The Advanstar Automotive Group has released the results of the
Aftermarket Business World "Top 40 Auto Chain Report." The
publication's annual report shows that while the economy over the
past two years has been sluggish due to one of worst recessions in
recent history, the retail giants in the automotive aftermarket
made it through relatively unscathed.
The detailed results of the 11th annual Top 40 Auto Chain Report,
which rates the leading automotive retail chains in the industry
based on store counts, are published in the magazine's January
2011 issue.
"The chains included in the top 10 for the 2010 fiscal year have
held their positions since 2008, with four businesses showing
store growth compared to 2009, and two others holding steady,”
commented Krista McNamara, managing editor, Aftermarket Business
World, about the latest survey results. "The auto chain giants of
the aftermarket overall continue to have success, forcing the gap
between the dominant auto chains and their small competitors to
become even wider."
Memphis, Tennessee-based AutoZone continues to lead the way with
4,364 stores, while O'Reilly Automotive Inc. is second with 3,569
stores and Advance Auto Parts is not far behind in third place
with 3,540 stores. Rounding out the top 10 are General Parts
International (CARQUEST), Genuine Parts Company (NAPA), The Pep
Boys - Manny, Moe & Jack, Fisher Auto Parts, Uni-Select,
Replacement Parts, Inc., and Auto-Wares Group of Companies.
"While the majority of chains that made it to spots 20 through 40
of the survey list show sales and store counts that are either
holding steady or seeing slight growth, it leaves many in the
industry wondering if it is just a matter of time before the
dominant chains begin further consolidation to wipe out their
smaller competitors," said McNamara.
The “Top 40 Auto Chain Report” is available on
line.
