ROCKWALL, TX (Nov. 20, 2014) Toyota of Rockwall has been very busy this fall making changes to their lobby area and introducing a new service that will benefit both its customers and downtown merchants.
A boutique in the dealership’s Parts Department – an extension of Bella’s House on the Square – has already proven to be a hit for Toyota customers who love to shop for jewelry and scarves while waiting for their vehicle to be serviced. In addition, the dealership has partnered with the Rockwall Downtown Merchants Association and Main Street Rockwall to highlight the ongoing development in the downtown area. It includes shuttle service back and forth to historic downtown Rockwall while customers’ vehicles are in for service.
The idea was inspired by conversations that Deanna Allison, Community Relations Director for Toyota of Rockwall, had while visiting withToyota’s out-of-town customers.
“A large number of our customers drive from as far away as Tyler or from around the DFW metroplex to purchase or service a vehicle,” Allison explained. “I discovered that many of them weren’t aware of the unique shopping and dining opportunities available in downtown Rockwall.”
Because Toyota of Rockwall owners Steve and Barbara Jackson are great supporters of the local community, Allison knew that they would be ready to add a “touch of downtown” to the service department area.
They began in the Parts Department. Sandy Johnson, owner of Bella’s House, helped with the set-up and purchase of materials for the new boutique. Now, while customers wait for their vehicles to be serviced, they have an opportunity to pick up a fashionable scarf or a unique piece of jewelry for themselves or as a gift for a friend.
Candles by Carol, a shop also located in downtown Rockwall, brought some of their eight ounce jelly jar candles that amazingly burn for about 60 hours.
The next step was to see if the Downtown Merchants Association had any interest in showcasing some of their specialty products in extra display cases the dealership had available. Several merchants responded right away by delivering products for the cases, with more to be filled in weeks to come.
Toyota of Rockwall teamed with Bethany Browning, Main Street Manager, to create an area in the service department for customers to pick up information about the downtown Rockwall area. Allison began collecting menus from the restaurants so that customers can browse breakfast, lunch and dinner options for downtown dining. Maps of the downtown area are also available for pick-up. And this month, the dealership began shuttling customers to and from the downtown area every two hours.
Browning said she is thrilled to have the enthusiasm and support of Toyota of Rockwall. She and Allison are in agreement that this is a “win-win” for all.
“The customer is entertained while waiting for their vehicle, the downtown merchants have new shoppers, and more people discover the delightful options in shopping and dining in downtown Rockwall,” said Allison.
#ShopRockwall
By Dawn Redig, Blue Ribbon News.
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