Tyre Runner has announced a significant expansion of its marketplace network with the addition of Tyres Life, one of the UK's fastest-growing tyre wholesalers, in a move designed to provide independent retailers with enhanced buying power and flexibility.
The partnership arrives at a crucial time for independent tyre retailers, who continue to face mounting pressure from squeezed profit margins in an increasingly competitive market. Through Tyre Runner's integrated platform, retailers will gain streamlined access to Tyres Life's extensive product portfolio whilst maintaining control over their purchasing decisions and commercial terms.
Tyres Life has quickly established itself as a premier wholesale partner in the UK tyre market, operating nationwide from three strategically located warehouse facilities. The company's strength lies in its diverse brand portfolio, which includes exclusive distribution rights for respected manufacturers such as Lassa, Tomket, and Waterfall, alongside premium mainstream brands including Pirelli, Continental, Goodyear, and Michelin.
This combination of exclusive and mainstream brands positions Tyres Life as an attractive partner for independent retailers seeking to offer customers both value-oriented and premium tyre options.
Since its founding in 2019 by Bryan MacMillan, a former Kwik Fit software engineer, Tyre Runner has evolved considerably beyond its original marketplace concept at TyreRunner.com. The platform now encompasses a comprehensive suite of tools spanning the entire tyre vertical, including tyre health awareness initiatives, consumer engagement solutions, and supply chain connectivity features.
This broader approach reflects the company's strategic vision to address multiple pain points across the tyre retail ecosystem, rather than focusing solely on transactional marketplace functions.
Commenting on the partnership, Bryan MacMillan, CEO of Tyre Runner, emphasised the collaborative nature of the platform's mission: "We're delighted to add Tyres Life to our growing list of wholesale partners. This partnership exemplifies how our sales platform can connect high-quality wholesalers with independent retailers, helping both grow stronger together.
"The tyre market remains digitally immature, and to compete in an increasingly omnichannel world, online is just one part of the puzzle. Our mission has always been to empower the trade, not compete against it. That's why we are focused on bringing a range of tools to market to help retailers compete better, not just online, but offline as well."
Tommie Owens, Commercial Director at Tyres Life, highlighted the partnership's potential for market expansion: "Tyre Runner opens reach like never before. Bryan and his team have a very clear vision for what the future of tyre retail will look like, and we're excited to see Tyres Life's products access even more markets efficiently."
The partnership underscores a growing trend within the tyre industry towards platform-based solutions that facilitate connections between wholesalers and retailers whilst preserving the independence and autonomy of smaller operators. As digital transformation continues across automotive aftermarket sectors, initiatives such as this partnership may prove increasingly vital for independent retailers seeking to compete effectively against larger, vertically integrated competitors.
The addition of Tyres Life to Tyre Runner's network represents another step in the platform's objective to create a more connected and efficient tyre supply chain, whilst ensuring independent retailers retain the commercial flexibility essential to their business models.
Tagged with: tyre marketplace, UK tyre wholesale, independent tyre retailers, Tyre Runner, Tyres Life, digital tyre platform, supply chain connectivity, exclusive distribution, B2B tyre ordering, UK tyre trade, dealer autonomy, omnichannel retail
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