunrise Boulevard.
Store Manager Alex Avalos, who primarily runs Bischoff’s Roseville store, told The Sentinel the decision to relocate the Citrus Heights store was driven primarily by a desire for better visibility, compared to the old location situated between California Family Fitness and Round Table Pizza. According to the city’s most recent traffic counts, an average of more than 50,000 cars travel through the intersection of Antelope and Auburn each day.
“Some people lived there their whole life and didn’t even know we were there,” Avalos said of the prior location. In contrast, the new spot can hardly be missed, and upgraded signage is planned to come soon.
Bischoff’s customers are primarily individuals seeking items like walkers, lift chairs, replacement parts and other personal medical supplies, including rentals of hospital beds and wheel chairs by the month, Avalos said. The stores also supply caregivers and assisted living facilities, offering local delivery for purchases over $100.
Both area stores are run by Ed Bischoff’s extended family. Avalos is Bischoff’s son-in-law, and Avalos’ brother Hector now manages the Citrus Heights location.
Bischoff’s Medical Supplies is located at 7725 Auburn Blvd. and is open Monday through Friday from 9-6 p.m. The store is also open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed Sundays.
