Location is everything in the tire retail business. While online tire sales have grown with the increase in automobile sales, the majority of consumers still prefer to purchase tires in person. They also go for professional installation, alignment, and balancing services to on-site tire dealers. This is why a tire dealership’s location directly impacts its sales, as the more visible the dealership is, the more customers will visit the store.
This research report provides an in-depth location-based analysis of America’s top 10 tire dealerships, examining their geographical distribution, regional concentration, and strategic location patterns.
Key Findings: Tire Dealership Locations in the United States
Our analysis identified where the major tire retailers thrive and why certain locations prove more successful than others. By mapping the footprints of these industry leaders, we tried to uncover locational insights for these tire dealerships and for new entrants in this segment of the automotive aftermarket.
- The top 10 tire dealerships combined operate more than 7,090 locations across the United States.
- Firestone Complete Auto Care (Bridgestone Retail Operations) leads with 2,200+ locations nationwide.
- Mavis Discount Tire, with 1,300+ locations concentrated in the East Coast, Midwest, and South regions, is in second place.
- At third position is Discount Tire/America’s Tire that operates 1,100+ locations in the USA.
- National chains dominate the tire retail sales.
- Les Schwab Tire Centers has established a powerful presence exclusively in the Western states with 500+ locations, while Belle Tire focuses intensely on the Midwest with 140+ locations in just four states (MI, IN, IL, OH).
- The highest concentration of tire dealerships exists in populous states with high vehicle ownership rates, particularly California, Texas, Florida, and the Northeast corridor.
- Weather patterns significantly influence location strategy. Areas with harsh weather cause wear and tear and a better market for tire replacement.
Top 10 Tire Dealerships of the United States
| Tire Dealership | Store Count | Headquarter | Locations |
| Discount Tire / America’s Tire | 1,100+ | Scottsdale, AZ | Nationwide |
| Firestone Complete Auto Care (Bridgestone Retail Operations) | 2,200+ | Nashville, TN | Nationwide |
| Mavis Discount Tire | 1,300+ | Millwood, NY | East Coast, Midwest, South |
| Les Schwab Tire Centers | 500+ | Prineville, OR | Western US (WA, OR, CA, ID, NV, MT, UT, CO) |
| Big O Tires (TBC Corporation) | 400+ | Palm Beach Gardens, FL | Nationwide |
| Belle Tire | 140+ | Allen Park, MI | MI, IN, IL, OH |
| Discount Tire Direct (Online + Retail Partners) | 100+ | Scottsdale, AZ | Online + select states |
| Tire Kingdom (TBC Corporation) | 200+ | Palm Beach Gardens, FL | Southeast US. |
| NTB (National Tire & Battery, TBC Corporation) | 250+ | Palm Beach Gardens, FL | Nationwide |
| Pep Boys (Tire & Service Centers) | 900+ | Philadelphia, PA | Nationwide |
1 Firestone Complete Auto Care (Bridgestone Retail Operations)
- Total number of locations: 2,200+ (includes Firestone, Tires Plus, Wheel Works)
- Headquarters: Nashville, TN
- Geographic coverage: Nationwide
Firestone places its stores strategically next to clusters of auto dealerships and in busy retail districts and corridors. These locations usually include plenty of parking spaces and many service bays. As the main focus of Firestone is retail sales, its choice of location is decided by retail visibility advantages. Firestone dealerships enjoy the support of the manufacturer as a Bridgestone affiliate. The Midwest and Southeast have the largest retail densities, with suburban areas close to middle- and upper-middle-class neighborhoods showing the strongest concentration.
2 Mavis Discount Tire
- Total number of locations: 1,300+ (including acquisitions like NTB, Tire Kingdom)
- Headquarters: Millwood, NY
- Geographic coverage: East Coast, Midwest, South
To quickly increase its footprint across the US tire dealership market, Mavis has adopted an aggressive acquisition strategy. It recently integrated regional chains like Tire Kingdom and NTB. Mavis dealerships focus on prominent spots on busy roads with lots of commuter traffic. Mavis outlets are especially concentrated in the Northeast corridor; however, it has recently started growing its presence in the Southeast and Midwest markets.
3 Discount Tire / America’s Tire
- Total number of locations: 1,100+
- Headquarters: Scottsdale, AZ
- Geographic coverage: Nationwide
Discount Tire, known as America’s Tire in certain regions, specializes solely in the sale and servicing of tires. Their focused approach helps them operate smaller retail spaces compared to comprehensive auto service centers. The company strategically has situated its outlets in expanding suburban locales where vehicle ownership is high. They have a robust presence in the Southwest, Texas, and along the West Coast. Their choice of locations prioritizes easy access from main roads and visibility to passing commuters.
4 Pep Boys (Tire & Service Centers)
- Total number of locations: 900+ (includes service bays)
- Headquarters: Philadelphia, PA
- Geographic coverage: Nationwide
Pep Boys runs large stores that merge tire sales, automotive services, and retail parts sales under one roof. These outlets usually have significant space in retail areas, often near auto parts shops and car dealerships. Established in Philadelphia, the brand is most prominent in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, but it has successfully grown across the country.
5 Les Schwab Tire Centers
- Total number of locations: 500+
- Headquarters: Prineville, OR
- Geographic coverage: Western US (WA, OR, CA, ID, NV, MT, UT, CO)
Les Schwab has a devoted customer following in the Western US owing to its unique service model and connection with regional areas. Les Schwab stores usually have larger lot sizes to accommodate their unique “drive right in” service model. The greatest number of their outlets is in Oregon and Washington, with increasing locations in California and the Mountain states.
6 NTB (National Tire & Battery, TBC Corporation)
- Total number of locations: 250+
- Headquarters: Palm Beach Gardens, FL
- Geographic coverage: Nationwide
NTB stores (a part of Mavis Tire Family) are strategically situated in high-visibility areas along suburban commercial roads. The brand has a significant concentration in the Eastern United States, especially in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions. Many of its outlets are strategically placed near shopping centers.
7 Tire Kingdom (TBC Corporation)
- Total number of locations: 200+
- Headquarters: Palm Beach Gardens, FL
- Geographic coverage: Southeast US.
Tire Kingdom concentrates heavily on the Southeast region, especially Florida, where it has its highest network of stores. The company strategically places its outlets in rapidly expanding suburban regions and key commercial areas. These locations generally include several service bays and are frequently situated close to other automotive service businesses, forming hubs for car maintenance services.
8 Big O Tires (TBC Corporation)
- Total number of locations: 400+ (franchised)
- Headquarters: Palm Beach Gardens, FL
- Geographic coverage: Nationwide
Big O Tires primarily operates through franchises. The company has more franchises and stores in the Western and Mountain regions and is expanding into the Midwest. Their outlets are standalone buildings situated in suburban commercial areas with high visibility from main roads.
9 Belle Tire
- Total number of locations: 140+
- Headquarters: Allen Park, MI
- Geographic coverage: MI, IN, IL, OH
Belle Tire focuses on one particular area. All their stores are located in four states in the Midwest. They started in Michigan, and most of their stores are still there, though they are expanding into nearby places. The company picks locations near busy shopping spots in suburban areas where incomes are average. Sticking to the Midwest lets them provide specific services like winter tire care and storage that people need in snowy climates.
10 Discount Tire Direct (Online + Retail Partners)
- Total number of locations: 100+ (affiliated with Discount Tire)
- Headquarters: Scottsdale, AZ
- Geographic coverage: Online + select states
As a combination of online and physical retail, Discount Tire Direct is another key player in the US tire retail industry. Their brick-and-mortar outlets improve the extensive Discount Tire network. These physical stores are strategically located to act as installation hubs for those who have purchased online.
Apart from the top 10 tire dealerships, Costco Tire Centers with over 500+ warehouse locations and Walmart Auto Care Centers are also rising tire services in the US market.
Location-based Data Analysis of America’s Top Tire Dealerships
The US Tire Industry is set to rise to 122709. 25 million by 2032. It is a lucrative market for tire dealership aspirants.
The findings highlight notable trends in market presence and density. The study can help in strategic location planning.
Distribution of Tire Dealerships by Region
Among the top 10 tire dealerships, we see distinct approaches to geographical expansion:
National Players:
- Firestone Complete Auto Care
- Discount Tire and Pep Boys
Regional Powerhouses:
- Les Schwab Tire Centers (Western US)
- Belle Tire (Midwest)
- Tire Kingdom (Southeast)
This split between national and regional strategies highlights different approaches to building market presence. Regional players typically benefit from stronger brand recognition within their territories and more efficient supply chains, while national chains leverage economies of scale and broader advertising reach.
1. Northeast
The Northeast corridor is notable for its high concentration of stores, especially forMavis Discount Tire, which capitalizes on its New York headquarters to lead the market in this area. NTB and Pep Boysalso have a significant presence in the Northeast, with their outlets strategically placed along major highways and in suburban areas. The region’s harsh winter conditions, dense population, and aging infrastructure lead to roads that are tough on tires; however, they create an especially profitable environment for tire retailers.
2. Southeast
The Southeast serves as a competitive area where major players like Firestone, Mavis (via Tire Kingdom), NTB, and Pep Boys have strong footholds. Florida stands out as a key area. The area’s rising population and developing suburbs are favorable for tire retail companies.
3. Midwest
The Midwest has a diverse tire retail industry. It is home to both national players like Discount Tire and Firestone and powerful regional specialists like Belle Tire. The region’s severe winter is a boost for seasonal tire businesses. Also, in the Midwest, there are higher-than-average vehicle ownership rates. Chicago, Detroit, and Minneapolis emerge as particularly competitive metropolitan markets with high store densities.
4. Southwest
Discount Tire holds a commanding presence in the Southwest. Arizona is the popular market here. The region’s harsh heat and long driving distances) quickens tire degradation. Southwest is a good retail market for replacement tire businesses. Stores in this area have large parking areas and prime roadside locations.
5. West Coast
The tire market on the West Coast shows a unique mix of competition. Les Schwab has a strong foothold in the Pacific Northwest, while Discount Tire dominates the California market. From Seattle’s wet climate to the dry areas in Southern California, the area has a mix of climates. This diversity influences location choice for new tire retail stores in the West Coast region.
Distribution of Tire Dealerships by Key States
1. California
California stands out as the state with the fiercest competition, as almost every leading chain has a strong foothold there. Its large population, varied driving environments, and rigorous vehicle inspection rules generate a high demand for tire replacements.
2. New York
New York plays a crucial role as a key market in the Northeast. Mavis Discount Tire uses its headquarters in Millwood, NY, to strengthen its position and grow its presence in the area. The high population, tough winters, and old roads in the state drive up the need to replace tires.
3. Texas
Texas ranks next in competitiveness, with its extensive driving ranges, varied climate, and fast-growing population drawing interest from both national and local businesses.
4. Florida
Florida is notable for having a remarkably high number of Tire Kingdom outlets, which highlights the brand’s regional emphasis. This is due to the state’s continuous driving conditions throughout the year, its influx of tourists, and the presence of retirement communities where multiple vehicles are often owned.
5. Michigan
Michigan leads in the density of Belle Tire stores, illustrating the effectiveness of regional specialization in markets with unique demands, such as harsh winter climates that necessitate seasonal tire swaps.
6. Arizona
Arizona stands out as a favored market for tire dealerships. The intense heat and extensive driving conditions of the region accelerate tire wear and tear. It offers a thriving market for businesses specializing in replacement tires.
Key Factors Influencing Tire Dealership Location Success
The layout of America’s leading tire dealership chains mirrors key aspects such as:
- Population density
- Competitive Areas
- Nationwide Coverage
- Regional Dominance
- Sale+Installation
Our analysis reveals several critical factors that consistently influence the success of tire dealership locations:
Traffic Patterns and Visibility: Tire dealerships that thrive are often found in highly visible spots along busy roads with more than 20,000 vehicles passing by daily.
Proximity to Complementary Automotive Services: Tire stores situated within automotive service hubs, such as areas near car dealerships or auto parts shops, tend to see an increase in customer visits.
Climate and Seasonal Factors: Areas with significant seasonal weather shifts, like snow belt states, need winter tire replacements.
Real Estate Considerations: Tire retailers are progressively choosing standalone buildings over strip center spots. Locations where customers can easily see the service bays from the waiting area tend to perform better.
Suburban areas: Highly successful new tire dealerships are often situated in suburban areas.
High-traffic areas: Areas with higher traffic or commuter traffic are better spots for tire dealerships.
Conclusion
The strategic placement of America’s leading tire retailers reveals how tire dealerships survive and thrive in a competitive space. Our research provides a glance into the top 10 US tire dealerships and their presence in different regions of the country.
While many customers are purchasing online, tire installation and alignment are still done in retail stores. If you are looking to open your new tire dealership or expand an existing one with a proper location, this research analysis will help you a lot.
If you need detailed locations of all stores in the US tire retail industry, you can connect with LocationsCloud for the same. LocationsCloud provides comprehensive datasets for sophisticated location analysis for the tire retail industry. These datasets offer crucial insights into competitor positioning across the American tire dealership market. This data uncovers competitive risks and unexplored opportunities.
