Is your car in jeopardy? Here’s what the closure of 700 stores means for repairs
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For many DIY mechanics, a trip to the local auto parts store isn’t just about picking up supplies—it’s about finding the right tools, getting expert advice, and tackling repairs with confidence.
Whether it's replacing a worn-out battery, grabbing a new set of wiper blades before a storm, or simply getting guidance from knowledgeable staff, these stores have long been a go-to resource for car owners who prefer to handle maintenance themselves.
But soon, for thousands of customers, that experience may become much harder to find.
As the landscape of auto parts retail shifts, many communities could be left with fewer options for quick and convenient access to essential car parts and expert assistance.
One of the biggest names in the industry, Advance Auto Parts, has announced the closure of around 700 stores—changes that could impact car owners and repair shops across the country.
Advance Auto Parts, currently the fourth-largest auto parts retailer in the US, originally planned to close 500 corporate-owned stores and 200 independently owned locations by mid-2025.
However, the company has now decided to fast-track these closures, aiming to complete them by the end of March.
CEO Shane O’Kelly, who took over leadership in 2023 after a tenure at Home Depot, explained the shift: "In January, we began the physical closure of stores and expect the closures to be fully complete by the end of March."
According to O’Kelly, the company wants to quickly move toward long-term improvements that will reshape its business model.
Before these changes, Advance Auto Parts had a network of about 4,800 stores nationwide, as well as four distribution centers.
The closures will impact many communities, especially in states such as Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin, where stores have already been listed for sale.
Reactions from customers have been mixed.
Some shoppers have taken advantage of store-closing sales to find deep discounts, while others have been frustrated by inconsistent pricing between corporate and independently owned locations.
The uncertainty around final markdowns has added to the confusion.
Advance Auto Parts has faced several quarters of sluggish sales, while competitors like AutoZone and O’Reilly Automotive have seen steady growth.
Despite reporting a net profit of $347.1 million, the company has recognized the need for strategic changes.
A key part of this shift involves moving toward a "hub-and-spoke" model.
Instead of relying on a large number of individual storefronts, the company plans to centralize operations around major distribution hubs that can quickly supply nearby stores.
This approach is designed to speed up deliveries and ensure each location carries inventory tailored to local demand.
For example, hubs in colder climates might prioritize winter tires and antifreeze, while locations in trucking-heavy regions might focus on diesel engine parts.
As Advance Auto Parts prepares to open 10 new market hubs in 2025—with plans for 60 by mid-2027—this shift could bring long-term benefits like faster service and better inventory management. However, for customers losing their local stores, the transition may be challenging.
If you rely on Advance Auto Parts for vehicle maintenance, here are a few steps you can take:
The closure of hundreds of Advance Auto Parts stores marks a significant shift for car owners and repair professionals alike.
Whether this change leads to greater efficiency or new challenges remains to be seen, but for now, customers may want to plan ahead to ensure they have access to the parts and support they need.
Read next: Is your favorite store next? Iconic retail giant closing down in one of America’s top malls – find out why!
Have you been affected by an Advance Auto Parts store closing in your area? Do you think the company’s new strategy will benefit customers in the long run? Where do you plan to buy your auto parts and supplies now? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Whether it's replacing a worn-out battery, grabbing a new set of wiper blades before a storm, or simply getting guidance from knowledgeable staff, these stores have long been a go-to resource for car owners who prefer to handle maintenance themselves.
But soon, for thousands of customers, that experience may become much harder to find.
As the landscape of auto parts retail shifts, many communities could be left with fewer options for quick and convenient access to essential car parts and expert assistance.
One of the biggest names in the industry, Advance Auto Parts, has announced the closure of around 700 stores—changes that could impact car owners and repair shops across the country.
Advance Auto Parts store closures could leave many DIY mechanics and local repair shops searching for new options. Image Source: YouTube / Big Review TV.
An accelerated timeline for closures
Advance Auto Parts, currently the fourth-largest auto parts retailer in the US, originally planned to close 500 corporate-owned stores and 200 independently owned locations by mid-2025.
However, the company has now decided to fast-track these closures, aiming to complete them by the end of March.
CEO Shane O’Kelly, who took over leadership in 2023 after a tenure at Home Depot, explained the shift: "In January, we began the physical closure of stores and expect the closures to be fully complete by the end of March."
According to O’Kelly, the company wants to quickly move toward long-term improvements that will reshape its business model.
Also read: Is your favorite car brand vanishing? CEO drops ominous clues—what this means for you!
How will this affect customers?
Before these changes, Advance Auto Parts had a network of about 4,800 stores nationwide, as well as four distribution centers.
The closures will impact many communities, especially in states such as Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin, where stores have already been listed for sale.
Reactions from customers have been mixed.
Some shoppers have taken advantage of store-closing sales to find deep discounts, while others have been frustrated by inconsistent pricing between corporate and independently owned locations.
The uncertainty around final markdowns has added to the confusion.
Also read: This surprising new engine could power your future car—and it’s not electric or hydrogen!
The strategy behind the changes
Advance Auto Parts has faced several quarters of sluggish sales, while competitors like AutoZone and O’Reilly Automotive have seen steady growth.
Despite reporting a net profit of $347.1 million, the company has recognized the need for strategic changes.
A key part of this shift involves moving toward a "hub-and-spoke" model.
Advance Auto Parts store closures are reshaping access to car repair essentials for customers nationwide. Image Source: YouTube / FOX 5 New York.
Instead of relying on a large number of individual storefronts, the company plans to centralize operations around major distribution hubs that can quickly supply nearby stores.
This approach is designed to speed up deliveries and ensure each location carries inventory tailored to local demand.
For example, hubs in colder climates might prioritize winter tires and antifreeze, while locations in trucking-heavy regions might focus on diesel engine parts.
Also read: Is your car at risk? See if your vehicle is one of the 276,000 Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, or Toyota models facing urgent recall!
What’s next for customers?
As Advance Auto Parts prepares to open 10 new market hubs in 2025—with plans for 60 by mid-2027—this shift could bring long-term benefits like faster service and better inventory management. However, for customers losing their local stores, the transition may be challenging.
If you rely on Advance Auto Parts for vehicle maintenance, here are a few steps you can take:
- Stock up now – If your local store is closing, check for clearance sales on essential supplies.
- Explore alternatives – Look for other auto parts retailers nearby or consider online options for your repair needs.
- Plan ahead – With the shift to a hub-and-spoke model, certain parts may take longer to arrive. Order ahead of time if you anticipate needing replacements.
- Stay updated – Keep an eye on company announcements for new hub locations and how they might serve your area.
The closure of hundreds of Advance Auto Parts stores marks a significant shift for car owners and repair professionals alike.
Whether this change leads to greater efficiency or new challenges remains to be seen, but for now, customers may want to plan ahead to ensure they have access to the parts and support they need.
Read next: Is your favorite store next? Iconic retail giant closing down in one of America’s top malls – find out why!
Have you been affected by an Advance Auto Parts store closing in your area? Do you think the company’s new strategy will benefit customers in the long run? Where do you plan to buy your auto parts and supplies now? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
