Belle Tire targeting Indiana for 20 more stores

ALLEN PARK, Mich. — Belle Tire Distributors Inc. is targeting Indiana for exponential growth over the coming 18 months with plans to open up to 20 stores there, predominantly in and around Indianapolis.

Belle management disclosed its plans in conjunction with the opening of its newest store, in Kokomo, Ind.. That expanded Belle's retail network to 100 stores, including 10 in the Hoosier state.

Allen Park-based Belle Tire said its presence in Indiana since opening its first store there in 2015 has had an economic impact of nearly $46 million.

"Belle Tire has worked to grow our footprint consistently since our inception in 1922 and has stayed true to our family-focused values," Belle Tire President Don Barnes III said.

"We pride ourselves in becoming good neighbors in each and every community we serve, and Kokomo will be no different."

Belle estimates the initial overall economic impact of the Kokomo store to the local community will be more than $2.8 million in the first year and more than $1.2 million annually thereafter. Kokomo is a city of 45,000 located 60 miles north of Indianapolis.

Belle Tire held a grand opening for the Kokomo store May 12, with company executives and local officials in attendance. The event featured a "Touch-a-Truck" exhibition with local public safety officials, free food and giveaways.

The new store is a 10-bay structure located southeast of Kokomo proper in a retail development area on Indiana State Route 22.

The dealership also disclosed it's launching a Choose Your Charity Challenge at the store in partnership with five local charities. Belle Tire will donate a percentage of its earnings on sales from May 12 through July 15 back to the charities involved — Kokomo Humane Society; Kokomo Rescue Mission; Kokomo Urban Outreach; Carver Community Center; and Howard County Emergency Management.

Nicholas Parton, manager of the Kokomo store, said, "Having been a member of Belle Tire's team for many years — including training staff at multiple Indiana locations — I have been able to experience first-hand the company's focus of giving back to the community."

Belle opened its first stores in Indiana in 2015, two in South Bend and one in Mishawaka.

The dealership's other stores in Indiana are in Elkhart, Fort Wayne (three stores); Michigan City and Muncie. Total employment in the state exceeds 200, Belle said.

Belle is the 12th independent tire dealership in the U.S. to reach or exceed 100 stores.

Leeds West Group (98 stores) and Town Fair Tire (97 stores) are the next most likely candidates to join the century club.