Car parts retailer Advance Auto Parts on Thursday (Nov. 4) rolled out Carquest by Advance, targeting the do-it-yourself approach to automotive repair and independent owners who get more operations and merchandising support from Advance.
Carquest by Advance stores feature a selection of DIY auto parts and products from Advance, including DieHard batteries, and allow independent owners to tap into Advance’s network of supplier partners and work with local suppliers to carry specific parts that meet their customers’ needs.
Stores also offer free curbside services, including battery testing and installation, wiper blade installation, and curbside and in-store parts pickup. Independent owners can also access Advance’s SpeedPerks loyalty program and eReceipts.
“Carquest by Advance is the culmination of years of research and development alongside our independent store partners,” said Junior Word, division president, Carquest North America, in the company announcement.
He added that Advance’s professional business that supports repair shops “has traditionally been a strength,” but in conversations with independent owners, the company found “significant opportunities” to increase DIY traffic.
“Through this business model and a focus on the DIYer, Carquest is committed to ensuring the success of our existing and future independent owners,” Word said.
Advance, of course, isn’t the only company to open stores related to specific brands of subsets of their company. Earlier this week, Petco Health and Wellness Company said it is launching a Reddy flagship store for its premium lifestyle brand for dogs in the SoHo neighborhood of Manhattan in New York City.
Related: Petco Opens Reddy Boutique for Dogs in NYC
Advance expects to have 20 Carquest by Advance locations open by the end of the year, with Baxter Auto Parts in 19 stores across the Pacific Northwest and Kittrell Auto Parts at a location in Beaufort, N.C. The companies plan to open more Carquest by Advance locations across the U.S. in 2022.
“The average age of vehicles on the road today is increasing and the demand is there for more auto parts retailers,” said Jason McDonell, Advance executive vice president of merchandising, marketing and eCommerce, in the company announcement.
“This model creates a compelling solution to meet growing consumer demand,” he added.
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