Bridgestone Retail Operations (BSRO), a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas and the largest network of company-owned tire and automotive service centers in the world, announced it will open 58 new stores across the U.S. in 2021 as part of the company’s continued growth strategy. The projected launches follow significant BSRO expansion in 2020 when 52 new locations opened amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent impacts on the retail sector.
“We are grateful that despite all the changes 2020 had in store for us, we were able to create jobs in 52 new communities and provide essential services to more customers across the country,” said Marko Ibrahim, president, Bridgestone Retail Operations. “We are excited to continue expanding our retail footprint in 2021 as we solidify our position as the most trusted tire and automotive service provider in every neighborhood we serve.”
BSRO, which operates more than 2,200 retail locations across the U.S. under the brand names Firestone Complete Auto Care, Tires Plus, Hibdon Tires Plus, and Wheel Works, hired more than 500 employees in 2020 to support its new stores. BSRO is scheduled to open 58 new locations this year, 18 of which are scheduled to open before the end of April.
As part of the Bridgestone Tires4Ward recycling program and maximizing our contribution to a circular economy, used tires removed from service at each of the new stores will have a beneficial next use. Tires can find new life in rubberized asphalt, construction materials, landscaping mulch, creating energy and much more.