Originally constructed as a petrol station, Automate in Louth, Lincolnshire has been transformed into a shop supplying automotive parts and accessories. The internal fit-out was engineered by Salepoint Ltd, which advised on all aspects of the layout in order to maximise the space available.

Automate had outgrown its existing premises so purchased the forecourt and built walls around the open canopy to create a shop. The company chose Salepoint after attending the CAAR exhibition, where the knowledge and expertise of Salepoint was on display. Automate already had existing plans for the internal layout but Salepoint was able to advise on the best placement of the shopfittings which would allow the goods to be viewed to their best advantage.

Colour co-ordination was also important as Automate wanted to maintain its corporate image throughout the shop. Salepoint provided a shelving system with trims in the specific colour scheme. Gary Iremonger of Automate comments “The result is a well laid-out, accessible and professional interior that reflects the quality of our product range.”

A stylish appearance is a major advantage for any business and, when LDS Motor Factors wanted to upgrade the shop front in the Welsh town of Barry, Salepoint was called in to provide a bespoke solution to the internal fit-out. Even though the majority of LDS’s business involves selling spare parts and motor related items directly to the trade, they wanted their salesroom to reflect the quality and professionalism of the company and also to attract passing trade from the general public as Louise Smith from the company explains.

“We wanted an area that would attract attention and enable us to display our bolt-on goods; including all manner of accessories for the motorist,” she says. “These are suitable for the public and so, as a means of attracting more people inside, we gave the specification to Salepoint and they were able to furnish the display area as we wanted it.”

Since the upgrade, LDS has seen an increase in collected trade due to the enhanced appearance of the shop and the professional image that it presents.

As one of Europe’s largest motor trading estates, Marsh Barton, just outside Exeter, is the ideal location for a motor factor. ALS Motor Parts has been there for many years, supplying motor parts to the trade. “Every car dealership you can think of is here, from Ford to Ferrari – in fact, the only two who aren’t here are Rover and Saab”, says ALS owner Alan Smith.

Not only is Marsh Barton a focus for the motor trade, its main thoroughfare is an arterial route straight into the city of Exeter, and with its head office and main depot on this road, ALS gets a lot of passing trade.

When a fire, which started in a neighbouring building, destroyed ALS’ premises and the retail business stopped dead. Alan had to commission a new building and hired Salepoint to provide the design for the interior layout. “Salepoint came to visit me and see the new building – it was just a big empty shell – I told them what I wanted to achieve”.

Salepoint’s designers soon got to work on the project and a specification was drawn up. “Salepoint supplied and fitted all the wall fittings and three central gondolas to create three bays each 20 feet long,” explains Mr Smith. “It’s an ideal set-up and a very effective sales environment”.