Two of the largest tire suppliers in the U.S. announced the joining of forces. Arizona-based Discount Tire is in the process of acquiring Indiana-based Tire Rack, and the transaction is expected to close on December 31. With unpredictable rubber supply challenges and price increases in play, this could mean a stronger base for the two suppliers. Discount Tire chain will acquire South Bend-based Tire Rack by Dec. 31 (southbendtribune.com)
I understand why this is happening. Pretty sure the customers will lose out in the long run. Is there a third choice right now?
These were the two biggest national discount tire chains. Sorry to see them merge. Competition is good for lower prices. There are a lot of local discount stores, as well as other national chains such as NTB, Walmart and Pep Boys.
^^^ Eliminating competition is never a good thing for buyers. Tire prices were probably going up anyway with overall inflation woes and this just fuels the price rise.
Don't forget Costco for good tire and battery value. Would not recommend Walmart due to short comings of some of the tire service staff.
^^^ Oh man! You got that right. I've seen far too many wheels/rims damaged by these jokers at discount chain stores. They just don't care. I haven't been to one in 20 years at the very least. Finding a responsible tire store for car guys is almost as important as finding a good doctor or dentist.
Ain't that the truth. A long-time friend of mine happened to be a manager of a tire store for over 10 years so it was easy. When he moved on ... my business moved with him. And when he had to retire for health reasons I had to find a new guy. Fortunately ... a guy in our local Mopar club happens to be a tire store manager and now most of my business follows him from place to place. Poor guy has been a victim of tire store mergers twice in the last four years.
LOL, but don't let your dentist do root canals! Visited Wallmart once to have some cheap tires put on a Civic. The guy used the impact on the locking wheel nut key and broke the key (with all 4 locking nuts still firmly attached on the wheels of course) and they sent me on my way saying they couldn't help me. Rather than replacing the key I used the opportunity to purchase nut removal sockets for the 1st time. I now remove locking wheel nuts myself prior to tire shop visits!
