Goodyear Launches Licensed Product Kiosk at Retail Stores

Using its network of retail stores as a licensing proving ground, Goodyear Tire & Rubber has begun the installation of free-standing, licensed product kiosks at 65 Goodyear Auto Service Centers and 118 Just Tires locations across the United States. The Goodyear kiosk is a metal structure with flexible shelving to allow for multiple configurations depending on product mix. Initial installation is scheduled to take place between October 15 and the end of October and is, according to Goodyear’s manager of licensed products Bob Paciulan, part of a broader future retail distribution plan for its licensed products.

“The more than 60 licensees that currently produce products carrying the Goodyear name realise how valuable our retail network is for showcasing their products with the compelling Goodyear nameplate,” said Paciulan. “This is the first time that Goodyear licensed products are being offered at Goodyear retail locations and we hope that this direction encourages additional licensing agreements with companies that produce high-quality merchandise and want to tap into our consumer distribution capability.” The new kiosks will offer 22 distinctive products ranging from air compressors to floor mats and air pressure gauges, produced by licensees and carrying the Goodyear name. Product prices range from US$2 to $40.

Sandy Hridel, Goodyear’s retail merchandising manager, said, “This consumer-oriented initiative will help our retail stores provide a wider array of product and service choices to the customers who shop in our locations. This will allow them to enjoy further shopping convenience when they’re already in the store to select new tyres, or have service work performed on their vehicles.”

According to Paciulan, the initial kiosk pilot program will be evaluated in the first quarter of 2008. If the program meets or exceeds expectations, it could be expanded to all 750 Goodyear-owned Auto Service Centers, and then migrate to Goodyear’s much broader independent dealer network throughout North America. There is also the possibility that the program could extend to other regions, Paciulan said.

“We are interested in identifying new, high-quality licensees to extend the Goodyear brand to new and different customer bases,” Paciulan said. “We believe our brand has permission to expand within a wide variety of categories, based on the positive strength of the Goodyear name, in the automotive, travel, vacation, sports and leisure spaces. Our expansive and well respected distribution network is just one way in which we can add value for those who wish to team up with us.”