NTB, Tire Kingdom stores to require face masks

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — Customers entering NTB Tire & Service Centers and Tire Kingdom stores across the U.S. will be required to wear face masks starting July 23, according to parent company TBC Corp.

TBC Corp. said the change is an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

TBC has more than 410 NTB locations nationwide and more than 190 Tire Kingdom stores throughout Florida.

"While we have required team members in our company-owned locations to wear face masks and gloves for many months now, we are now calling upon our customers to join us in the fight against coronavirus when visiting our locations. Effective July 23, 2020, all customers entering a NTB or Tire Kingdom location will be required to wear a face covering," Brian Maciak, executive vice president, general counsel and chief compliance officer for TBC, said.

TBC said customers must enter the location wearing a mask. The company will update customers on the new protocol via social media, website, signage at locations and via customer service channels.

TBC said precautions implemented at all NTB and Tire Kingdom locations prior to the enhanced protocol for customers to wear masks include:

• Closely monitoring the reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as local municipalities and adhering to or exceeding guidelines from local jurisdictions;
• Instituting a pandemic illness procedure that includes health and safety protocols so that the company can continue to serve customers;
• Sourcing additional cleaning supplies and guidelines for disinfecting surface areas and touchscreens were communicated and are being reinforced via meetings and written communications;
• Purchasing personal protective equipment (PPE) for all associates. Associates are required to wear masks and gloves at work;
• Implementing a daily temperature check performed by the manager on duty prior to an associate reporting to work;
• Committing to a no-handshake policy to help stop the spreading of germs;
• Marking six-foot spacing in showrooms and spacing chairs at least six feet apart and cleaning often;
• Revisiting protocol should team members need to enter a customer's vehicle for service needs;
• Offering modified drop-off procedures, including curbside and stay-in-car services;
• Communicating modified protocols and commitment to customers through many channels;
• Distributing a phased approach to reopening protocol that clearly outlines actions for associates based on their geographic location as well as position in the company; and
• Instituting a COVID-19 Task Force with team members from multiple business units driving best practices.

"We all play a part in the fight against COVID-19," TBC President and CEO Erik Olsen said.

"As we continue to navigate these unprecedented times we will take what we believe to be appropriate actions that continue to prioritize the health, safety and well-being of associates, customers and the community."