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Major dealership overhaul now complete

Cathy Dobson A $4-million reconstruction of Bailey Toyota on Confed makes the entire dealership feel like the pristine interior of a new car. It’s sleek, spotless and roomy.
Brian Bailey, of Bailey Toyota in the renovated showroom
Brian Bailey, of Bailey Toyota, in the renovated showroom on Confederation Street.

Cathy Dobson

A $4-million reconstruction of Bailey Toyota on Confed makes the entire dealership feel like the pristine interior of a new car.

It’s sleek, spotless and roomy.

“A lot of the investment was to make it more comfortable and convenient for our customers,” says President Brian Bailey.

“For our staff, it’s a better layout, more offices, just a lot more space.”

In fact, three phases of reconstruction has virtually replaced the 22-year-old dealership building at 1311 Confederation St. in the city’s southeast end.

Maaten Construction was responsible for the project, which left only the body shop intact and nearly doubled the size of the building to 23,900 square feet.

There are now 10 bays in the service department.  The showroom accommodates as many as 12 vehicles, whereas it held only five before.  A new customer lounge is more spacious and offers wifi, TV and beverages.

Customers can drive directly into the service department through an automatic door, where they are greeted by service staff and can easily walk to the lounge.

Much of the reconstruction was complete last fall with the final details and décor now in place.

Early in October, Bailey welcomed hundreds of customers, friends, family and Toyota executives to tour the new dealership as a way to celebrate the completion of the project.

One advantage to a larger showroom is Toyota trucks can now be displayed inside, said Bailey.

“The one big result of that is that truck sales are up dramatically,” he said. “That’s a nice surprise.”

Since the reconstruction, Bailey’s became the area’s exclusive dealer for Scion cars, a division of Toyota that tends to appeal to Generation Y consumers.

“I like the Scion line because it’s a little different and targets a slightly younger demographic,” said Bailey.  “The product is really nice and all three of the models we have come well-equipped, whether it’s automatic or standard.”

Bailey said he’s amazed that he’s been around for two major expansions of the family business.

“I was here when we expanded 22 years ago and I never would have dreamed we’d outgrow that building,” he said. “But here we are and we couldn’t be more pleased.”

OPEN HOUSE AT MATH TUTORS PLUS

A new tutoring business is holding an open house on Saturday, Oct. 17 from noon to 2 p.m. at 805 Christina S. N. in Suite 101.

Math Plus Tutors caters to high school, college and special needs students.

Call 519-542-1999 for details.

Got an interesting business story?  Contact Cathy Dobson at [email protected] or 226-932-0985.


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