UpGarage USA opening in Torrance
I've known UpGarage was coming to the US, and the first store would be in LA, but I found out today it's going to be in Torrance, near the 405 freeway.
There's an upgarageusa_official on instagram now, and they're currently stocking their shelves. I can't wait for them to open. The location is literally between my home and work, so I'll try to keep everyone updated. For those unfamiliar with UpGarage, they're a chain of stores in Japan that sell used JDM and aftermarket parts at really good prices. I've been lucky enough to visit some of the locations in Japan, and they're really cool. https://i.imgur.com/mslyIzz.jpg https://i.imgur.com/kUQCmCd.jpg https://i.imgur.com/a2YkerW.jpg https://i.imgur.com/c0qMX3N.jpg |
Awesome! They just need one of these in Vermont and I'll be all set.
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I drive down there for work every day. 405 and what street?
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Can you post a google maps link. I've always wanted to go to one of these stores. EDIT: nevermind: |
Oh man. Time to plan to visit my brother down there since he lives in Torrance too. Haha.
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unfortunately they will run into the same situation as AutoBacs USA when this was tried 10+ years ago....
Japan and USA are not the same markets. To expect the business model to be replicated with success in the US is a fundamental lack of understanding about how business is done here. Most of the existing shops you and I buy from already have access to these same parts for the cheapest price possible given the current distribution structure. The only way Up Garage can get the price lower is if they shipped their own containers, which still ends up driving up the cost of holding inventory (20' container needs to be like minimum $50k cost of goods for the cost of shipping to be low enough), plus you can't exactly gray market items that have an official US distribution structure or importer. To make matters worse, there are already plenty of 3rd party sellers that ship direct out of Japan. HKS EVC boost controllers are often cheaper to buy via Japan sellers than via USA sources, this is one of many examples. (source: I'm currently fighting this battle with a few brands from Japan) |
Yep, another SuperAutobacs. Hopefully they would do better.
I remember that first year was awesome, after that it went downhill. Way over priced stuff, clueless employees, more expensive than a dealership if you let them work on your car. The only saving point was they had a nice selection of hobby cars, actual "race" seats, and wheels. |
This is not the same as Super Autobacs. Up Garage mostly sells second hand used parts at a discount. Super Autobacs charged higher prices than local shops for the same stuff.
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most of the cheaper second hand parts that we already buy are via forums or Facebook groups. most of the second hand parts Up Garage sells in Japan is via consignment or trade in parts. to ship those parts over to the US means someone is paying for the cost of shipping... the parts don't magically show up. |
looking further, it looks like it's a partnership between Croooober and UP Garage.
my guess is, they are probably promoting Up Garage's inventory primarily, and Croooober gets an opportunity to market/expand their direct sell services to the US market. to the average end user they will probably think it's Up Garage only, which is fine. |
mehh ill stick to streetercorp and buyee if i ever need to source parts from japan...
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In a related note though, croooober will now ship seats, and the price isn’t too bad. I ordered a Recaro last night for $50 less (including shipping)than a similar one was listed at in the UpGarage US inventory (not including shipping.) |
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