Lewiston, Maine-based VIP Discount Auto Centers will add five to seven new retail stores next year, according to John Quirk, the 54-outlet chain's president and CEO.
The shops will be located in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusettes, Quirk says. "We hope to have the first one opened in November 2002."
VIP's 2001 sales totaled $96 million vs. $78 million the previous year.
The chain, which Quirk purchased from Tom Auger Sr. last summer, carries Pirelli, General, Continental, Goodyear, Multi-Mile, Dunlop, Falken, Michelin, Uniroyal and BFGoodrich brand products.
It is the 14th largest independent tire dealership in North America, according to Modern Tire Dealer statistics.
