Pep Boys Launches New 'Retail Experience'

Pep Boys is launching an all-new customer experience with the construction of a completely redesigned retail store in Tampa.

According to Pep Boys, the redesign reflects the company’s latest efforts to make “auto repair more accessible and engaging for consumers.”

The retailer said, “The new experience begins with enhanced customer service from store associates with a more customer-centric approach. From there, associates will focus on alleviating the stress and confusion that often shrouds auto service and repair by offering clear, easy-to-understand explanations of parts and repairs.

“The redesigned retail store also will feature a multitude of new design elements and strategies both inside and out. The store’s new exterior offers a softer, more distinctive appearance, with stone masonry and hardwood accents adorning the building and signage. These design elements carry through to the store’s interior, which features a wide range of improvements.

“Inside, the new store will incorporate an easy-to-navigate layout, replacing old store-length aisles with product ‘neighborhoods,’ which includes a section for organization and lifestyle products,” the company claimed. “This arrangement enables customers to comfortably move about the store, as well as quickly locate any number of products – from motor oil to iPad accessories. Further improvements to the store’s interior include an enhanced customer lounge for customers waiting on vehicle repairs and service. The new lounge will feature aesthetics and amenities on par with many high-end dealerships, including free high-speed Wi-Fi access.”

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.