VIP moving to Sears site
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — VIP Tires & Service is a business on the move, according to company President and CEO John Quirk, who announced Tuesday he’s reached a deal with the Aroostook Centre Mall to move his business into the former Sears Auto Centre.
“The deal was signed on Friday. We’re really excited. We’ll spend the month of January renovating the site, including bringing in new displays. We’re targeting Feb. 1 as the first day of operation at our new location at 830 Main St.,” said Quirk.
Having VIP — which is headquartered in Lewiston — at the mall is just the latest transition at the facility, following the announcements that both Sears and Staples plan to close in 2015.
“The mall is in a state of transition. I’m pretty confident other large retailers are interested in spaces there. When you look at the demise of older retailers — places like Sears — companies have to adapt. Newer stores put pressure on retailers to adapt,” Quirk said.
He said he’s looking forward to the move to the mall, just a bit farther north than his current location on Main Street. Quirk said he’s had the idea to expand the business for a while but decided to do so when Sears announced it was closing a few months ago. He has since hired several people from Sears to work as technicians and service representatives.
“From our perspective, we’re doubling our size to a little over 9,200 square feet. We’ll have 10 service bays, three alignment racks using state-of-the-art alignment equipment, and new lifts. This will allow us to service our customers better. We’ll be open seven days a week, with expanded hours,” he said.
“The biggest part for us is having a larger facility. We’ve hired Sears techs and customer service reps. Eric Miranda will be store manager; Tony Boucher will be general manager. Tony will split his time overseeing the retail store, with the other half (of his time) expanding our wholesale tire division in The County,” said Quirk.
VIP sells wholesale to garages, car dealerships and the like, according to Quirk.
“Kendall Hewitt has been hired full-time for on-road sales,” said Quirk, noting, “come February, we’ll have approximately 17 members at VIP in Presque Isle.”
Quirk said within the next few weeks the company will announce grand opening specials.
“We’ll also have a big grand opening in the spring,” he said.
He said the move not only allows VIP more space to serve customers but will mean O’Reilly’s — which currently shares the Main Street location across from Rice Street — will be able to expand as well.
“We currently co-occupy a space. Once VIP moves, O’Reilly’s will be expanding and hiring four or five more members. This will allow them to expand their commercial parts and retail business,” said Quirk.
Patti Crooks, the mall manager, welcomed the addition of VIP to the shopping complex.
“We’re really excited to add VIP to the mall offerings. The business has about 27 stores across Maine and New Hampshire. John’s a great human being — a phenomenal man. VIP is a great state/regional retailer, with roots in the state,” she said.
“John is committed to his employees and the community. This is a win-win deal for all involved,” said Crooks.
For more information, call 764-3181.
