Goodyear Rolls Out Flexible Sales and Installation Plan

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. is launching an array of options to make it easier for customers to buy tires and have them installed on their vehicles.

Dubbed Roll by Goodyear, the scheme will debut at four outlets in Maryland before spreading to other states.

The plan includes adding small retail outlets near shopping centers and other spots that offer “lifestyle” amenities, Goodyear says. Customers can buy tires directly at the store or order them online at RollByGoodyear.com.

Goodyear points out that locating outlets near other attractions makes it easier for owners who buy their tires at the store to leave their vehicle an visit adjacent facilities. Such customers will receive an email or text notification when their vehicles are ready.

Customers have other installation options, including arranging to have their tires mounted at home by a mobile installation crew. Customers also can have a valet service pick up their vehicles and return them after the new tires are installed.

Goodyear says the concept has tested extremely well, especially among young female customers. Nearly 80% of female Millennials surveyed indicate they would consider Roll by Goodyear the next time they purchase tires, more than 30 percentage points more than the average among all respondents.

Goodyear held a leading 12% of the replacement tire market last year, according to Modern Tire Dealer. But the trade magazine notes that the service departments of franchised auto dealers have increased their sales to 9% of the market last year from 1% in 2000, thanks in part to flexible installation services.