SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Plaza Tire Service has opened its third retail store in Springfield, an eight-bay structure that expands the Cape Girardeau-based dealership's network to 45 locations in Missouri and 63 throughout its four-state footprint.
The new location, on South Campbell Ave. south of downtown Springfield, spans roughly 8,650 square feet and employs 10. This is the third store Plaza has opened in Springfield in the past 12 months.
"The layout of this store has proven to work well for us," Plaza Tire Vice President Scott Rhodes said. "The showroom has televisions and WiFi available for customers, and it features large windows overlooking the bays so customers can see their vehicles while work is performed."
Plaza Tire did not disclose its investment in the new store, located on property previously occupied by a restaurant and other light retail.
Plaza Tire President Mark Rhodes called Springfield a "growing community" and said Plaza Tire is positioning itself "to have convenient locations around town to meet the needs of Springfield customers."
Springfield is the third largest city in Missouri, with roughly 167,000 residents.
At 63 stores, Plaza Tire is among the 15 largest independent tire retailers in the U.S., according to Tire Business research.
Plaza Tire is celebrating its 55th year in business in 2018. Company founder Vernon Rhodes opened the first store in 1963 in Cape Girardeau. The dealership credits its success on focusing on three key factors: service, selection and price.