AKRON (March 28, 2002)—For a limited time, Goodyear is offering online tire buying to the Atlanta metro market, via a visit to the Web site, www.goodyeartires.com.
“Consumer research has proven that all of us seek added convenience because of active lifestyles and workday requirements,” said Stephanie Wernet, director of e-commerce for Goodyear North American Tire. “That means the time-worn practice of making multiple visits to tire retailers to check brands and prices has given way to more on-line research, and even on-line purchases.”
Visitors to the Web site will see a note reading “Atlanta! Order Tires Online.” An Atlanta consumer can walk through the Web site steps to self-select the tires most appropriate based on information supplied by the consumer.
When a zip code is entered, the consumer receives information regarding the nearest participating Goodyear retailer. Once a retailer is selected, prices appear and the consumer knows his purchase price before deciding to complete the transaction. Upon completion, transaction details are forwarded to the retailer and an appointment is made to do the installation and any other service details requested.
During the Atlanta pilot program, 25 area Goodyear retailers will participate—representing both company-owned outlets and independent dealers.
The Atlanta market was selected for the test due to its mix of Goodyear-owned outlets and independent locations. In addition, Atlanta is considered the 11th "most-wired" (residents with Internet capability) city in the country.
Goodyear's Just Tires outlets (primarily a tires-only retail format) in the Chicago area have undertaken online purchasing in recent months. Goodyear operates 27 Just Tires locations in Chicago.