Connell Chrysler closing Bridgetown location

By Lawrence Powell

The Spectator

NovaNewsNow.com

Connell Chrysler Dodge is consolidating its business under one roof, forcing the closure of its Bridgetown location, dealer principal Kim Connell said last week.

Connell said pressure from manufacturers to operate out of modern facilities was a major factor in his decision to close the Bridgetown venue that he has operated for the past six years – a year longer than the lease agreement he had with previous owners Everett and Smith.

Even with consolidation at its Middleton location on Brooklyn Street near Highway 101, Connell said he will still have to complete about $100,000 in upgrades over the next few years.

Connell said closing the Bridgetown facility was inevitable in that he has been under pressure to spend more money there even though he had already invested heavily there to keep the facility open and presentable.

“A year ago we started doing deliveries from here (Middleton),” he said. “The majority of customers really like it here.”

For Connell, the decision wasn’t easy. He grew up in Bridgetown.

“That’s my hometown,” he said. “I put it off as long as I could – for nostalgic reasons maybe – but costs just keep going up.

“Yes, I’m sentimental, but there comes a time to look at the bottom line. If it costs money it just doesn’t make sense anymore.”

He believes most people will prefer doing business at the modern, spacious Middleton location.

“We offer the same level of service here. We’ll look after them,” he said.

“I’ve had some calls from people saying they’re disappointed,” said Connell. “I’m disappointed too.”

But he said the days of dealerships in every community are long gone – just like in the banking business where banks have consolidated in larger towns.

He said the cost of doing business in two locations is considerable. In the service side of the business he must have two of everything – including very expensive computerized equipment.

“There are just so many duplicate costs,” he said.

The way people shop has also changed, Connell said, pointing out that many prospective buyers do a lot of research on the Internet and when they show up at a dealership they know what they want and are often prepared to make their purchase immediately.

He said people in the Middleton area are lucky to have all of the Big 3 North American car manufacturers represented by local dealerships.

“They all have a better product now than ever,” he said, “and all (local dealers) have a good customer base.”

The Bridgetown facility will close on April 21 and one Bridgetown employee will be out of work. Connell said all other employees will be absorbed into the Middleton operation.