Close, but not yet in the top 20 – tyre retailers pushing forward

By definition, the top 20 ranking focuses its attention on the 20 largest retail chains in a given year. However, it would be wrong to assume that there aren’t equally important changes outside the top 20. Take the next five positions for example, there have also been significant changes in the fifth tier (positions 21 to 25 inclusive). And, with some 20,000 points of sale where tyres can be bought in total (including garages), all 25 positions only account for the top 10 per cent of the overall market. With that in mind, let’s take a look at those that just missed out on the attention of being in the top 20.

Elite Garages is the closest to the top 20, staying stable on 14 branches and holding 21^st position. This means expansion of just one branch would push the company into contention for 20^th position.

Next up is Tyre Force NW, which has added four branches since the last retail ranking. Currently residing in 22^nd position, the company has added 10 branches in the last eight years, four of which have joined the network in the last 12 months.

23^rd position is occupied by Eden Tyres, which, following the opening of the firm’s 13^th branch in early April 2017 now has 5 more centres than it did eight years ago.

Eden opened its 13th tyre retail location in Ashby de la Zouch on Monday 3 April. The firm has grown rapidly in recent years and its retail chain is now more than twice the size it was in 2009. And what’s more, with the company reporting bookings in the diary every day of opening week, the new business has got off to a great start. Based on recent growth, it looks likely that Eden Tyres will enter the top 20 in the next year or two.

Dexel Tyres remains stable in 24^th place, with 12 branches. Indeed, Dexel’s retail growth is so stable it has managed to consistently operate a dozen branches since our 2011/2012 coverage. Before this, the firm had a 13^th centre, according to our 2010/2011 data.

And finally, after a degree of branch attrition, Tanvic Tyres can be found in 25^th position, with 12 branches. Attrition aside, Tanvic’s retail network is still 50 per cent bigger than it was in 2008/2009.

To view the complete 2017 UK tyre retail ranking, click here.