Tapping into the enormous growth in e-commerce in South Africa, Blackcircles.co.za has been launched with the hope that it will become the benchmark for the best online tyre retail customer experience in South Africa.

Blackcircles.com was founded 20 years ago as one of the world’s first online tyre retailers. Launched in 2001 by British entrepreneur Michael Welch (and acquired internationally by Michelin in 2015), it has grown to become the UK’s leading online tyre retailer, revolutionising the way motorists buy tyres. The online platform works in partnership with a network of more than 2 000 independent garages in the UK.

Blackcircles has also expanded globally with franchises in Mexico, Egypt, Thailand, Canada and now South Africa.

The site provides a technologically advanced platform for all local tyre manufacturers to bridge into the digital marketplace and will house an extensive selection of passenger car tyres, sports utility vehicle tyres, 4 x 4 tyres and more.

Blackcircles GM Devlin Moodley says, “Blackcircles.co.za is here to change the way South Africans buy and fit tyres and to ensure that finding and fitting tyres becomes a completely stress-free process.

“With two decades of international experience, we have created the technology that allows our website to cover every base in an efficient manner. Customer experience is at the heart of our company’s growth, as we consistently engage with customers to ensure we continue to develop our already much-praised business model,” says Moodley.

He adds that digital platforms have become the main entry point for a growing number of customers.

The Covid-19 pandemic has rapidly increased the take up of e-commerce. Whether you’re ordering dinner, a new pair of sneakers or groceries - the new normal has spawned many more tech-savvy customers.

“Customers want choice, full transparency, no hidden costs and to have on hand comparative data to make the most informed decision, while also being re-assured with easily accessible consumer reviews and confident that their tyre purchase decision will keep them safe on the road,” he states.

Moodley boasts Blackcircles has worked hard globally to deliver the best tyres at the best prices – along with engaging advice and a team of online experts dedicated to looking after customer orders at every step of the process.

At Blackcircles.co.za the fast and simple process begins with a search of the customer’s vehicle or wheel size. They are then able to choose their tyres and desired fitting centre.

Once payment is made through the Blackcircles secure gateway, the journey towards new tyres begins and all the customer needs to do is simply arrive at the dealership for the fitting and leave.

With 80% of South Africans living or working within a 15-minute drive of a Blackcircles.co.za fitting centre, it is convenience at its best, making cashless purchases simple, smooth and secure.

South Africa’s largest tyre manufacturing company Sumitomo Rubber South Africa has acquired the South African rights to launch Blackcircles.co.za as an independently run subsidiary.