NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Bridgestone Americas' retail store business opened 28 stores in the first half of 2021 and has plans to open 27 more before year-end.
The new store openings push Bridgestone's retail holdings in the U.S. to over 2,250 stores and helped create more than 250 job opportunities in the 16 states where new stores opened.
The company said six of the new locations are in Texas and four are in Florida, but did not disclose the locations of the others nor say which retail brands they represent, what size they are, its investment in the store network expansion or whether they closed any during the same time period.
"Amid the challenges brought forward by the COVID-19 pandemic, we were laser focused on accomplishing our retail expansion goals while ensuring first and foremost that our teammates and customers remained safe," Marko Ibrahim, President, Bridgestone Retail Operations, said.
"Thanks to the dedication of our team, we are providing more customers than ever before with trusted tire and automotive service, and we look forward to reaching more communities before year's end."
Last year Bridgestone opened 52 stores last year amid the COVID-19 pandemic and resultant impact on the retail sector. Those store openings created over 500 jobs, Bridgstone said.
BSRO goes to market across the U.S. under the brand names Firestone Complete Auto Care, Tires Plus, Hibdon Tires Plus and Wheel Works.
As part of the Bridgestone Tires4Ward recycling program and maximizing the company's contribution to a circular economy, used tires removed from service at each of the new locations will have a beneficial next use, the company said.
The new stores also support Bridgestone's national Driving Great Futures partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Ongoing assistance by way of customer donations and teammate volunteerism helps local Boys & Girls Clubs with transportation needs, as well as critical services for kids and teens who are facing food insecurity and digital divides.
