CHICAGO — E-commerce sales of replacement tires surged 45% over the last three years while the number of units sold at physical stores declined 11%, according to Circana Inc., formerly IRI and NPD Group.
"The amount of online traction in the replacement tire market is one of the biggest retail shifts that has appeared in the past few years," Nathan Shipley, automotive industry analyst for Circana, said.
"The convenience offered by e-commerce is providing a value to high-income aftermarket consumers, a group that recently re-engaged with their automobiles, tackling do-it-yourself projects, and taking family road trips over the past few years. And now they are continuing to spend at elevated levels across all automotive categories, including tires."
Overall, 3% fewer replacement tires were sold at retail in the 12 months through February 2023 than in the prior year. However, total replacement market tire sales are still 13% higher than two years ago when consumer behavior was very different, Circana said.