Faced With Rent Increase, Oregon Auto Shop Secures Superior Location

All About Automotive, a repair shop in Gresham, Oregon, had been contemplating a relocation for two decades—but a sudden increase in rent forced them to suddenly make the leap, reports The Gresham Outlook.

Though All About Automotive had been interested in finding a new spot, they kept running into high asking prices, incompatible zoning, and buildings that needed some work done.

But when the landlords at their property implemented a whopping 88% rent increase, All About Automotive had no choice but to leave.

“We couldn’t afford that,” said All About Automotive President Karen Johnston. “We were going to go out of business if we stayed.”

Fortunately, Eastco Automotive & Machining, a local business the shop has a longstanding relationship with, had recently decided to close. All About Automotive began negotiating, and the two made a deal together.

Beginning the move on Oct. 28, within just a week the shop managed to relocate to where it’s at now: 1850 N.W. Burnside Road.

“It was a lot of very long days and nights, but we have a great crew,” said Johnston.

Not only is the rent at this location half of what it was, but All About Automotive may even have the opportunity to purchase the building in the future. Its location is much more accessible, too; their former shop was at the end of a gravel road in a rarely frequented area of Downtown Gresham.

“This is one of the best we have ever had, and they and family helped us through all of this,” expressed Johnston. “We are excited because this is the right thing for our business.”