CarMax Inc., a Virginia-based auto retailer, announced it is preparing to enter the Utah market with a store in South Jordan, which will create about 100 new jobs.
The South Jordan CarMax, 11213 S. South Jordan Gateway, is slated to open Sept. 2, according to spokeswoman Trina Lee. The 51,000-square-foot "super store," located on a 31-acre plot, will include offices, service area and an inventory of 300 to 500 vehicles.
"We are a retailer — more than a dealership," Lee said. "Our concept is that of no-haggle pricing, offering a variety of (auto) makes and models. At any one time, there are between 300 to 500 vehicles on the lot. Customers go in and select the vehicle, and they know that the price on the vehicle is the price they'll pay. It's a haggle-free, user-friendly, fun car-buying experience."
The South Jordan store is CarMax's first in Utah, and the company believes the dealership will be a good fit.
"We look for growing metropolitan areas where there's a population of 1 to
4 million people, in a place where we feel like we can come in and quickly make people more familiar with our concept," Lee said. "Salt Lake was an appropriate market for our business."
Jobs created include sales positions, business office associates, automotive technicians and purchasing associates.
Job seekers can apply by calling 1-800-9CARMAX (227629), online at www.carmax.com or by visiting the temporary CarMax employment center at the Courtyard by Marriott, 10701 S. Holiday Park Dr. The employment center will be open from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday, until Aug. 19.
CarMax has 62 dealerships in 28 markets, along with seven new-car franchises. Prior to the September opening of the Salt Lake store, CarMax's closest dealerships are in Las Vegas and Albuquerque.
CarMax Facts
Who: CarMax is based in Richmond, Va. It operates 62 used car superstores in 28 markets.
What: The retailer says it will create about 100 jobs, including sales, administrative, and technician positions.
When and where: The dealership, 11213 S. South Jordan Gateway, is scheduled to open Sept. 2. The CarMax employment center, 10701 S. Holiday Park Drive, will be open until Aug. 19. Applications may also be submitted online at www.carmax.com or by phone at 1-800-9CARMAX.
E-mail: jnii@desnews.com