Hi-Q Managing Director Sean Harrison said the Silverlakes store was the first in the high profile network to flaunt the brand’s new look, which will gradually be rolled out to the more than 170 Hi-Qs across the nation.
”Hi-Q has made it a priority to cater for our customers’ comfort and allow them to remain productive and relaxed while they wait. Wireless Internet connectivity has been brought into the mix, providing customers with an opportunity to keep working, access emails or surf their favourite websites. The seating areas have been ergonomically designed, providing comfortable, personal spaces rather than benches,” Harrison said.
“The reception area – as seen at Hi-Q Silverlakes - is large and airy with light colours and a feel-good flow connecting it with other zones. We have introduced a large viewing area – a popular concept in Europe – which helps to maintain close interaction with our customers. They are able to watch while their car is being worked on without actually having to get close to the spanners and noise. We feel this is important for our customers’ sense of comfort and trust – after all, their car is one of their biggest assets and we want them to be able to see that it is in capable hands.
“Hi-Q’s revamp is more than a superficial make-over,” said Harrison. “These days, a tyre is amongst the most technologically advanced products you will purchase, and it’s not a cheap purchase.
“Your choice of tyre has a huge impact on your motoring comfort, performance, fuel economy and safety. So it really is important that you receive trained, practised advice from wheel and tyre experts and that your purchase and service experiences are professional, upfront and pleasant.
“Hi-Q has recognised that the look of each store has become a serious consideration. Add to this the increasingly large purchasing decision power of women, who tend naturally to prefer an aesthetically pleasing environment, and you have the fuel for Hi-Q’s industry-leading evolution.”
Hi-Q Silverlakes was built to specification by owners Autowiel, with the help of advertising agency Hippocampus on the atmospherics lay-out and Devin Signs who brought the ideas to life.
The one-stop wheel fitment centre officially opened last weekend amidst much celebration, with four of the sizzling Blue Bulls babes there to add a touch of sex appeal and Springbok rugby hero Bakkies Botha there to add a dash more muscle.
Manager James McCullough said the store’s refreshing design had moved away from a typical workshop feel to a cleaner, less cluttered interior.
Sharp, professional service and fair prices have always been key elements in Hi-Q’s success. Hi-Q Silverlakes offers ‘around the wheel’ expertise, including state-of-the-art alignment and other performance and safety checking.
Corrie Taljaard Hi-Q’s Business Development Manager said that it is Hi-Q’s challenging response to sophisticated customer demands that may well confirm its place as South Africa’s tyre retail frontrunner in the fitment industry.
“Hi-Q’s new store layout certainly beats anything else in the business. We still confidently offer a ‘one stop shop’ workshop, but we’ve raised the stakes. Hi-Q Silverlakes has proved that it can expertly do the dirty work and still look good.”
