STERLING, Va. (Nov. 17, 2010) — Curry's Auto Service Inc., a recent convert to the Tire Pros network, is opening a seven-bay store in Sterling to expand its network to six stores throughout Virginia.
The new outlet, for which a Nov. 22 grand opening is planned, allows Falls Church, Va.-based Curry's Auto to reestablish a presence in an area where it previously had operated a store, according to Matt and Judy Curry, owners.
The 4,600-sq.-ft. outlet is a converted retail space in a strip mall in Sterling near Dulles Town Center, one of the region's largest shopping malls. The location previously was a showroom for a home-spa and pool retailer, necessitating an overhaul of the space, including adding garage doors and service bay equipment.
The mall owners picked up nearly two-thirds of the conversion costs, the Currys said.
“Because of the economy, we were able to negotiate very reasonable terms,” Mr. Curry said.
The project involved recycling as much material as possible, according to Ms. Curry, including light fixtures, ventilation hardware, etc.
The Sterling store is the couple's furthest north, although all six of its outlets are within 20 miles of each other close to Washington Dulles International Airport. The Currys named Mike Dorsey, a seven-year employee, to manage the new store, which is opening with eight employees but could grow to as many 15. Overall, the dealership's employment tops 100.
The Currys also see this as an opportune time to expand. They have one new location already secured in Fairfax, Va., and two more in northern Virginia they're evaluating with the hope to open it within the coming year.
Curry's Auto—which opened 13 years ago in Falls Church primarily as a repair shop for European peformance and luxury autos—joined American Tire Distributors Holdings Inc.'s Tire Pros associate dealer program about a year ago to solidify its tire credentials, Mr. Curry said.
Curry's Auto's six Tire Pros locations represent half of the Tire Pros outlets in Virginia, according to Tire Pros' website.
The dealership generates about 80 percent of its annual sales from auto service, he said, but the tire side is growing. Previously tires accounted for only about 10 percent.
Curry's Auto lists 20 brands of tires on its website, including a dozen of the most popular domestic brands.
In addition to a wide array of automotive services, Curry's Auto is a certified Virginia state safety and emission inspection station and it promotes itself as an AskPatty.com-certified “female friendly” business.
Curry's Auto has garnered several awards this year, including Motor Age magazine's “Top Shop” honors and the distinction of being Northern Virginia Magazine's best auto repair business. Ms. Curry was recognized earlier this year by Virginia Lawyers Media as one of the 50 “Influential Women of Virginia” for 2010.
The dealership also garnered a spot in Inc. magazine's Top 5,000 with sales in 2009 of $10.1 million. Sales this year are expected to hit $13.5 million this year, Mr. Curry said.
To reach Bruce Davis: [email protected]; 330-865-6145.