Weingartz expanding into Ann Arbor market after buying ex-Harley Davidson store on Jackson Road
The former Harley-Davidson dealership on Jackson Road will become a Weingartz store by early April.
Angela Cesere | AnnArbor.com
Weingartz bought the building at 5436 Jackson, east of Zeeb Road, in late February and now plans to open its fifth store on April 4.
“We love the location,” said Dan Weingartz, president of the company.
Weingartz had sought a location in the Ann Arbor area for about 4 years, with a few deals falling through for various reasons.
The former Harley dealership came onto the market last fall, after the cycle shop consolidated into an outlet near Brighton.
“There was a lot of interest, a lot of calls, a number of showings,” said listing agent Tony Caprarese of Swisher Commercial in Ann Arbor. “There was a diversity of different potential users, but many (of them) … couldn’t use the whole building.”
The largest Weingartz store is 70,000 square feet, but the ideal store’s size is now in the 20,000-30,000 square foot range, Weingartz said. That made the Jackson Road property a perfect fit at about 22,000 square feet, Weingartz said.
The building also suits the power equipment dealer, since Weingartz offers repair service for its lawnmowers, tractors, snowblowers and other products - much like the former occupant did for its products.
“They had a great service department,” Weingartz said of the Harley operation. “We’re going to use it pretty much the way it is.”
Other aspects of the building will be changed before the opening: Some walls will be moved to add showroom space, and the retail parts area will be doubled.
After the early spring opening, some exterior changes will be done when the weather allows. A new façade and rejuvenated landscaping top Weingartz’ list.
The company has wanted to open in Ann Arbor because “the demographics are fantastic,” Weingartz said.
The typical customer, he said, “is a little bit upscale and …. it’s right where people with larger lots need our kind of equipment.”
It also makes a sound geographic strategy for expansion, he said. Other Weingartz locations include stores in Utica, Farmington Hills, Clarkston and Cedar Springs.
Staff will total about 15 at opening, reaching about 20 employees at the peak of the summer season. About half will move from existing stores, with about 8 full-time positions open.
Opening by spring is an important goal for the store, Caprarese said, so the deal came together within a matter of months.
The building and its 3.5-acre lot were listed for $2.68 million, and the selling price was $1.86 million. Jim Porth of the Thomas A. Duke Co. represented Weingartz.
The other locations in the area that Weingartz had considered focused on the east side of Ann Arbor, where there’s less competition for similar products, he said.
However, the economic downturn - and the way it cooled retail demand and lending availability across the region - ended up benefitting the equipment dealer, which ended up able to buy at the hot retail corner.
“When we first started looking, it wasn’t in our budget to be looking at Jackson and Zeeb,” Weingartz said.
Caprarese described it as “one of the premiere spots along the Jackson corridor.”
He added that it’ll be good for the area for the building to be occupied again in a matter of weeks.
“They’re a nice addition to the commercial mix of retail businesses out there,” he said.
Paula Gardner is Business News Director of AnnArbor.com. Contact her at 734-623-2586 or by email. Sign up for the weekly Business Review newsletter, distributed every Thursday, here.
Comments
snowcat
Wed, Mar 9, 2011 : 4:50 p.m.
Larry's has a very knowledgable service department and prices that are in line with others considering the quality of the product lines they sell and the service you receive. They are completely honest with customers and don't sugar coat things, which is very respectable to me this day in age when sales people beat around the bush and tell you what you want to hear, rather than what you need to hear. Larry's Mower Shop is no longer owned by Larry...The Blakeman family bought the business about 7 years ago. They will always work with you if you have an issue or complaint. Hopefully the opening of Weingartz will not have a bad impact on Larry's.
bella
Sat, Feb 26, 2011 : 2:37 p.m.
I have been using Larry's for years for all of my outdoor equipment purchases and service. I find that they sell only quality merchandise and their service is excellent. I especially like the kid with the dreads. He is always polite and knowledgeable. I would really miss Larry's and wish them the best of luck. I hate to see the "big box" stores put the little guys out of business.
Dukdust
Sat, Feb 26, 2011 : 1:59 p.m.
Their goes Larry's and their crappy customer service...welcome Weingartz...you will have all my business! P.S...open in early spring and safe us from using Larry's!
clownfish
Sat, Feb 26, 2011 : 1:55 p.m.
I've always had good service from Larry's Mower Shop. Their staff is knowledgeable and has never been "arrogant" to me. No, it is not unusual to have to leave items for sharpening, PLAN AHEAD. I do not recall ever having a chain sharpened at anyplace that was not at least overnight. Don't wait until the lawn is 6" high to get your blade sharpened. Larrys repair prices are in line with most mechanics. I personally like Dave at Maynard better, but he does not carry Stihl products, and there is no other chainsaw worth buying. If Bullion is hurt, I won't feel bad, they are truly overpriced. Weingartz will offer more selection under one roof than other dealers in the area, that is going to hurt the older guys. I think Weingartz could have served the community better by being on the east side, where options are fewer. I do hope Weingartz does not run two long term small local businesses out of business. Whatever happened to geographic exclusivity for Dealers?
rcastentman
Sat, Feb 26, 2011 : 1:49 p.m.
For those thinking Weingartz is the place of "deals".....think about this. They paid nearly $2 million for the building. They will have to pay local property and school taxes. They have to pay the utility bills. They'll need to make tens of thousands of dollars each month just to pay the overhead. Then they have to pay their labor. Those dollars have to come from their customers. In short, there won't be many "deals" at Weingartz. I expect they will have outstanding customer service. However I expect the competition will kick up their customer service too. I think it will still pay to shop around. If Weingartz succeeds in closing the "mom & pop" businesses around Ann Arbor, I'll be very surprised.....and disappointed.
InsideTheHall
Sat, Feb 26, 2011 : 1:32 p.m.
Larry's will more than survive. They have the best product in Toro mowers/snow blowers. In over 15 years I have never had a bad experience at Larry's. The guys there know their product and are fair. Recently bought a snow plower at Larry's and left a can of oil on the counter. When I returned home there was a VMail from Larry's informing me of my error. Great guys!
Buster W.
Sat, Feb 26, 2011 : 1:27 p.m.
@a2joe I can only speak based on one experience at both places. One was horrible and one was great. My guess is you might receive better service since you've been going since the 80's (when it was Larry's Bike & Mower). Going back to my earlier comments, I recall I had to leave the blade for a day because they were too busy (is that unusual???)...I almost didn't go back to pick it up I was so upset with their attitude.
a2joe
Sat, Feb 26, 2011 : 4:56 a.m.
Have used Larry's for sales, service and parts for years, going back to the the 80's when they were on W. Stadium. My dad bought our first Toro lawnmower and snowthrower there, and I did the same when I became a homeowner and father. Have always had nothing but reliable, fast and courteous service there and would not go anywhere else. Competition is good, to be sure, but there is also something to be said for loyalty and local service.
tim
Sat, Feb 26, 2011 : 3:46 a.m.
Service service and more service--- this kind of business is tough because of its seasonal nature. Everyones mower quits at the same time and it's hard to find a mower shop that isn't backed up in the spring. If you want a quick repair on your mower you better get it fixed by the end of March. Maybe these mower shops should start thinking about a loner mower program so people can mow their grass while their mower is waiting for repair.
SalineMachine
Sat, Feb 26, 2011 : 3:17 a.m.
Wow, I wasn't aware there was such resentment with Larry's. I have been to both Larry's and Countryside, and have enjoyed my transactions with both. Personally, I feel bad for both of them, as formidable competitors, to have a third one thrown into their mist. But then again, capitalism ain't a walk in the park.
zip the cat
Fri, Feb 25, 2011 : 11:51 p.m.
If your looking for fair prices and very nice sales people and a great parts dept for toro/stihl,try Chelsea hardware.
ribs1
Fri, Feb 25, 2011 : 9:19 p.m.
I am very excited about this. 1. It will be nice to have a John Deere dealer close by. It's tough to make the trek to Tecumseh, or to Pinkney when I need parts for my 2 Deere tractors. 2. I am also not a fan of Larry's. Arrogant salesman, high prices and poor service do not make for a good business model
zags
Fri, Feb 25, 2011 : 8:56 p.m.
Glad to see Weingartz coming to Ann Arbor. Now I don't have to make the trek to their Farmington store anymore. I too was put off by Larry's Mower Shop. Their rude, arrogant employees, high prices, and poor service will not be missed. I even gave them 3 chances with the same result every time. If Countryside or Maynard Battery couldn't help me ( and they are both awesome, BTW), I would make the trip to Weingartz before going to LMS.
Bob Martel
Fri, Feb 25, 2011 : 7:53 p.m.
Welcome to Ann Arbor!
djm12652
Fri, Feb 25, 2011 : 7:52 p.m.
The Weingartz group are very nice, professional people. Glad to see them here! Good Luck to them.
Buster W.
Fri, Feb 25, 2011 : 7:27 p.m.
I can't imagine Larry's Mower will last very long, though he probably has some very loyal customers. I went to Larry's about 10-12 years ago to get my mower blade sharpened, and he basically gave me a mild tongue lashing for allowing the blade to become so dull. Never went back. I hope Countryside Lawn Mower & Garden (about a mile or so west on Jackson) is still able to compete. A few years ago, I brought a leaf blower in that wouldn't start...right away they adjusted the oil/gas ratio and filled the tank --- started right up. I asked how much and he said, "$0", and sent me on my way. Great service!!
TripleVSix
Sat, Feb 26, 2011 : 2:45 p.m.
Countryside has been a fantastic store for us and has taken care of our equipment very well.
EyeHeartA2
Fri, Feb 25, 2011 : 6:53 p.m.
I betcha Larry isn't too happy about this. FWIW, I never thought Larry was higher priced than all the other specialty stores like this.
Ignatz
Fri, Feb 25, 2011 : 6:29 p.m.
This is a good fit for the area.
zip the cat
Fri, Feb 25, 2011 : 6:10 p.m.
Good,some copetittion for outta sight prices at Larrys Mower shop.