The Point S Conference held in Vancouver from September 19th to the 22nd was an opportunity for the 315 participants to reconnect and celebrate the network’s successes while planning for the future.

Jean Novak, this was his first official meeting as Point S Canada and Distribution Stox President and CEO with the network’s stores and their partners. Having taken over from Bruno Leclair, Jean Novak now heads a network of some nine hundred tire and mechanical service centres under the Point S, Point S City, V1 and Otobox banners located in seven Canadian provinces.

“This gathering in one of Canada’s most beautiful cities is an opportunity to take stock of our progress and to highlight our development strategies,” explains the Point S President. “Being well established in Quebec, Point S is a great fit for the rest of Canada. Many regions, with a large number of dynamic local entrepreneurs, could benefit from the strength of the largest network of independent tire and service centres in the country.”

Customer-centric strategy

As part of its presentations at the conference, Point S shared the results of a study on consumer perceptions and expectations regarding automotive maintenance and repair services. “The study highlights consumer expectations and, more importantly, how our stores must continually adapt,” notes Jean Novak. “Our network is hugely successful, but we can’t rest on our laurels. One example of this is the proposal to add auto glass repair and replacement to the tire and mechanical services. A complementary diversification of the service offering to which some one hundred shops across Canada have already subscribed.”

In addition to presenting their products and services, strategic vendor partners were also invited to speak at the Conference, providing participants with keen insight regarding the major trends in the automotive aftermarket. “Consumers wish or need to keep their vehicles longer,” declared Jean Novak, “and this is very promising for our network. We need to provide our members with the tools to help them remain relevant. As always, the consumer must be at the heart of our commitment. Our slogan “No Stress with Point S”, which remains our motto, must be front and centre in all our shops and in our customers’ minds.”

As mentioned by the President, Point S has teamed up with technical training service providers to support their store network in the technological shift, most notably in the area of vehicle electrification.

Point S also promotes and encourages the exchange of best practices among its stores on a group blog, in particular regarding the development and retention of human resources. “We have a pilot project for a communication platform in four of our warehouses to highlight the accomplishments of our workers and recognize their contributions. We will be able to share our experiences throughout the network. Employee recognition in the framework of being acknowledged as an outstanding employer is one of the cornerstones of success.” Point S already has several innovative initiatives to attract and retain employees.

Distribution domination

With the combined volume of retail tire sales represented by the network’s 900 merchants, tire supply is not an issue. This significant purchasing power offers real strategic advantages in discussions with tire manufacturers. As such, even when the supply chain is disrupted, our network stores have solutions for their customers.

Forging connections and building friendships

This Conference, which celebrated Point S’s successes and those of its stores and vendor partners, was also an opportunity to discover one of Canada’s most beautiful regions from a variety of angles. Numerous activities were planned so that store representatives from all regions of Canada could get to know each other or renew their friendships in an enchanting setting.

Above are some of the highlights of the Vancouver visit and the activities organized by Point S for its members.