Pep Boys Plans to Expand New Store Concept in Tampa

Building what it sees as success with its all-new retail store concept, Pep Boys plans to open more of the new-look parts and service centers.

In its first quarter financial report, CEO Mike Odell stated that the company would expand the concept to other locations in the Tampa area based on what he termed "very encouraging results" from the prototype store it unveiled in that city earlier this year.

“Our more focused customer-centered strategy is beginning to take shape,” said Odell. “Based on the very encouraging results to date in this first store, we have decided to expand the test to the balance of the Tampa market.”

Odell said the company plans to test its new strategy in the Tampa market for an extended period of time “to understand its results fully before proceeding to other markets. As we evaluate our results in this test lab, we are also considering how to bring the non-capital elements to the chain at a faster pace.”

Ascot Supply Corporation, based in Newnan, Georgia, has selected Mark Paquette for the newly created position of vice president. In this position, Ascot Supply said Paquette will oversee the growth of the company's products, corporate profitability, manage marketing and advertising and assume many other responsibilities.

He will work under the direction of current President David Kessler and officially begin his new role on June 3. Paquette joined the tire and automotive industry in the early 1980s at his father's tire shop, and his contributions to Mohawk Rubber Sales were instrumental in the company's growth and eventual sale to Myers Tire Supply in 2021, according to Ascot Supply. Paquette eventually was given a promotion to the role of director of operations at Myers Tire Supply.