CarMax(R) to Sell Automotive Electronic Accessories at Atlanta Superstores
13 April 1998
CarMax(R) to Sell Automotive Electronic Accessories at Atlanta Superstores
RICHMOND, Va., April 13 -- Beginning tomorrow, CarMax, the
pioneer of the used-car superstore, will offer a strong selection of top
brand-name automotive electronic accessories, including audio and security
systems, at its Norcross and Town Center stores.
CarMax, a subsidiary of Circuit City Stores, Inc., will sell accessories
with installation at no additional charge available through Circuit City's in-
store "Roadshops." The selection includes Sony in-dash compact disc and
cassette players; Alpine radio and changer packages; Kenwood amplifiers;
Infinity speakers; Viper keyless entry and remote start security alarm
systems; and the LoJack stolen vehicle police recovery system. The new
offering is being rolled out at CarMax locations nationwide. The roll out,
which began last month at CarMax locations in the Houston and Dallas markets,
is expected to be completed at all CarMax locations by May 1.
CarMax has been revolutionizing the way consumers think about automobile
purchases since opening its first store in 1993. CarMax locations offer
hundreds of top-quality used cars and trucks; low prices with no negotiating;
customer-friendly service throughout the buying experience; and convenient,
quality repair service. The company began development of the auto superstore
concept in 1991 and opened the first store of its kind in Richmond, Va.
CarMax currently has 19 locations nationwide. The company expects to operate
approximately 27 CarMax locations by the end of its fiscal year and 80 to 90
by calendar year 2001.
The Norcross store is located at 1975 Beaver Ruin Road at the intersection
of I-85 and Beaver Ruin Road in Norcross; and the Town Center location is at
1215 Ernest Barrett Parkway, close to the Town Center Mall in Kennesaw.
Beginning April 16, the accessories program also will be offered at the
Stockbridge store, located at 3100 Mount Zion Parkway at Exit 75, off
Interstate Highway 75 in Stockbridge.
"Our accessories program has been well received by customers," said W.
Austin Ligon, president of CarMax. "We have found that CarMax car buyers are
interested in upgrading or adding to their automotive electronic audio systems
and purchasing security systems to help protect their investment. We also are
fortunate to have Circuit City's automotive electronics installation
experience and expertise as a resource for installing CarMax accessories."
CarMax accessories are featured in a display area within the showroom and
can be selected for purchase using AutoMation(R), the company's unique touch-
screen inventory system. The AutoMation screen displays the accessories and
the store's vehicle inventory. CarMax's trained sales consultants can help
customers match the selected accessories with the CarMax vehicles that meet
their needs. Customers also can finance the accessories with the vehicles
through First North American Credit, a division of CarMax; or through
NationsBank.
Upon completion of the sale, the CarMax service department arranges an
installation appointment with the nearest Circuit City in-store "Roadshop."
"Roadshops" are Circuit City's in-store auto electronics departments, which
sell a wide range of car stereos, compact disc players and security systems.
Trained technicians install the purchased product at the Circuit City
Superstores. The LoJack system will be installed by a trained LoJack
technician at the customer's home or place of business. The CarMax service
department also will arrange the LoJack appointment.
Store hours for the Norcross, Town Center and Stockbridge locations are
Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00
p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 7 p.m. Service hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30
a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
CarMax is a subsidiary of Circuit City Stores, Inc., the nation's leading
retailer of brand-name consumer electronics and major appliances and a leading
retailer of personal computers and music software. With headquarters in
Richmond, Va., Circuit City operates 19 CarMax Auto Superstores; 50l Circuit
City Superstores; four consumer electronics-only stores; and 52 mall-based
Circuit City Express stores. The company's CarMax Group common stock trades
under the symbol "KMX." Additional CarMax information is available at
http://www.carmax.com. The Circuit City Group common stock trades under the
symbol "CC." Additional Circuit City information is available at
http://www.circuitcity.com.
SOURCE CarMax
