Canadian U-Haul neighborhood dealers continue to push the do-it-yourself moving and self-storage leader. Although these local, independent business all offer U-Haul products and services, they are diverse.
Neighborhood dealers include businesses where customers expect to find U-Haul truck and trailer rentals. Locations might include gas stations, self-storage facilities, auto repair shops and furniture stores. But they also include some more unusual but effective fits for all parties involved.
In this installation of Eight Unique U-Haul Neighborhood Dealers, we’re going north of the border to find partners.
Aqua Bay Ltd. in Belleville, Ontario
This is a pool and spa retail store. It offers pool and spa services, patio furniture, barbecues, water softeners, ultraviolet lights, billiards, gaming tables, darts, docks, propane, skate sharpening and hockey equipment. Serving as a U-Haul neighborhood dealer opened the door to another group of customers that wouldn’t have entered the store, according to manager Cody Romano. “They become familiar with us right from day one. This makes our job much easier when people want a specialty item, like a pool or spa. They will think back and hopefully remember us,” he said.
Aqua Bay, located at 223 Cannifton Road N. in Belleville, became a U-Haul neighborhood dealer in November 2015. You can reach the store at (613) 967-9866.
Kemway Lanes in Humboldt, Saskatchewan
This is a bowling centre, a restaurant and a bus stop for the Saskatchewan Transportation Company, or STC. You can find 28 flavors of hard ice cream, burgers, french fries and U-Haul products on their menu. “(Becoming a U-Haul neighborhood dealer) was a good fit for us since we are open seven days a week,” co-owner Eric Ruthven said. “It has been a great experience for us and has often led to some new bowlers.”
Kemway Lanes, located at 1520 8th Ave. in Humboldt, became a U-Haul neighborhood dealer in December 1995. You can reach the store at (306) 682-5899.
Mr. Fry & Mrs. Cone in Deseronto, Ontario
This is a chip truck that was converted into a restaurant. Its menu has a variety of 60 homemade items. You can find hot dogs, fruit tins, chicken caesar wraps, hamburgers, fresh cut fries and ice cream cones. Owner Danny Beyette said: “U-Haul brings in a lot more business. Usually when a customer is renting a U-Haul, they order something to eat before they leave.”
Mr. Fry & Mrs. Cone, located at 48 Hwy. 49 in Deseronto, became a U-Haul neighborhood dealer in December 2014. You can reach the restaurant at (613) 396-5684.
Gateway Tractor in Deer Lake, Newfoundland
This is a business that offers farm and construction equipment. Owner Clyde Simmons saw the partnership with U-Haul as an opportunity “to help drive foot traffic to our shop.” Since becoming a U-Haul neighborhood dealer, they have enjoyed success from people having customers take an interest in their products while picking up their rentals.
Gateway Tractor, located at 50 Reids Lane in Deer Lake, became a U-Haul neighborhood dealer in July 2016. You can reach the store at (709) 635-3342.
Pacific Pure in Campbellford, Ontario
This is a business that sells and services mobility scooters. Since becoming a U-Haul neighborhood dealer, owner William Clark has been delighted to see more customers enter his retail store and more scooters sold as a result.
Pacific Pure, located at 527 Grand Road in Campbellford, became a U-Haul neighborhood dealer in December 2013. You can reach the business at (705) 653-1387.
Wizard of Odds in Ponoka, Alberta
This cleverly named home-based business offers travel and insurance packages. Owner Grace Vaessen said it was a family decision to become a U-Haul neighborhood dealer. “The kids were no longer playing on the acre (of available land) and I decided we should make use of it,” she said. “Our U-Haul partnership gives our store great exposure and I really enjoy it.”
Wizard of Odds, located at A 252062 Twp Road 431A in Ponoka, became a U-Haul neighborhood dealer in June 2010. You can reach the business at (403) 783-8997.
Don’s Speed Parts in Wainwright, Alberta
This is one of the largest snowmobile dealers in Canada. The business is a recreational power sports dealer for Arctic Cat®, Suzuki®, Clubcar® and Bikeman®. “U-Haul is a great fit,” owner Don Kinghorn said. Since becoming a neighborhood dealer, Don’s Speed Parts has seen an increase in foot traffic. “When new people move to the community, they come into our business when otherwise they may never have come in,” he noted.
Don’s Speed Parts, located at 206 14th Ave. in Wainwright, became a U-Haul neighborhood dealer in November 2015. You can reach the store at (780) 842-5477.
Oasis Sound Bar & Café in Barrie, Ontario
This is a food truck and an event center. On their menu you can find burgers, fries, sausages, fresh baked healthy goods and U-Haul trucks. Their social center is a venue that can hold a variety of events from bachelor parties to weddings to birthdays. “Everyone needs to move and everyone needs to find trucks,” owner Jake Tucker said. “We can offer different hours and offer different choices for our customers.” Since becoming a U-Haul neighborhood dealer, Oasis Sound Bar & Café has had plenty of repeat business from U-Haul customers.
Oasis Sound Bar & Cafe, located at 259 A Innisfil St. in Barrie, became a U-Haul neighborhood dealer in June 2016. You can reach the venue at (705) 417-0501.
To find U-Haul stores and neighborhood dealers in your area, visit uhaul.com/locations or if you’re interested in more information on becoming a U-Haul dealer, visit uhaul.com/dealer.
