Advance Auto Parts plans new stores after closing hundreds of locations
After closing hundreds of its stores to “optimize” its U.S. store footprint, Advance Auto Parts is ready to expand.
The automotive aftermarket parts retailer said it has completed the store closure phase of its transformation plan and is entering its "next phase of returning to growth." Advance Auto expects to open 30 new U.S. locations in 2025, and at least an additional 100 new locations through 2027, including larger “market hubs.”
Last November, Advance Auto said it planned to close 523 corporate stores and exit 204 independent locations as part of a “strategic plan to improve business performance with a focus on core retail improvements."
Since the beginning of this year, Advance Auto has opened six new stores in Florida, New Jersey, Tennessee and Virginia. Over the next several months, the company expects to open additional stores to serve customers in Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia and Wisconsin.
Advance Auto is also continuing the expansion of market hubs with new openings soon in the Midwest. These larger stores will increase availability of parts by placing approximately 75,000 to 85,000 SKUs closer to customers and other local Advance stores, as well as improve Advance’s speed of service with same-day delivery of parts. By comparison, Advance says its standard stores carry between 20,000 to 25,000 SKUs.
After closing hundreds of locations, Advance Auto says more than 75% of its stores are in markets where the company has the No. 1 or No. 2 position based on store density, strengthening its presence in strategic communities.
[READ MORE: More than 200 Advance Auto Parts stores going up for sale]
"Advance Auto Parts is on the path to accelerate store growth and focused on the fundamentals of selling auto parts,” said Shane O’Kelly, president and chief executive officer. “We are excited about what’s to come for Advance. Our team members are committed to providing the right parts and the right service for our PRO and DIY customers in their communities.”
As of Dec. 28, 2024, Raleigh, N.C.-based Advance Auto operated 4,788 stores primarily within the U.S., with additional locations in Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
