I-69 (Exit 10): Five questions with a store manager

October 07, 2008 08:27 am

— Courtney Cannady is the location manager for Mike’s Express Carwash on 146th Street at Interstate 69’s Exit 10. One of the first stores open at the now-bustling exit, Mike’s has seen the effects of the exit’s tremendous growth from day one.

The Herald Bulletin: When did this Mike’s location open?
Courtney Cannady: “December 2007. We opened early. JCPenney opened first, then we did. I guess it was pretty much neck and neck.”

THB: How has store traffic changed since more stores at the exit have opened?
CC: “The commuter traffic has definitely picked up during rush hour. We stand out there every morning and traffic has definitely picked up. You can’t put a number on it, but as more opens over there (at Hamilton Town Center across the street), you can see an increase. The potential is clear.”

THB: How does this location along I-69 compare to other locations you have worked?
CC: “I opened the location in Carmel. It was tucked in the business district. It’s a busier store, but within the next five years this whole area I predict to be very successful as far as the retail.”

THB: Did the location along the interstate appeal to Mike’s when deciding to put a store here?
CC: “We knew going into this that we were setting up shop early. The potential was there, but for the past year there hasn’t been a whole lot around here. People are anxious to have something else closer and more convenient than 96th Street, which is so congested.”

THB: What are your predictions for the future of this Mike’s location?
CC: “This will be a great store. With the volume of traffic on I-69 and the traffic right here and with all the businesses and retail that’s going to be going up, it’s an ideal situation for us.”