Business Profile: DAS Auto Parts & Battery Center, Yorktown, White Plains
Photo credit: Neal Rentz
Elmsford resident John Recchia owns DAS stores in White Plains and Yonkers and earlier this month expanded by opening his third store in Yorktown.
He opened his first DAS store, in White Plains, 15 years ago.
Recchia said last week the first DAS store opened 50 years ago and was known as Discount Auto Supply (D.A.S). The store was commonly referred to as DAS and Recchia said he decided to drop the periods when he opened his first store.
“We have a very broad business model,” Recchia said. “I like to consider ourselves Westchester’s best kept secret. And now, with being in the third location, I no longer want to be the best kept secret.”
DAS is better for consumers than a national chain, Recchia maintained. “We actually have a passion for what we do,” he said. His staff has over 100 years of experience in the business, Recchia noted.
DAS stores offer both offer standard items, plus other items typically not sold at other stores, Recchia said. “That’s how we differentiate ourselves and make ourselves better than the rest.” he said. DAS offers same day and next day deliveries on nearly all the items it offers.
DAS offers a wide variety of items, such as LED lighting, remote vehicle starters, trailer hitches, bike racks, “the largest selection of car cleaning items in Westchester,” vehicle batteries, key cutting services, car audio systems, and motor oils, Recchia said. The items are for any type of vehicle.
Recchia began working since he was 13, when he was employed at a golf course. At 15, he got into the car business because he wanted to purchase a Mustang and was told by his parents he would have to earn it. His current career started at a local auto parts store in Greenburgh.
Recchia outlined what he felt were the keys to his success. “We know our product lines. We’ve been hands-on. We can tell you from start to finish what the problem is or what needs to be done as opposed to a lot of these new stores that have come in. If their computer doesn’t know it or doesn’t show it they’re lost in the woods,” he said. “We figure things out. We get things done. We’re passionate about what we do. Obviously, that’s why we able to continue to grow in a time when every independent out there has gone by the wayside and has been eaten up by the large chains. We continue to thrive. Why? Because we have a model that works.”
“We consider ourselves the Ritz Carlton of retail auto parts,” Recchia added.
The White Plains DAS Auto Parts & Battery Center is located at 201 Tarrytown Rd. For more information, call 914-946-4880. The Yorktown store is at 373 Downing St. and can be reached at 914-352-6127. Their Web site is http://www.dastruckandauto.com.
