PickUps Plus California-Bound

MASON, Ohio--PickUps Plus Inc., a retailer of truck and SUV accessories, is expanding its franchised operations into California. The company plans to open its 12th nationwide retail location in San Francisco in late October.

PickUps Plus has been expanding under an aggressive franchise plan, seeking new locations with high potential nationwide. Currently, the company owns and operates three corporate stores, while overseeing eight franchise locations in eight states.

“California, as the most populous state, represents one of the most lucrative geographic market areas in the $30-plus billion market for sports utility vehicle and light truck accessories,” said John Fitzgerald, president and CEO of PickUps Plus.

“We are looking forward to the introducing countless truck and SUV owners in Northern California to the best products and accessories on the market today,” said Fitzgerald. “Like many buyers across the nation, purchasers of SUVs and pick-ups in and around San Francisco are anxious to personalize and customize their vehicles so that they don’t look like every other assembly line truck on the road.”

PickUps Plus sells all major brands of popular pick-up and SUV accessories in its store and on its Internet site at www.pickupsplus.com. It features brands such as Westin, DeeZee, Lund, GTS and Deflecta-Shield and other manufacturers to match vehicles from General Motors, Dodge/Jeep, Ford and leading imports. PickUps Plus also installs onsite.

“Our competitive advantage is that there are very few retail outlets to turn to for higher-end customized truck accessories. And, we are the first to offer top of the line products in a clean and friendly atmosphere,” said Fitzgerald.

PickUps Plus “is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the tremendous growth” in the sale of new light trucks and SUVs. The market for truck accessories continues to climb with the explosive growth in truck sales. Market research from Ford reveals that 90 percent of truck and SUV owners purchase aftermarket accessories for their vehicles, spending an average of $1,600 within the first three months of purchase.

Year to date, trucks have represented 52.6 percent of total North American passenger automotive production. In addition, four out of the five top selling vehicles in the U.S. are trucks or SUVs.

Founded in 1993, After several years of extensive development and testing of its franchise system, the company is gearing up to start a nationwide expansion to be first-to-market in its growing, but highly fragmented industry made up almost entirely of small, independent, non-branded shops.

“Fast, professional installation, the most knowledgeable people in the business, and attention to detail make PickUps Plus the first stop for people looking for quality truck and SUV accessories. PickUps Plus owners and employees are trained in factory recommended installation procedures and know the accessories that match every vehicle they service,” said Fitzgerald. “The company’s franchise program appeals to the growing number of truck and SUV enthusiasts and professionals that already sell and install bedliners, ladder racks, bug guards, painted visors, floor mats, off road equipment and an ever-expanding line of aftermarket accessories.”