posted
So I was thinking about all the dealerships that will be closing, and more specifically all the other businesses that will be losing because we will be closing (next year). Here's a list of who will be out of the income we provide to them:
*landscaper (mowers, sprinkler maintenance) *car lot power washers *Holiday Station (gas, snacks, etc) local fast food *Cub foods (we get weekly muffins/donuts from the owners plus the weekly BBQ in the body shop) *Costco (lounge area pop and water, coffee) *vending machine guy *uniform company (also does rags) *Comcast (TV in lounges) *newspapers (advertising) *office supply company *telephone company *shop supply company *oil/fluid supplier and recycler *waste tire recycler *tool guys (MAC, Snap-on, etc) *local charities we donate to, including the Halloween parade) *sublet vendors like Yellow Dog interior, Austins Muffler, Glass, etc *Our wholesale accounts will have a farther drive/longer wait for parts *remaining dealerships will not have access to buy from us if they need to *NAPA for used (non GM) car parts *local utilities like water/gas *garbage guy *tire supplier *waste metal recycler *sales tax revenue
You can argue that many of those same dollars will be spent by the remaining dealers who stay open. Correct, but only to a point. Not all dealers use the same vendors for outside purchases, nor would they spend as much, since they would also assumedly try to negotiate a better deal with thier newfound increased buying capacity.
Honestly, I rarely spent time in Anoka other than at the car show. I started spending more money here when I was hired since I drove right through downtown. When I find another job, I will probably not go back much. Most likely I will spend money in the city I work in more, since I will already be in that area, and have no need to drive through Anoka anymore.
BTW, this will happen in Elk River too.
Sad.
Posts: 702 | From: Coon Rapids, MN | Registered: Jun 2005
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Has the fat lady sang, is there any chance there could be a round two? That dealership has been part of Anoka as long as I can remember. Those small town dealers pay so much back to the small town.
Kevin
Posts: 77 | From: Eagan, MN | Registered: Aug 2007
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posted
There's still a little hope. We sat and watched almost 3 hours of senate hearings when they were happening regarding how the manufacturers were closing the dealers. The decidedly one-sided concensus was that the CEOs got thier asses handed to them. Unfortunately, I suspect lots of it is posturing and little will come of it. Our owners ahve not signed the termination agreement, and have filed for a review with GM to see if they would reconsider. Of 500, 11 have been granted. No matter what, we will be open through 2009. After that, GM has said they will wind down dealer operations. We supposedly are not able to get more new cars (have already heard different). We also will continue to do all parts and service (including warranty) as long as possible. From there, the plan is to become a higher end used car lot with a large service department. We will use aftermarket estimating guides and use other dealers and NAPA/CQ/Zone for parts. We still have a bodyshop, and that may become an independant business aside from the rest, but that's not been decided yet.
We have many backers on our side, including several finance companies, a certain FOXNews personality (Gretchen Carlson, thier daughter), Senator Amy Klobuchar was on the committee the CEOs faced, and MN State Rep in Washington Michelle Bachmann, whom they have had personal and family ties with since she was a child. Time will tell. Myself, I am already keeping my options open.
Posts: 702 | From: Coon Rapids, MN | Registered: Jun 2005
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posted
I wonder if the Civic leaders in Anoka realize the truth in your list? The closing of the dealership is going to have a dramatic impact on the city.
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