Looks like the days of grubby, grimy tire-dealer showrooms might be coming to an end. At least two tire dealers are making that happen, according to an article in Modern Tire Dealer.

I love what these guys did. One installed a 46-inch flat-screen TV and a Wi-Fi counter in his customer lounge. The other put in a kids’ play area complete with fully stocked toy box to make moms feel more at ease.

Both dealers completely modernized their customer areas to make a normally unpleasant task–buying tires, accessories and services–more of a pleasant retail experience. Both are independent operators, so there was no corporate bureaucracy to overcome when it came to design issues.

A chain franchise tire dealer I went to not long ago seemed to be moving in the same direction. The customer waiting area was clean enough and had comfortable seats. But newspapers and old magazines were all over the place. The TV was definitely not flat screen, and reception was lousy thanks to the rabbit-ear antenna. The windows were dirty (unlike those of a dealer in the article, who makes sure his are cleaned regularly,) which added to the grime factor. I’ll be looking for a more pleasant place to buy tires next time.

Even if you’re not in the tire or automotive business, I suggest you read the article for some great retail advice. As one tire dealer says, “Retailers have to do something to stand out.” And he’s not just full of hot air.