ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Monro Inc. has agreed to become a tire installer for Amazon.com Inc., designating its retail tire and automotive service centers in the eastern U.S. as installation sites for Amazon.com customers.
The service is starting in the greater Baltimore area, at 52 Mr. Tire Auto Service Centers, Monro said, but will be expanded to the entire Monro network of 1,170-plus retail locations across 27 states.
Rochester-based Monro joins Sears Holdings Corp. as major auto service retailers to agree to serve as installation sites for Amazon.com. Sears recently expanded the number of Sears Auto Centers so designated to 118 in 21 states, including 30 in California.
"As the nation's largest independently owned and operated automotive service company, we are thrilled to collaborate with Amazon.com to provide increased convenience and high-quality professional service to Amazon.com customers," Monro President and CEO Brett Ponton said.
"This option for tire installation aligns perfectly with our Monro.Forward initiative to develop a robust omni-channel presence."
Amazon.com customers can use Monro retail locations by using Monro's ship-to-store option. Amazon.com will ship the tires directly to the designated store, which will complete the tire installation at the date, time, and location designated by the customer.
Monro's Monro.Forward strategy focuses on driving operational excellence and delivering a consistent best-in-class customer experience.
Monro is calling its collaboration with Amazon.com is a "key component of its customer-centric engagement and omni-channel initiatives."
Monro did not disclose any financial information or sales projections related to the deal.
Sears began offering full-service tire installation and balancing for Amazon.com customers on May 9 at 47 Sears Auto Centers in eight metropolitan areas. It intends to expand the service to its 400-plus locations nationwide.