Bridgestone Retail Operations LLC (BSRO) says 2019 was a "record year" for the tiremaker's company-owned stores, with 36 new-store openings. And the plan for 2020 is to top that benchmark.
Bridgestone says it expects to open 50 new stores in 2020 — and 20 of those locations are scheduled to open before the end of March.
The BRSO business includes approximately 2,200 retail stores in the U.S. under the banners of Firestone Complete Auto Care, Tires Plus, Hibdon Tires Plus and Wheel Works.
The opening of 36 new stores in 2019 resulted in the hiring of 334 Bridgestone retail employees.
“We’re excited that BSRO was able to add 36 new stores to our retail footprint in 2019, which helped bring new jobs to these areas, as well as serve more customers in the local community,” says Marko Ibrahim, vice president of stores for Bridgestone Retail. “We hope to continue the success we had in 2019 this year as we work toward our goal of being the most trusted provider of tire and automotive service in every neighborhood we serve.”
