Multibillion-dollar tire retailer enters Springfield market

Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Discount Tire, a $4.2 billion company, employs 11 at its newly opened Springfield store, according to an official.

Spokeswoman Sarah Broyles said the 3670 S. Glenstone Ave. shop - the first in Springfield launched by the over 900-store chain - opened Dec. 23. The opening came a year after Discount Tire entered the Joplin market, and the company also operates five stores on the Missouri side of the Kansas City metropolitan area.

DeWitt & Associates Inc. first demolished a former Kawasaki utility vehicle shop, which relocated to Ozark, before building the 10,000-square-foot store designed by Anaheim, California-based Plump Engineering Inc. City building permits estimate the cost at $950,000. The land just south of the Glenstone and Primrose Street intersection is owned by Discount Tire affiliate Halle Properties LLC.

Discount Tire now operates 925 stores in 32 states. During the year, the nation’s leading independent tire retailer widened its lead over No. 2 TBC Retail Group via new store openings, according to TireBusiness.com. Discount Tire posted an estimated $4.2 billion in 2015 sales, according to Forbes.

The tire chain sells tires and wheels for a variety of vehicles and sponsors NASCAR and motocross events.

On the south side, RNR Wheels & Tires is building its second shop in Springfield. At 5640 S. Campbell Ave., the work by Dock Brothers Construction is scheduled to wrap in the spring.