January 2021
Boost sales with your next remodel
The automotive industry relies heavily on the buyer’s experience, and the dealership showroom is a critical component of that experience. A modern facility that supports brand imaging requirements is necessary for success. However, the thought of disrupting day-to-day operations in order to implement the updates can seem daunting. Whether your dealership is following a factory-mandated imaging/reimaging program or has decided it is time to implement its own showroom upgrades, there are ways to complete the project without negatively impacting the customer experience and hampering sales.
Peter Schwabe, Inc. has managed the construction for national brand imaging projects across many industries, from restaurants to auto dealerships. We’ve learned a lot over the years about how to complete renovations with minimal disruption to customers. Here are some of the things we’ve learned about weathering a remodel while maintaining a positive in-store experience.
Schedule work during slower times.
After the flurry of year-end sales, you may find that traffic slows down for a few months. That makes winter an ideal time to complete your project before traffic picks up again in spring. Plus, many general contractors and subcontractors are less busy during winter too, so there are fewer delays caused by schedule conflicts.
Scheduling work to be done early in the morning – before your dealership opens for the day – minimizes disruption to your customers and allows contractors to be more efficient as they move freely without worrying about disrupting daily business operations.
Plan.
Your general contractor should work with you to orchestrate a detailed plan to include subcontractor selection and scheduling, permits, approvals, etc. A good general contractor will hold a preconstruction meeting with you and other key players to organize all details of your project prior to starting. Having all these details pinned down prior to the start of construction will make the project run most efficiently and help avoid delays.
Complete the work in stages.
By isolating the pieces of your project and fully completing each before moving on to the next, you will avoid having your entire showroom in disarray. Prioritize the most impactful pieces and complete those first. Properly secure the section under construction to maintain the cleanliness and safety of the rest of your showroom. Ideally, your contractor will create a buffer between the construction and business zones to reduce disturbances – like dust and noise – and keep customers comfortable and safe.
Maintain your brand standards during construction.
You’ve worked hard to develop a reputation for high quality standards, so don’t let them slip during construction. Your customers will be forgiving and flexible during your remodeling process, but they’ll be impressed if you can maintain a clean, organized showroom that reflects your company’s brand image throughout the project. It may take a little extra effort, but it’s worth it to protect your brand.
Generate excitement about your project!
Communicate before, during and after your construction project! Use on-site signage, press releases, social media, your website and even mailers to get employees, customers and other stakeholders excited about the upgrades. Provide frequent updates to keep the public engaged, and communicate how the renovations will improve their experience in the future.
Rely on professionals with experience.
A general contractor with experience in your industry is imperative to the success of your remodel. They will know the unique and unexpected situations that may present themselves and can help you plan and react accordingly. Their knowledge gained on similar projects will help them work most efficiently and get your project completed quickly.
Remodeling your showroom doesn’t have to mean a major disruption. You don’t have to shut down to upgrade your space. Proper planning and guidance from an experienced team will help ensure your project runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible!
For more information about Peter Schwabe, Inc.'s construction services for auto dealerships, please contact Michael Gilbert, Director of Business Development, at mgilbert@pschwabe.com or 262.352.9786.
Project Profile: Lexus of Brookfield Image Program Remodel
The Napleton Group selected Peter Schwabe, Inc. to revamp their Wisconsin Lexus dealerships as part of the new Lexus Facility Image Program. A major face lift of Napleton's Lexus dealership in Brookfield was completed in November, 2020.
Peter Schwabe, Inc. developed a compressed construction schedule to limit the impact a large remodel would have on sales. The showroom was kept operational throughout the live remodel, with minimal disruption to customers. The Peter Schwabe, Inc. team is experienced in dust and noise control and was able to keep the showroom in pristine condition throughout the construction project.
A second part of the dealership remodels consists of renovations to the Napleton Group's 24,000 square foot service facility, which will be completed in 2021.
See more project photos.