Pep Boys expanding tire installation nationally for Amazon customers

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — Icahn Automotive Group's Pep Boys retail network will expand its ship-to-store tire installation relationship with Amazon.com Inc. nationally to its nearly 1,000 locations.

Earlier this year, Pep Boys tested the offering in Tampa, Fla., and has since expanded to other major markets. The program will be available at all Pep Boys locations nationwide by year-end.

Amazon.com customers can purchase tires online and then choose a local Pep Boys store where the tires will be shipped for installation on their vehicles. Customers also schedule an appoint time during the transaction.

"We know shoppers sometimes prefer to buy auto parts and accessories from their favorite online retailers, and we're pleased Pep Boys can still service their vehicles through our national service network," Icahn Automotive CEO Dan Ninivaggi said.

The announcement comes on the heels of Monro Inc.'s expanding its collaboration with Amazon.com to provide online customers tire installation services at its automotive service locations in 10 Eastern states.

The Rochester, N.Y.-based retailer said it expects to make tire installation services available to Amazon.com customers in the coming year at more than 1,170 Monro retail locations across 28 states.

In August, Sears Holdings Corp. expanded its ship-to-store collaboration with Amazon.com to provide full-service tire installation and balancing for Amazon.com customers at its 295 Sears Auto Center locations in the U.S.

Sears since has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and disclosed plans to close 142 unprofitable stores by year-end.