In this week’s Market Focus, we cover grand openings, including that of MILES Auto Spa, and a charity drive.

MILES Auto Spa expands business to open third location

FRANKLIN, Tenn. — The innovative MILES, including MILES Auto Spa and MILES Express, is expanding its growing business to offer its third location, according to a press release.

Having refined the company’s fast care concept, the sleek new location will provide advanced carwash services, the release continued, in addition to complimentary self-serve vacuums; towels for wheels, body and windows; as well as cleaning chemicals for customers seeking a more detailed service.

The new location will also boast state-of-the-art carwash equipment, including the Dry N’ Shine machine used to dry and buff each car, the release noted.

“Since we opened our first location 10 years ago, we have been able to determine the unmet needs of the consumer and clearly pinpoint what our customers are looking for,” said Miles Johnson, founder of MILES. “This new location offers a range of services — a fast wash for those busy customers who are in a hurry, in addition to 20 complimentary vacuum drops and cleaning supplies — an offer not found at any other carwash. The newest MILES Express will continue to surpass the typical carwash experience.”

Johnson opened the first full service Auto Spa in Williamson County 10 years ago, the release added; he partnered with Rocky Crossland in 2010 and they have continued to build a unique carwash business focused on providing customers a reliable, affordable and luxurious service and have since washed over one million cars, the release stated.

The new construction at 230 South Royal Oaks Blvd. in Franklin, Tennessee, began in July and will feature all-new, advanced carwash equipment as well as boast a modern, sleek feel with an all-glass exterior, providing on-lookers with a clear view of the MILES experience, the release reported.

The new location will hold its grand opening on Jan. 11, 2018, the release concluded.

Kleen-Rite partners with Toys for Tots

LANCASTER, Pa. — The 2017 Lancaster County Toys for Tots distribution was held at Kleen-Rite Corp.’s headquarters in Columbia, Pennsylvania, according to a press release.

Many dedicated community volunteers, veterans and Kleen-Rite employees worked with the Marine Corps for five days in December to give away over 5,000 gifts, the release continued.

More than 3,500 families were in attendance, benefiting approximately 9,000 children, the release noted; each child received a book, stocking stuffer, plush animal toy and three additional gifts.

Families also received a puzzle and a board game to play together, the release stated.

For more information and photos from this event, and Kleen-Rite’s other holiday initiatives, please visit https://blog.kleen-ritecorp.com.

For more information on local Toys for Tots programs, please visit https://www.toysfortots.org.

Long-awaited carwash to open next week

ANDALUSIA, Ala. — According to the Andalusia Star News, Splash Hopper Car Wash is due to open the week of Jan. 8th.

Owner Telisha Atchison said that everything should be finished upon the computer system being put in the week before opening, the article continued.

“It has been quite stressful, but I’m more than excited to open and give the city of Andalusia a small business that they have been wanting,” Atchison said.

The carwash will employ three to four full-time employees and five to 10 part-time employees, the article stated.

In addition to the express carwash, the article noted, there will be 18 parking spots with free vacuums, and the business will offer monthly “fast passes” in four package types.

“I have really learned a lot from this experience and cannot wait to get this going,” Atchison said. “It will be a great benefit to the community.”

Local businessman spruces up defunct carwash

DECATUR, Ala. — According to www.decaturdaily.com, the aging carwash on West Moulton St. that has been unused for years is getting a facelift.

Carey Wiggins recently bought the carwash from an Atlanta company and renamed it Boom Car Wash — a name that goes along with his other business, Boom Boom Room, a party room and event center he owns on that same street, the article continued.

“I grew up here and used to hang out at the carwash,” Wiggins said during a break from painting the building. “I also like the location, so I think I can make some money here.”

The carwash features three self-serve bays as well as a garage that Wiggins plans to use for hand washing with about five employees, the article noted.

“We’ll specialize in getting people in and out in 15 minutes for just $15,” Wiggins said. “We’ll vacuum and spray freshener on the inside. Then I will do a 21-point inspection, because I want to make sure it’s done right.”

Aside from some rust that the city wants him to clean up, Wiggins said the carwash is in surprisingly decent shape.

“We won’t have to do a lot cleaning the system,” Wiggins said.

John Seymour, president and chief executive officer of the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce, said that revitalizing the carwash will help the area, which is an aging commercial district.

“Repairing or fixing the carwash is a positive step,” Seymour said. “It shows somebody has some confidence in the neighborhood.”

District 1 Councilman Billy Jackson, who has been trying for years to get the city’s Community Development Department to condemn and demolish the carwash, said, “I’m just glad to see that somebody is doing something with it.”

Carwash reopening under new ownership

OMAHA, Neb. — According to www.omaha.com, the former Brentwood Touchfree Auto Wash at 8007 S. 84th St. will be reopening under a new name and new ownership in 2018.

City Ventures, a developer, will reopen the wash as Rocket 3 Minute Wash in mid-January, the article continued.

Rocket 3 Minute Wash already has locations in Omaha and Lincoln, the article added.

Brentwood Touchfree Auto Wash closed in 2016, and City Ventures purchased the property later that year; the site is currently under renovation, the article noted.

Rocket 3 Minute Wash will honor vouchers purchased from Brentwood Touchfree Auto Wash, even though they may be expired, the article concluded.