The pandemic has changed the way people shop, and Fountain Tire is rolling with the new era of consumer demand.
This September, the company launched Fountain Tire TireMobile, a new service that brings tire sales and installation right to the customer’s doorstep.
Research shows growing trends in North American consumers’ desire for convenience, and significant growth in e-commerce since the pandemic began. Fountain Tire took the cue that online transactions are here to stay.
“There’s no question the automotive landscape is changing,” comments Nason Higinbotham, Director, Southern B.C. Stores at Fountain Tire.
“Our customers were looking for the convenience of online shopping and at-home service, without sacrificing the high-quality products and professional installation they’ve come to trust with Fountain Tire. TireMobile was launched in direct response to those needs.”
TireMobile
Fountain Tire TireMobile combines online booking with on-site installation, seasonal tire changeovers and tire storage services at a customer’s home, workplace or other convenient location.
For light-duty fleet customers, there’s an added benefit of reduced downtime, as one or more mobile service vans can perform services right at the fleet yard.
The combination of the company’s partnership model and its ongoing drive to innovate makes mobile service a natural next step.
“Innovation has been one of Fountain Tire’s core values since its inception in 1956,” adds Higinbotham.
“From on-the-farm service in the ‘50s to digital vehicle inspections, online booking, and now TireMobile, Fountain Tire has led the industry by meeting customers’ needs through creative solutions, state-of-the-art equipment and the latest technology.”
Fountain Tire TireMobile is being launched exclusively in the Lower Mainland, British Columbia.
Population density, demographic fit and a pre-existing network of fifteen brick-and-mortar Fountain Tire stores in the region were contributing factors to establishing the new service model.
Web: Fountain Tire locations helping
TireMobile is supported by participating Fountain Tire locations in the region. Each store contributes to the cost of running the service, and each earns a share of the revenue.
One store manager is dedicated to running the TireMobile service, based at the company’s distribution centre in Delta, B.C.
The model reflects the partnership philosophy core to Fountain Tire’s business: the majority of Fountain Tire managers own equity in their stores.
Fountain Tire TireMobile has shown added benefits for customers during the pandemic, particularly for those who may be hesitant to go into a retail outlet and, as a result, may be avoiding purchasing new tires.
“Fountain Tire is focused on helping people get there – safely, sustainably and successfully,” says Higinbotham. “TireMobile helps remove barriers that may prevent a driver from staying safe on the road.”