Ep 34. Lasting Impacts of the Pandemic on Tire Retail and Wholesale

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a lasting impact on the tire wholesale and retail markets. Stapletons, a leading distributor of tires in the UK, experienced significant changes in their business and the way they operated. One major shift was the transition to remote work for their tele-sales teams, which proved successful. The independent tire dealers faced financial challenges, but the industry quickly rebounded. Stapletons focused on premium tires and saw a surge in online ordering. They also provided COVID safety supplies to their customers and offered personalized services like social media management. The company is constantly looking for new technologies and strategies to future-proof their business and support the next generation of tire dealers.

Takeaways

• The pandemic brought significant changes to the tire wholesale and retail markets, with Stapletons experiencing shifts in their business and operations.
• Remote work became a successful option for tele-sales teams, allowing them to continue working from home.
• Independent tire dealers faced financial challenges, but the industry quickly rebounded, especially with the focus on premium tires.
• Online ordering saw a surge, with nearly 80% of Stapletons' sales coming through online channels.
• Stapletons provided COVID safety supplies to their customers and offered personalized services like social media management.
• The company is constantly looking for new technologies and strategies to future-proof their business and support the next generation of tire dealers.

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