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Updated: April 30, 2025

More space, improved layouts prompt VIP store moves in Portland and Augusta

A garge interior includes lifts and equipment. Photo / Courtesy VIP The 7,000-square-foot stand-alone building is Augusta has eight repair bays and a tire storage warehouse.
By Laurie Schreiber

Auburn-based VIP Tires and Service has been on a growth streak that, in the past year, has included the acquisition of Center Automotive in Needham, Mass.; Joe’s Tire Shop in Waterbury, Conn.; Tires International in Manchester, Conn.; and Wallingford Tire & Auto in Connecticut.

In 2023, it even launched a hiring incentive that offers entry-level technicians free access to carts full of starter tools.

In May, it’s cutting the ribbon on larger stores in Portland and Augusta.

“These new locations allow us to better serve our customers in Portland and Augusta with improved layouts, more space and state-of-the-art equipment,” said Tim Winkeler, VIP’s president and CEO . 

File Photo / Courtesy VIP
Tim Winkeler

Portland

The Portland store moved about a mile northward from 35 Riverside St., which closed last August, to the former Riverside Street Garage building at 522 Riverside St.

The building was gutted and updated with new mechanical, electric, plumbing and lighting systems.

The main entrance was relocated and a storefront system was installed. Construction included a customer service area and lounge, upgraded restrooms, and the addition of a an employee break room, garage doors, vehicle lifts and shop equipment. 

A store interior has a wooden counter.
Photo / Courtesy VIP
The Portland store, a former garage, was gutted and updated, including a customer service area and lounge.

The 5,000-square-foot facility has seven service bays.

Augusta

The Augusta location moved a short distance from 61 Western Ave. to 50 Western Ave. 

VIP previously shared space at 61 Western Ave. with O’Reilly Auto Parts, which will now occupy the former VIP space, according to a news release. 

The 61 Western Ave. location is a 7,000-square-foot stand-alone building on otherwise undeveloped land. It’s been equipped with a customer lounge and service area, restrooms, employee break room, eight repair bays and a tire storage warehouse. 

Each store has 10 employees, including a manager.

VIP, established in 1926, is northern New England’s largest privately held automotive service provider and tire dealer. 

It operates over 75 New England locations across five states, up from 40 in 2001. The workforce has grown from about 490 in 2020 to over 750 today.

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