QVC, HSN put 'spotlight' on Ohio's Tire Source

AKRON — Qurate Retail Inc., the proprietor of the QVC, HSN and Zulilly shopping networks, has picked northerneast Ohio tire retailer Tire Source as one of 20 companies it's featuring in its Small Business Spotlight segment on its QVC and HSN platforms.

"We have a special relationship with the small business community, which generates so much of the innovation that drives our economy and has played a special role in the growth of our business," Qurate Retail President and CEO Mike George said.

"Ordinarily, the companies in our Small Business Spotlight would not be on QVC, HSN, or Zulily, because they are not part of our vendor family," he added. "Our aim with this initiative is to help rally the public around these vital businesses, so they can come through this crisis and continue to anchor their local communities for many years to come."

Through this initiative — which is being undertaken in partnership with the National Retail Federation — Tire Source and 19 other small businesses are be able to share their individual stories with millions of consumers nationwide through the QVC and HSN websites and social-media pages and via on-air broadcasts on the QVC and HSN television networks.

Tire Source's story began appearing on QVC's and HSN's websites and social pages on May 11 and the company will be highlighted on air on May 22 at noon and 9 p.m. on QVC and 1:55 p.m. and 10:55 p.m. on HSN.

Zulily is promoting the campaign on its website, email, and social, and Tire Source can also tap Qurate Retail Group team members for advice on solving a business issue related to COVID-19 through a virtual mentoring initiative.

"We are extremely excited to be a part of the 20 small businesses selected for the Small Business Spotlight Program," Tire Source President and Founder Tom White said.

"We understand how important our business is to our communities, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. We were able to remain open as an essential business in order to service the general public, first responders, state highway patrol, and the like.

"Although we remained open, we still felt the economic effects, which is why we appreciate this program so much to get our brand and story out to the public."

Tire Source operates six full-service tire and auto repair shops in northest Ohio — three in the Canton area and single outlets in Akron/Fairlawn, Medina and Streetsboro. The dealership employs ASE-certified technicians in its auto service bays.

Qurate Retail said it has a long tradition of helping small business owners and entrepreneurs launch and grow their brands by sharing their stories through Qurate's range of shopping platforms.

The Small Business Spotlight runs from May 11 through June 6 and is part of Qurate Retail's $29 million COVID-19 global relief efforts.

"The Small Business Spotlight lends support to local, small businesses that are the lifeblood of our national economy," NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. "We're honored to work with Qurate Retail Group to share their world-class expertise and multiple platforms with these small business owners during such a critical time."