In 1960 Alvin Evans founded Al's Vacuum Cleaner Shop. The business started in his basement, then moved to a small shop in Runnemede, NJ. It then grew to a large 10,000 square foot business. The name then changed to Alva Vacuum Cleaner Center. Alva is the contraction of Al's and Vacuum, this change was made in order for the name to be trademarked.

Through the years the business grew. These years of development built a reputation for honesty, experience and knowledge. Alva's way of presenting and marketing vacuum cleaners was so unique that other East Coast retailers came to see and copy Alva's style.

After a fire, in 1988, demolished the Runnemede location, Alva rebuilt then reopened as Alva Vacuum Cleaner and Janitorial Supply Center. Now Alva had two businesses.

Even though there has been changes in the vacuum cleaner market and in the family, Alva still carries the legacy of honesty, knowledge and experience into the 21st century. The management is in the hands of the 3rd generation, George Brandt Jr. the grandson of the founder.

Alva has developed a line of special chemicals to service particular markets. Click on Shield for more information. Click on any department to find volumes of information. Alva is pleased to welcome the world to use its years of knowledge.