First Stop is promising to make its biggest impression in the aftermarket to date with a simplified and supportive proposition – coupled with a new network manager to drive change.
The retail network is benefiting from a refreshed approach, which is geared around the individual needs of each dealer. It features access to a unique tyre comparison site, the Autoprocure platform, which is a one-stop-shop for all tyres.
Brenden Marais has been promoted to Retail North Network and Procurement Manager to coincide with the changes, following a two-and-a-half year spell as National Franchise Manager.
He said: “Our goal is to align our strategy with the current market place to remain competitive and adapt to the ever changing customer needs. By becoming more customer focused we will be able to capitalise on opportunities that are both beneficial to our network and our retail partners. Additionally, simplifying our proposition makes it easier for dealers and suppliers to work with us, resulting in stronger relationships and increased efficiencies.
“The automotive retail industry is ever changing and if you don’t do likewise, you will fall behind, which is why we’re refining our offering. There is a shortage of attractive packages where everybody benefits and we believe we have one that will appeal to more partners than ever.”
First Stop is a key part of Bridgestone’s Retail Network, which spans 36 countries, 17 brands and over 6,000 stores worldwide. It benefits from significant procurement, e-commerce, marketing and customer-centric initiatives to make for one of the most attractive automotive retail propositions.
First Stop’s new Advantage Package – alongside existing full packages incorporating signage, training, health and safety – taps into superior rates with a host of premium suppliers across tyres, parts and other services where lucrative incentives are put in place. It is totally free for garages to join.
An exclusive offering incorporating ETB Wholesale is also being finalised, which will see Bridgestone Retail’s various strengths being consolidated into one, where everyone benefits.
Brenden added: “We’ll be incentivising dealers in ways we’ve not attempted before and we’re excited by the potential. We’re a premium network with one of the most creative and forward thinking teams in the marketplace, supplemented by the worldwide support of Bridgestone Retail.
“We benefit through hugely competitive prices and we want to pass this on to our partners to create a proposition that really does inspire existing partners and potential new ones. We’re excited by the opportunities ahead and are already getting great feedback and have had many new garages join us this year. Momentum is building and we’ve got the best team in place to build upon it.”
Source: Tyretradenews
