PORTLAND, Ore. — Point S USA has engaged Market Force Information L.L.C., a leader in retail store evaluations and performance reporting, to be an independent auditor overseeing the group's agreed-to "essential store standards" covering common appearance and performance.
"Since we are built by and for the independent tire dealer, it's critical that we have standards that unite our brand across our entire network," Clint Young, Point S USA's director of sales and business development, said.
"This demand for 'essential store standards' came from our members and it's important to all of us to support our members' stores by giving them access to information and feedback that helps them improve," He added.
"The Point S on my building represents more than just being able to offer my customers great pricing, it's a badge that signifies a promise I make to my community, my employees, and myself every morning when I open my doors," Jeff Keating, chair of the group's Brand Protection Committee, said.
The committee, established last September, is made up of board members, executives and marketing support staff. The committee settled on Louisville, Ky.-based Market Force Information after a thorough vetting process.
Together, Point S and Market force created and established common guidelines from exterior, interior, merchandising and operations for each store.
Market Force provides location-level customer experience management solutions through its proprietary online platform, KnowledgeForce.
"Our history of supporting brands with on-site assessments to enhance the customer experience will enable Point S Tire to identify best practices and insight for their Owners as they continue to grow," Charles Cornwell, Market Force's director of sales, said.
The Point S Brand Protection Committee and Market Force will empower strategic insight by integrating branding, operational and experiential measures across their system, while providing valuable insights for their owners.
"We've made promises to our owners, and commitments to our Point S partners that we'll steward our brand forward," Point S CEO Walter Lybeck said.
"These steps will help support our growth across the United States. Quite frankly, it's another example of who we are as a group. This member benefit further helps owners focus on their customers and employees by making it easy for them to identify changes that will help improve their business."
After adding 20-plus points of sale last year, Point S USA has more than 200 retail locations in 15 Western states with combined retail sales of over $300 million. It also operates distribution centers in Denver, Salt Lake City, Memphis and Portland.