A New Year And A New Store Opens

By Bruce Kettelle

Trotwood started the New Year with the grand opening of a new O’Reilly Auto Parts store. The 5,900-sq/ft store marks the 7th Dayton area store for the chain as part of a massive expansion within Ohio over the past two years.

“The company has been around for 52 years,” said District manager Jim Miller before the ceremonial ribbon cutting. “I think this store will do real well and our customers already seem to like it.”
The newly built store is nestled on Salem Ave. between three competitors on the same block.

“We have already had customers stop in that were comparing prices from O’Reilly”, said Dave Bohardt manager of nearby Main Auto Parts. He thinks the new competition will be good for business.

Trotwood Chamber members and city officials helped out at the grand opening of the O'Reillys Auto Parts on Salem Av on Januaery 6. (l-r) Sandy Reige, Sandy Marty, Karen Garner, Mathew Wynn (manager), Marie Battle, Gary Fischer, Carl Daugherty, Eric Perkins (asst manager), Jim Mills (district manager), Loren Gross and Shari Hooper (seated).

“There are some things we keep in stock that others don’t,” said Miller. Each of the competitors has their own niche.

Most of the other 36 Ohio O’Reilly stores opened last year were also built near competitors. Now with 66 stores in Ohio they continue to expand expecting to open 24-26 more stores here in 2010.

Carl Daugherty Trotwood’s zoning administrator helped the builders follow the city’s updated landscape and signage requirements and is pleased with the way it enhances Salem Ave. He is hopeful the city will witness additional retail growth this year.

“Grandview Weekend Outlet opened a new store before Christmas next to the Salem Av. K-Mart store,” said Daugherty. “I have an appointment coming up with another prospect that might locate in the Olde Town area.”

Perhaps this new interest in Trotwood could mark 2010 as a turning point for the city’s effort to attract new retailers.

Board members from the Trotwood Chamber of Commerce helped cut the ribbon. As with each local O’Reilly opening a donation is made to a local charity. Accepting for the Goodwill Easter Seals Adult Day Support center was Anna Marty and Shari Hooper.

The Trotwood O’Reilly store is located at 3970 Salem Avenue (937)279-0688.