A Small Business Success Story
Navigating 25 Years of Change in Home Entertainment
It’s not easy for a small business to thrive— especially in this industry. Trends shift overnight and tech becomes outdated in a flash. Technology has transformed how we live, communicate, and consume media; over the course of 25 years, we’ve needed to adapt (and quickly) to survive.
Our building before starting renovations.
In 1998, Halsten Entertainment was established.
After Mark Halsten sold Sound Center (which was made up of four consumer electronics stores), he quickly shifted and started Halsten Entertainment.
Our building had a long history before us. In the 50s it was a bowling alley, after that a record store, and then a commercial furniture store. Now we’ve called it our home for the past 25 years.
Back then, vendors had a short list of trusted stores to sell big-ticket items like HD TVs…
Did you know Sony launched the world's first flat-panel plasma TV the same year we started the business? These HD TVs were new and exciting, but heavy and expensive.
…which retailed anywhere from $8,000 to $30,000 and weighed nearly 300 lbs!
Staying on Top of the Evolution of Technology
Over the years, the TV evolved from bulky, cathode-ray tube displays to sleek, ultra-thin LED and OLED screens with higher resolutions and vibrant colors. Additionally, today's TVs often come equipped with features like smart technology, internet connectivity, streaming services, and interactive content, which have all revolutionized the way we consume entertainment.
And TVs are just one example.
Staying current with the latest trends and products can be challenging, which is why we take on that responsibility. To achieve this, we consistently stay informed, keep our showroom up to date, and nurture our vendor relationships.
This industry is full of passionate people, and the wealth of information out there can be overwhelming. Whether you're an audiophile, a movie lover, or interested in software or hardware, having a local team you can trust makes all the difference.
Today, visitors from all over the Upper Midwest stop in our showroom.
In addition to home entertainment systems, we also carry furniture. In fact, we're one of only a few AV showrooms that offers custom entertainment seating. As for AV furniture, we have more on display than any retail store in the Twin Cities and feature high-quality brands such as BDI and Salamander.
We often host in-store events as well. Throughout the years, we've had the pleasure of hosting events sponsored by SVS, Klipsch, and B&W. These in-store events are really great opportunities to chat with fellow enthusiasts and manufacturers, share information about new products, and have fun!
We are honored to be a trusted source for designing and installing systems in both residential and commercial properties. Working closely with our clients, we consult and guide them through the entire process—from design and installation to providing detailed system instructions. Even after our work is complete, we are just a phone call away to address any questions or surprises.
Mark Halsten,
Owner
“One of our greatest strengths is that we are available when you need help. Pick-up the phone or visit us in-store, and you’ll get our undivided attention.”
Small business is one of founder Mark Halsten’s greatest passions, “The level of customer service we offer is unmatched,” he says. “Through a customer-centric approach, we foster a stronger sense of care and responsiveness compared to larger retail chains.”
Halsten Entertainment also frequently collaborates with local trade partners from the area. We believe it is important to support and keep small businesses alive.
In this industry, the average lifespan of a business is typically 3-4 years.
It has been an incredible 25 years and we know that we couldn’t have done it without the support from our staff, community, friends, and family.
