Dealership gets new look

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Jun 10, 2003 by Amy Bauer Capital-Journal

By Amy Bauer

THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

The dealership that Gary Figgs' father built in 1970 is undergoing a transformation.

Gone is the sloped, shake roof. In its place is a flat roof broken in front by what soon will be a stone-covered tower featuring Subaru's star-cluster logo. The brick exterior, the handiwork of late founder George Figgs, remains, as does the large brick fireplace inside the showroom.

When completed in the next few weeks, the design will mark Figgs Imports, 116 S.E. 29th St., as a signature Subaru store. Common paint, wallpaper tile and carpeting schemes will unite it with the dozens of dealerships Subaru has been revamping across the country for the past two years.

In exchange for the renovations, which range throughout the building, Subaru is helping to pay for the cost of the project. Gary Figgs said the improvements will cost more than $200,000.

"We decided since the building was 30 years old, and if Subaru wanted to participate in upgrading it, let's go for it," said Figgs, who has worked at the business since it opened in 1971.

Figgs said based on its previously remodeled stores, Subaru predicts at least a 10 percent increase in sales when finished.

In addition to the cosmetic changes, Figgs Imports is creating a new, larger waiting room and has increased the size of its two offices. Restrooms have been expanded and updated to comply with current building codes.

On Friday, Custom Neon & Vinyl Graphics was installing the new signs on the front of the building. In Figgs' parts and service and body shops, the walls have been painted, new lights installed and the concrete floors sealed. New countertops and furniture are being installed in the various departments.

"It's pretty extensive," Figgs said. "We're getting down to where we can see some results."

He acknowledged that the current economy hasn't necessarily supported an extensive renovation.

"To start this kind of project was a little scary," he said. "Last year was not one of our best years."

But he said 2001 was the opposite --- one of his dealership's best years. Sales were up across the board, from new cars to used cars to parts and service and the body shop, he said.

Many auto dealers are offering big incentives to pull customers to their lots. While Subaru also is offering zero percent financing deals, Figgs said Subaru considers itself a premium brand and hasn't slashed prices to the $2,000 and $3,000 levels of some other car manufacturers.

He said in 32 years, the business has built a loyal customer base that is looking forward to the fresh new look.

"It will be a much more comfortable place to be," he said.

Amy Bauer can be reached at

(785) 295-1231 or amy.bauer@cjonline.com.

ANN WILLIAMSON/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Steve Schmidt, left, and Russ Johnson, of Custom Neon, work on placing the Figgs sign next to the star-cluster logo at Figgs Subaru.

FIGGS SUBARU

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Location: 116 S.E. 29th St.

Employees: 12

Founded: 1971 by George Figgs

Renovation: February to June 2003

General contractor: Kendall Construction