Sears Auto Center introduced the pilot launch of the "Digital Tire Journey", a web app that relies on IBM Watson Natural Language Classifier service to help Sears Automotive customers identify the appropriate tires to fit their driving preferences within the following categories: Comfort Warrior, Value Seeker, Off-Roader, High Performer, Safety Seeker and Winter Warrior.
Choosing the right tire can be tough for drivers when there are thousands of different tire brands, makes and models. Typical ecommerce websites selling tires often limit users to a drop-down menu of pre-selected tire terms without considering the driving and lifestyle preferences of shoppers. To find the best tire, consumers need to consider not only their vehicle's make, model and tire size, but also how it supports their everyday routines and hobbies.
The Sears Auto Digital Tire Journey is being created to provide tire recommendations based on the driver style through a customer's response to the question, "When it comes to tires, what's most important to you?" A soccer dad may answer, "I am concerned about driving my kids safely" so tires that have higher safety ratings are presented. After the user types in an answer, the Digital Tire Journey shows what type of driving style they have with the help of the Watson Natural Language Classifier service. The tool then recommends tires with consumer ratings to assist drivers in making an informed purchasing decision.
"Our vision is to put our members' lives in drive. We do that by investing in people, products and technology to keep them moving safely on the road of life," said Brian Kaner, president of Sears Auto Centers. "The Digital Tire Journey is an innovative service that helps customers cut through the clutter while integrating digital, mobile and online with in-store shopping."
Getting tire results is easy - simply enter a license plate or make/model of the vehicle to view tires from top brands that are right for the driver, along with objective ratings from previous customers. Users have several purchase options: buy the tires online, schedule an appointment for installation at the nearest Sears Auto Center or reach a call center agent to ask additional questions and purchase the tires by phone.
