What started as a single shop in Massapequa has officially grown into a global brand.
PayMore, the electronics resale franchise founded by Long Islanders Stephen Preuss and Erik Helgesen, has reached a major milestone with the opening of its 100th store.
The company, which now spans the U.S., Canada and Europe, announced that location number 100 opened Sept. 15 in Charlotte, N.C.
It’s a landmark achievement for a business that began here on Long Island and remains headquartered locally.
“Reaching 100 locations is a significant milestone, especially when most retail brands never grow beyond a handful of stores,” said Preuss, co-founder and CEO. “We’re incredibly proud of our team and so thankful for our loyal customers. This achievement reflects the strength of our business model and the value we bring to every neighborhood we enter.”
Top: Stephen Preuss and Erik Helgesen founded PayMore in 2011. (courtesy photo)
A Long Island success story
PayMore first opened in 2011 as a mission-driven store in Massapequa with a simple idea: give people a safe way to sell their old electronics, and offer others an affordable way to buy them.
From smartphones and laptops to retro gaming systems, everything is tested, certified and guaranteed.
Since then, the company has grown into the largest franchisor ever built and headquartered on Long Island, with more than 500 additional stores in development worldwide.
Tech, trust and sustainability
The brand’s success has been fueled by consumer demand for value, sustainability and safety. Every device sold to PayMore is either wiped clean of personal data or responsibly destroyed, giving sellers peace of mind.
Last year alone, PayMore kept over 1 million pounds of electronics out of landfills through its e-waste recycling programs.
For customers, that means quality pre-owned electronics at a fraction of retail prices — and a way to keep unused devices in circulation instead of collecting dust.
Looking ahead
With 100 stores open and hundreds more on the way, PayMore is showing no signs of slowing down.
“We’re just getting started,” Preuss said. “We’re excited to keep making tech-forward, customer-focused moves around the world — all while staying true to our Long Island roots.”
