Walmart rolls out digital tire shopping service
Walmart is putting online customers in the driver’s seat when it comes to finding and buying tires.
The discount titan is now enabling customers on its website or mobile app to search for tires that are a match for the year, make and model of their vehicle and book an appointment to get them installed. Walmart is also partnering with interactive video technology provider eko to launch a new experience on its website called Walmart Tire Finder.
Walmart Tire Finder also allows customers to virtually interact with Scott, a 25-year Walmart Auto Care Center expert, to receive guidance through the tire-buying process based on their weather, warranty and budget preferences. Although every car owner needs tires, many do not know the technical specifications of the tires that best suit their vehicle. As a result, many retailers are creating digital tools aimed specifically at aiding tire shoppers. In addition to a variety of digitally native and small specialty retailers, large organizations including Advance Auto Parts and eBay Motors have launched digital tire shopping applications.
To use Walmart Tire Finder, customers enter the year, make and model to browse tires that fit any vehicle. After finding their desired tires, they select “pickup” at checkout to book an appointment to get the tires installed at a local Walmart, starting at $15 a tire. Customers can track the status of a vehicle while it’s being worked on using the auto care center in the Walmart app, and receive a text update when the service is complete. Walmart’s customer vehicle service history is accessible at all 2,500 stores with Auto Care Centers.
“We know selecting tires can be complicated, so we’ve made the intimidating process easy,” said Jon Freshman, VP of digital services at Walmart U.S. “We’re giving our customers convenient digital options that bring our auto care center expertise right to their fingertips, helping them make smart decisions from anywhere. This is the latest example of Walmart removing pain points to create a simple experience that puts our customers at the center.”