SAINT JOHNS, Fla. — Tire Outlet Direct L.L.C. has opened its 13th retail store in the Jacksonville area, an eight-bay greenfield construction facility in St. Johns, and plans to break ground in November on store No. 14.
The dealership, started in 1981 by a group of local investors, covers a seven-county area stretching over 100 miles up and down the Atlantic Coast north and south of Jacksonville and westward as far as Gainesville.
Saint Johns is a growing, unincorporated community located roughly 20 miles south of downtown Jacksonville with a population estimated at over 80,000.
The new outlet, located in the Parkway Place retail center in Saint John's Durbin Park, features "industry-leading" diagnostic and installation equipment, as well as a modern, yet comfortable, customer lounge and cafe. Tire Outlet did not disclose its investment in the new outlet.
In addition to the 13 physical locations, Tire Outlet operates a mobile tire installation unit for selected markets.
The dealership advertises the availability of over 40 brands, including all the major brands, and offers a range of vehicle repair and maintenance solutions.
Rob Duckworth, chief operating officer for Tire Outlet, said this latest expansion is an example of the dealership "continually providing the family-friendly, reliable automotive service that families within our communities have grown accustomed to."
With 13 stores, Tire Outlet is the eighth largest independent tire dealership in Florida and among the 75 largest in the U.S.