Firestone Complete Auto Care, a national chain of tire and car service centers, is gearing up for its imminent Maine debut in Biddeford’s busy market.
Its new retail location is set to open in mid-August at 451 Alfred Road, in the former location of a Five Star Auto Sales. It will be next door to an AutoZone car-parts and service center and half a mile from a shop operated by VIP Tires & Service, an Auburn-based regional chain with a growing footprint across northern New England.
“We do have a number of auto parts stores, but Firestone is opening a full automotive service center,” Biddeford Mayor Martin Grohman told Mainebiz. “I’m very pleased to welcome a national employer with a great reputation that will contribute positively to our community and our tax base. Biddeford continues to roll ahead.”
Firestone is owned by Bridgestone Retail Operations LLC, a Nashville, Tenn.-based subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas Inc.
The company has invested more than $3.4 million to renovate and expand the Alfred road location by 2,100 square feet in a move that doubles the number of bays to six. a spokesman told Mainebiz.
The Biddeford store will feature an “in-store experience” with digital displays along with new automotive technologies and equipment operated by trained technicians for “fast repairs,” the company said in its announcement.
“We are thrilled to bring Firestone Complete Auto Care to Maine for the very first time,” said Marko Ibrahim, president of Bridgestone Retail Operations
“Our Biddeford store represents an important milestone as we expand our tire and automotive care services to better support our customers’ journeys,” he added. “As we approach 100 years of serving communities across the country, we are proud to continue the legacy of trusted service in Biddeford. We look forward to meeting and serving this great community.”
Bridgestone said it operates more than 1,800 Firestone stores nationwide as part of the world’s largest network of company-owned automotive service providers.
Details were not immediately available on the number of employees expected to staff the Biddeford shop.
Tim Winkeler, president and CEO of VIP Tires, said he doesn’t anticipate Firestone’s entry into Maine to have an impact on this company, which has been doing business in Maine since 1958.
“At VIP we often say that we are in the relationship business — not focused on getting a quick sale, but building long-term relationships with our customers,” he told Mainebiz. “I’m confident that plenty of customers in and around Biddeford will continue to trust VIP’s professionals to help them with their tires and automotive service needs.”
Editor’s note: Story updated with investment amount and additional details about the new space.