Bumper to Bumper unveils flagship store

Bumper to Bumper has unveiled the largest store across its chain in London, Ont.

The doors officially open to the public of its flagship store this week and an official grand opening is planned for September, but a select group of customers were invited as special guests to an invite-only event at the store, located just off Highway 401 on Exeter Rd.

The 26,000 square-foot space is the biggest Bumper to Bumper space, featuring 14 employees – for now, said Sandro Verrelli, vice president and general manger of Bumper to Bumper Corporate Stores Canada at Uni-Select – and more than 26,000 SKUs.

The store is the first “greenfield” location as well – meaning it’s the first corporate store built from the ground up bearing the Bumper to Bumper name. It will serve as a leading store throughout the chain, taking the lead on technology, business planning and so on, that can serve as an example for other member jobbers.

“The London location represents the best of Uni-Select,” Verrelli said. “It’s an example for us to demonstrate to our members – this is how we go out and support business development opportunities, this is how we help you work safely and productively in your stores, your branches and DCs; this is how we think about nurturing and developing the talent on our team in ways that will inspire you to nurture and develop the talent on your team.

“We view this as an opportunity to not only showcase the capabilities that serve our corporate store members well, but it’s also about how we serve our independent members as well,” he added.

The event welcomed customers within the community a tour of the building, finger foods and a cake-cutting ceremony.