Massive Honda Dealership Expansion Reaches Next Level

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) - The Twin Cities is now home to the second largest Honda dealership in the nation.

The Richfield Bloomington Honda operated out of its old building for nearly 30 years. The new location takes car shopping to a new level. Literally.

"We had to stretch it out and go up," Richfield Bloomington Honda general manager Tim Carter said. "We have 117,000 square feet outside and another 47,000 on the roof."

The roughly $20 million facility has third-story rooftop parking, all-LED lighting and historic artwork. It's the only metro dealership with sidewalk frontage to imitate a window-shopping experience.

"It's a different consumer than it was just ten years ago," Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association vice president Scott Lambert said.

Lambert said the new Honda dealership is part of a growing trend for dealerships to create a luxury experience for customers.

"They're much more kid friendly; they have kids play areas, they have wi-fi, they have lounges," Lambert said.

The big attraction at the dealership is a jewelry boxcar display case on I-494, so you can browse cars without even stepping in the store.

Lambert said the BMW of Minnetonka and most metro area Toyota dealerships also have modern upgrades. He said he expect the luxury features to expand to dealerships around the state.

"You could step into any dealership right now and you'd be surprised at the creature comforts in the stores," Lambert said.

"Facilities don't sell cars, but they sure do make it appealing when you're there," Carter said.