SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Plaza Tire Service has opened a retail store in Springfield, its first in the southwest Missouri city and 61st in the dealership's four-state marketing footprint.
The Springfield store — formerly a Kelly's VIP Auto Service Center location — spans 6,000 square feet and has six service bays, Plaza Tire said. It opens with seven full-time employees.
"When we purchase and remodel a building, we work to ensure it has the same look and functionality of our newly constructed stores," said Plaza Tire Vice President Scott Rhodes.
"Our stores are designed with efficiency and openness in mind. We want a good workflow for our employees, and we want our customers to be able to see what's happening with their vehicles."
Plaza Tire did not disclose its investment in acquiring the site or renovating to its look and standards. The showroom, for example, features comfortable seating, televisions and complimentary WiFi service.
The Springfield store is the farthest west location in Plaza Tire's network, roughly 110 miles southwest of its next nearest store, in Rolla, Mo. Springfield is Missouri's third largest city at 160,000-plus residents.
"The Springfield area is a logical extension of our business, and we are excited to be a part of this thriving area," Plaza Tire President Mark Rhodes said.
The store is equipped to handle a full range of tire-related services plus brake jobs, shock and strut replacements, oil changes, battery replacements and other services, Plaza Tire said.
With the opening of its 61st store, Cape Girardeau, Mo.-based Plaza Tire ranks as the 17th largest independent retail tire dealership in the U.S., according to Tire Business' calculations.