Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes Corporation (SWAFC) has opened a new South Bend, IN store at 1201 South Michigan St. to service the South Bend, Mishawaka and Elkhart markets. The new retail location will incorporate SWAFC’s strategy to enhance the purchasing experience for its customers by including wider, more open aisles, brighter lighting and newly organized displays of coordinating products—all in an effort to make it easier to buy automotive paint and associated products.
“Our goal is to open new stores that conveniently meet the needs of our collision repair customer base around the country and bring them greater value,” said Tom Hablitzel, SWAFC president. “Each store features an improved merchandising mix, better product presentation and an interactive store environment.”
New and renovated stores have a consistent look and feel, reinforcing the Sherwin-Williams brand while providing customers with an instant comfort level and familiarity with the store whether they are in California or Canada, the company said.
In addition, now there will be a greater selection of SWAFC-branded products such as ULTRA, AWX and Planet Color in a convenient and easy-to-navigate format. Improved merchandise presentation and graphic displays will enable customers to more easily locate product segments within the store as well.
Computerized technical information about color selection and application will be readily available, as will onsite technical support at the SWAFC newest location.
“We want to be the one-stop-shop for the automotive repair and refinish industry,” added Hablitzel. “Our stores make it easy for customers to find the products and services they need to be profitable and productive.”