Anyone walking into the new Lacombe RV showroom is bound to be impressed. It's bright, spacious, and inviting.
The waiting area features a fireplace, large (and comfortable) leather sofas and chairs, and teak root furniture and sculptures imported by Black Diamond Gallery. Marvelous equine art by local artist Kim Penner graces the walls. And of course, there is an array of new (and comfortable looking) RVs on display.
The overall effect is one of "wow", an effect that General Manager Pat Hodgins says was intended from the design stage.
Lacombe RV in New Business Park on Highway 2 to Calgary
"This business park concept started over two years ago," Pat explains, "and where we're situated now was just a farmer's field." The park is right along Highway 2 (QE II), the main north-south route connecting Edmonton and Calgary, so it has high visibility and easy access. At the moment, Lacombe RV is the only business in the park, though others are expected to follow and increase traffic to the area.
"Of course, it takes county approval to have the development go ahead. We had to have all the services brought into this area and it was a real challenge to turn a farmer's field into what you're currently sitting in here."
Lacombe RV had previously been in another location in the town of Lacombe itself, but had outgrown its site. "We put our existing dealership…on the market when this started and a church bought it, Wolf Creek Community Church. We made a deal with them that we could temporarily set up in their parking lot until this [new site] was completed. Well, that turned into a two year temporary setup."
Lacombe RV – Coping with Changes
Suite101 asked Pat about recent changes to the RV industry.
"Because of the global recession, there has been a downsizing in the number of manufacturers in the last year, so that has definitely affected the industry... There's lots of product out there that doesn't have a home, that has to be sold with no warranty because the manufacturer has disappeared, so it has really increased the importance of the extended warranty programs that are available."
And how does that affect the consumer?
"There's a lot of choices for buyers, and so reputation and longevity and the service after the sale becomes even more important. Obviously, we have made a huge commitment with our 10 [new service] bays to look after all our previous customers.... We have a wonderful collection of previous customers and some people that have bought from us two or three times."
Have there been any changes to how RVs are being built?
"A lot more use of aluminum, lighter materials.... The manufacturers have tried to go green. With the formaldehyde scare after the disaster in New Orleans, that brought that front and center to the industry. A lot of the glues and resins that produce formaldehyde have been replaced."
What's new in features?
"Things are becoming easier for the consumer: electric awnings, electric stabilizer jacks, remote-control air conditioners and furnaces, DVD built-in, flat-screen TV. There's always something new every season. Right now it's the flat-screen drop-down TVs that disappear out of sight, that's the newest thing this year. We now have forty-foot trailers with four slide outs and two fireplaces! Everything from entry-level to top of the line [luxury] units."
Do you carry motor homes?
"We do strictly towables.... We [also] sell truck campers, we have a great selection of truck campers, one of the best in the province."
Did you know that your web site still has the old location?
"Yes, but we've been devoting our time and energy to the new site."
Lacombe RV's New Facility
The new dealership was at the time of Suite101's visit the newest RV facility in Alberta, featuring
- Full sales, parts, and service
- Six acres of inventory
- Huge indoor showroom
- 2000 square foot Parts Department
- 10 Service Bays
" This facility has taken us a long time to complete," says Pat, "but it was well worth the wait."
AIC101
Related Articles
- The Alberta RV Industry – Lacombe RV General Manager Pat Hodgins shares his experience and insights.
- Favorite RV Dealers in Western Canada – Readers of RVWest magazine's top picks for 2008
- Favorite RV Service/Repair Centers in Western Canada – ditto.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
