CarMax(R) to Sell Automotive Electronic Accessories in Florida
20 April 1998
CarMax(R) to Sell Automotive Electronic Accessories At Central Florida Superstores
RICHMOND, Va., April 20 -- CarMax, the pioneer of the used-
car superstore, is offering a strong selection of top brand-name automotive
electronic accessories, including audio and security systems, at its Tampa and
Orlando stores.
CarMax, a subsidiary of Circuit City Stores, Inc., is selling accessories
to CarMax customers 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 Tampa store is located at 14920 Nebraska Avenue near the Malibu Grand
Prix in Tampa; and the Orlando location at 7107 Semoran Boulevard near the
Orlando International Airport in Orlando.
"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 Tampa location 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, 12 noon to 7:00
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.
Store hours for the Orlando location 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 12 noon to 7:00
p.m. Service hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 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; 501
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