The Pink Wall Effect
The shop’s first store in Albuquerque at 9620 Eagle Ranch Rd NW set the standard for all the Mango stores that have come after it. When customers first walk in, they often do a double take, wondering if they entered an auto shop or a salon.
A pink wall greets customers upon entering the shop, along with a coffee bar, fridge, and plants throughout the area. It instantly creates a warm, comfortable feeling that Jackson and her crew call “the pink wall effect.” For that reason, the pink wall is a key characteristic found in every shop.
Past the service advisor’s desk, the waiting area features a mango themed wallpaper and mid-century furniture, with essential oil diffusers and soft music playing. Jackson collaborated with a close friend and commercial designer to formulate the shop’s vibe.
“We try to create a space that is welcoming to all humans. And we try to contrast the traditional automotive repair shop, where you might walk in, find a pot of burnt coffee, a 10-year-old Sports Illustrated sitting on the coffee table and grease stains on the seats. So we’ve come away from that and focus more on being a spa-like experience,” describes Jackson.
One of the most iconic aspects of Mango Automotive is Mia, the brand’s mascot. A little mango character, she was named by Jackson’s daughter, and can be found on various merchandise like keychains. A plushie Mia often inhabits the lobby for kids to play with.
“She’s very personified, and we think of her as a piece of our brand,” says Jackson.
