Tesla Expands Store Front Presence In Shopping Malls

Tesla is significantly expanding its retail presence this week with 11 new stores in the US and it’s focusing on locations inside malls with foot traffic.

Here are all the new locations announced by Tesla today:

    Victoria Gardens, Rancho Cucamonga, CA
    Del Amo, Torrance, CA
    Fashion Square, Sherman Oaks, CA
    Roseville Galleria, Roseville, CA
    Dallas Galleria, Dallas TX
    La Cantera, San Antonio TX
    Christiana, Newark DE
    Florida Mall, Orlando FL
    Coconut Point, Estero FL
    Southpark, Charlotte NC
    Roosevelt Field, Garden City NY

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mre30 - 12/11/2018 10:31:26 AM

+5 Boost

Makes sense - there is so much vacant Mall space (even at the best malls) that landlords are dealin' on leases (and perhaps short-term leases in Tesla's case).

I've been in Tesla retail stores and I'm so curious about how much those Tesla employees get paid to sit there. They told me they ARE NOT on commission. Anybody know?

SanJoseDriver - 12/11/2018 10:43:02 AM

-4 Boost

Yeah, I believe it is $15-22/hour for non-managerial employees--at least in California. Slightly higher than standard retail rates, and the best employees have opportunities for getting hired into Tesla corporate (this happened with the person that helped me configure a Model S years ago).

mre30 - 12/12/2018 5:32:10 PM

+7 Boost

Thanks, Tesla Human Resources, for such a specific answer.

How was work today?
Was today Sushi day in the Tesla cafeteria?
When is 'employee chair massage day'?

SanJoseDriver - 12/11/2018 10:44:16 AM

-4 Boost

I hate malls, but some are doing quite well still. Some of the retail outlets are also in urban/downtown areas with a lot of foot traffic.

Vette71 - 12/12/2018 5:09:32 PM

+1 Boost

Towns near wealthy communities where customers order exactly what they want. Build to order which is Tesla's model, not buy off the lot.

SanJoseDriver - 12/11/2018 10:40:30 AM

-3 Boost

I would rather they build more service centers that also have a store component to expand convenience for all the new owners.

Truthy - 12/11/2018 11:01:14 AM

+7 Boost

At what point will Tesla have to have dealers like all other manufacturers?

SanJoseDriver - 12/12/2018 3:35:29 AM

-8 Boost

Um, never... if anything more manufacturers will follow the Tesla model. Volvo, Audi, and Chinese upstarts have already moved in that direction.

MDarringer - 12/12/2018 7:39:38 AM

+4 Boost

Yes it's important to rape customers financially by doing price fixing. Gotta love the socialist gestapo.

Vette71 - 12/12/2018 5:30:03 PM

+2 Boost

The current Tesla model doesn't fit the "buy off the lot from stock" purchaser. As long as there are lots of folks who want to order what they want, pay a set price and wait for it to be built it works. Is there evidence that more people are willing to do that with all the everyday internet buying for set prices or sites that let you find the exact vehicle you want from multiple dealer's stocks? Hard to say. Even on Amazon delivered price and time to get it still matter.

SanJoseDriver - 12/18/2018 4:30:21 PM

+1 Boost

Ironic comment since OTA updates are not allowed so that dealers can rape customers financially on services they don't need. Also, I would rather pay invoice than give that dealer markup to a bazaar-style salesman that adds no value in the sales process outside of inconveniencing the purchaser (some exceptions, Lexus etc.)

222max - 12/11/2018 11:50:37 AM

+1 Boost

I saw several of these "mall" dealerships in England. They are more like Apple stores than car dealerships. Somehow it works.

222max - 12/11/2018 12:36:46 PM

-1 Boost

The mall shops function more as showrooms. The way I understand it, you can order your vehicle to your specs and pick it up at the nearest dealership or it can be delivered to your home. For service you would still need to go to the dealership/service center of your choice.

SanJoseDriver - 12/12/2018 3:34:34 AM

-8 Boost

They can repair your car at your home and office. Also, the Model 3 only requires service every TWO YEARS. Think it is the first car of any kind that has hit that maintenance cadence.

Vette71 - 12/12/2018 5:37:25 PM

+2 Boost

Routine service every two years and repair are two different issues. Do I want faulty brakes, non functioning doors or some other major issue repaired in my driveway? Don't think so. Besides its 28 degrees outside and a freezing mechanic isn't likely to do good work.

SanJoseDriver - 12/18/2018 4:32:20 PM

+1 Boost

If you need a repair, they'll come to your house to do it. What other companies offer that level of convenience? If something is faulty, of course they will fix it. For standard maintenance, which is all most purchasers will need, is every two years with the three. I believe that is best in class right now and hopefully other companies will follow suit.