| Sources |
- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 10 Sep 2006.
Giles Family sparks lang tradition of auto parts sales
- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 15 Sep 2006.
New, larger Giles Auto Parts opens to continue 60 years history
(c)2006 NPT PHOTO BY DAVID POPIEL The new sign was painted earlier this week for the new Giles Auto Parts store located off East Broadway. The business is open Monday through Saturday.
By: DAVID POPIEL
Source: The Newport Plain Talk
09-15-2006
The giant red letters went up Wednesday afternoon on the side of the new Giles Auto Parts store now located at 127 East Broadway. Giles Auto left its old site, which it had occupied for about 35 years, and moved one block west next to East Tennessee Tire Company after the property became available recently. Darrell and son Rusty Giles had moved in most of the parts and equipment from the old building by Monday. Our customers love the parking and we're real pleased with the new building," said Darrell Giles, who has been around the business for fifty years. Giles Auto Parts has a leased the area recently rocked for its future paved parking lot. Darrell Giles explained that the parking lot property is owned by the state. "We leased it for 15 years," he said. "It was a lot of work, but people are coming in to our new store," said Giles. He credits his son for the organization and being the architect of the move and layout of the store. The Giles family said they were grateful for the many people who helped with the move, including parts dealers, and friends. They also said Newport Utilities worked well with them. Full-time employees Wayne Stapleton and Eddie Busler began serving customers last Saturday as the old store was closed. The new store is about 500 square feet larger and also allows room for their machine work. Giles Auto also does rotor and brake drum turning on site, valve grinding, engine cleaning and other machine work to help customers. There were several reasons for the move but the main one was the one time opportunity to obtain the building. The Gileses like the better access for customers, better organized inventory, and conveniences of the new facility. Darrell and Rusty Giles said they would continue practicing their keys to success: courtesy, low prices, and parts availability. The father son team also has more experience total than most other auto parts businesses. Giles Auto Parts is one of the few independent such businesses still existing and the only one in Cocke County. During the years they acquired a huge stock of parts for older vehicles by buying the stock of many closed businesses. It is not uncommon to be able to find ignition parts for 1930s and 1940s era Fords and Chevys. "We're the same business and same people-just at another location. We hope to be here many years," said Darrell Giles, whose wife, Luzella, assists with secretarial chores. Rusty Giles' wife, Tina, has been helping set up the stock. The business was started about 1945 by Benton "Windy" Giles and was located in the building new owned by Willie Green operating as Newport Printing & Office Supplies. Later, his sons Landon and Darrell Giles became partners and eventually Darrell bought the entire business. He said that many mechanics have used his store's services for years and include the late Gerald James, Robbie Lindsey, Boone Kelly, Ace Sneed, Teddy Dykes, Alex Williams and many others. "We appreciate our customers and friends who have stuck with us through the years and hope you like our new store," said Darrell Giles, who celebrated his 67th birthday on Tuesday.
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Abt 1965 - (~ 59 years)
(Age 84 years)