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CONNECTEDNESS NURTURES GROWTH

Anthony Ryan, the owner of Peninsula Auto Spares, joined Parts 4 Automotive in August 2019

Peninsula Auto Spares can trace its roots back to 1992 when Alan Green, an experienced parts interpreter, decided to go it alone. Alan grew the operation over some 20 years, but in 2012, when retirement proved too attractive, he sold the business to Anthony. As the name would suggest, Peninsula Auto Spares is located out on the peninsula in Clontarf, Queensland, near Redcliffe. While several automotive franchise groups courted Anthony following the collapse of the Combined Auto Group, he chose to remain independent. When Anthony was invited to join Parts 4, he says he was impressed with its buying power and commitment to helping members remain independent, so in 2019 he took the plunge and joined the group. “We haven’t looked back since,” remarked Anthony. “While it’s not mandated, after joining the group, I made a conscious effort to buy through Parts 4 preferred suppliers because I think for a group like Parts 4 to thrive, it needs support for all members.” Anthony says he has been impressed by the value of belonging to a larger buying group and is undoubtedly reaping the rewards. “Having a central team negotiating with suppliers on your behalf is powerful,” said Anthony. “Before I joined Parts 4, so many of these suppliers said, ‘Anthony, you’re already on the best possible price, as good as anyone else. The best possible price’ but after I joined Parts 4, it was amazing to watch the prices reduce.” “I guess you should never trust a salesperson,” he quipped. “And the rebates don’t hurt either.” Parts 4 members have the opportunity to participate in an attractive rebate program. “The Parts 4 rebate program is easy to manage. All I have to do is support our preferred suppliers, pay within their trading terms, while the team in the Parts 4 office looks after the rest. I just get an annual check. It’s that easy.” Like many of the Parts 4 members, Anthony values the camaraderie fostered by the group as one of its most valuable assets. “I really like to bounce ideas off other Parts 4 members. It’s nice to know that there’s a group of like-minded people out there who have your back and are willing to help out if you need assistance,” Anthony said. Parts 4 Automotive members enjoy frequent regional meetings, in addition to being invited to an annual, national conference and trade show, so there are plenty of opportunities for members to connect. “Honestly, I think Parts 4 is great for independents. The support you get puts us independents on the map,” said Anthony. “As a Parts 4 member, I’m part of a big picture, and it gives me that ability to compete at a higher level. As a small little shop, I know I couldn’t do it on my own.” Parts 4 Automotive has more than 80 members across Australia, all of which enjoy the benefits of being part of this powerful buying group while at the same time remaining fiercely independent. To find out more about the benefits Parts 4 Automotive delivers to members, call Kim Mamouney on 0418 532 307 or kim@parts4.com.au or visit www.parts4.com.au

FNQ STORE SETS THE STANDARD

Autobarn’s recently opened store in the Townsville region is the retail chain’s biggest and a sign of things to come as the organisation continues its growth

Autobarn’s freshly opened store in the Far North Queensland regional center of Townsville is its biggest ever and is one that the business hopes will set the future standard for one of Australia’s leading automotive parts and accessories outlets. “We recognised that Townsville has a large population with circa 200,000 people in the greater area,” Bapcor Retail General Manager of Operations, Luke Rich, said. “Our old site wasn’t in the right part of town and the opportunity presented itself to get an A-grade site within the Domain Centre, which is one of the best Home Maker Centres in Australia. “We consulted with McCartney Design to take the work we had begun 12-months earlier on Autobarn Bayswater to the next level. “The brief was about developing a design to cater for new and extended ranges with an emphasis on Touring, 4WD and Workshop Tools. “As such there is greater than 250m2 of space dedicated to 4WD, which includes 10 Bull Bars on display, working driving lights, suspension, winches and a fully kitted out Toyota Prado built by the team on display. “We have also expanded ranges in many of the traditional areas Autobarn is renowned for such as Sound and Vision, Car Care and Lubricants.” Luke says the locals have reacted extremely positively to the store since it’s opening. “The feedback has been overwhelming, and it is a credit to our store team for delivering on the service promise. “This was reflected in our Grand Opening celebration sale that broke all previous opening records for Autobarn. We have high expectations for the store’s results, and so far, we’re on target.” He believes this store will set the standard for many future Autobarn outlets. “We really do think we’ve nailed the 4WD and Touring section of the store and are now in the process of retro-fitting some of the new stores built in the last 12-months with elements of our Townsville store,” Luke said. “This also includes fixtures, fitting and some of the newly developed signage highlighting key messages such as our ‘Low Price Guarantee,’ ‘3-Easy Ways to Shop’ and our ‘Professional Fitting Onsite.’” The new store is located at Domain Central, Tenancy B06/103 Duckworth St, Garbutt Queensland. For more information, visit www.autobarn.com.au