Blackcircles rubberstamps Tesco deal 17 | 01 | 2011
SCOTS-BASED TYRE giant Blackcircles.com has forged a new partnership with the dominant force in supermarkets, Tesco, to launch Tesco-Tyres.com. The combination means buyers can get not only 40% off the cost of their tyres, but also Clubcard points with each purchase.
The deal doesn't mean the supermarket giant will start stocking tyres, but it will channel its customers straight to Blackcircles and expand the extras Tesco offers customers at the checkout. It's expected the deal will steer millions of customers away from franchise dealers for tyres and servicing, as Blackcircles also directs customers towards approved independents for service work too.
The joint venture will not only offer additional savings to the 13 million active Clubcard holders through reward points and special offers, but it will ensure motorists are offered tyres exclusively from Blackcircles.com; this will allow customers to order tyres online or over the phone and have them fitted at one of the 1200 local independent Blackcircles.com garages throughout the UK.
The agreement guarantees buyers have the choice from an extensive range of quality tyres for cars, vans and motorbikes — including high performance and 4x4 tyres — available from major brands including Hankook, Pirelli and Yokohama.
"It has taken four years of careful planning and the result is an unbeatable deal for UK motorists, which is set to have a transformative effect on the UK tyre industry," Mike Welch (pictured), Blackcircles.com founder, said at his Peebles HQ.
“From a Blackcircles.com business perspective, the infrastructure is the same but it offers us an exclusive sales channel with a 13 million person audience.
"When I was 16, I had a part time job with Tesco in Liverpool and I remember spending my breaks in the canteen working on my business plan, admiring the retail reach and power of the supermarket. I wanted to create one of the biggest motoring ventures, coupling the best supplier of tyres and understanding of customer needs with the best firepower. Then, I was back with a no capital cost model, and Tesco were sold."
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Jim McGill