MELBOURNE multi-franchise dealer Alan Mance Group has opened a pop-up store this week that will become a rolling showroom for four of the company’s five franchises.

Alan Mance Group managing director Phillip Mance said even before completing the shop within Highpoint in Maribyrnong the sales staff spoke to more than 150 shoppers.

It is the first time Alan Mance Group has leased a shop at Highpoint – Australia’s fourth biggest shopping centre – after previously finding success with static displays within the complex.

“We will have a rolling showroom through to the end of November, first with HSV and Citroen and then Suzuki, Holden and then Mitsubishi,” Mr Mance said.

“We are unlikely to use the shop in December because the centre has 24-hour shopping which is very difficult for us to staff.”

Mr Mance said he was “blown away” by the shopper reaction to the HSV and Citroen displays.

“All the car companies help finance the shop and we have organised to show all the latest models so shoppers can see the very latest cars,” he said.

He said Suzuki was very keen on the initiative and was planning to support the pop-up with a full display of new models and accessories including the new Suzuki Baleno.

This will be followed by the new Holden Colorado and then the latest Mitsubishi Outlander and ASX.

“It’s important to keep the shop display and the staff fresh. That way shoppers can see something new every month,” he said.

Staff are on a roster system but Mr Mance said he also employs hire staff for after hours and some weekend shifts.

By Neil Dowling