Bridgestone to open 58 retail stores in U.S. in 2021

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Bridgestone Americas Inc. plans to open 58 company-owned retail tire and auto service centers during 2021, pushing the firm's captive retail network closer to the 2,300 unit mark.

Bridgestone did not disclose its expected investment in the expansion program, which follows the opening of 52 stores last year amid the COVID-19 pandemic and resultant impact on the retail sector.

The store openings created over 500 jobs, Bridgstone said.

"We are grateful that despite all the changes 2020 had in store for us, we were able to create jobs in 52 new communities and provide essential services to more customers across the country," Marko Ibrahim, president, Bridgestone Retail Operations (BSRO), said.

"We are excited to continue expanding our retail footprint in 2021 as we solidify our position as the most trusted tire and automotive service provider in every neighborhood we serve."

BSRO goes to market under the brand names Firestone Complete Auto Care, Tires Plus, Hibdon Tires Plus and Wheel Works.

At year-end 2020, the company had 2,230 stores open, including 1,794 under the Firestone Auto Care banner and 376 under Tires Plus, according to data compiled by Tire Business for the 2021 Market Data Book. As such BSRO ranks behind Walmart Stores Inc. in terms of retail stores that sell tires; at last count, Walmart has 2,680 Walmart Tire & Lube Express stores and 599 Sam's Club locations that sell tires.

Of the 58 stores on tap for 2021, as many as 18 are scheduled to open before May 1. Bridgestone did not identify where the new stores opened last year nor where the new ones are set to open in 2021, nor how many of each brand will be added.

Disclosure of the expansion plan follows on the heels of the launch of BSRO's "Firestone Direct" mobile fleet initiative. That move, which sets up mobile tire-fitting and auto maintenance units at BSRO company store locations, is part of the firm's “solution-based program” to evolve the company’s nationwide retail network.