Popular auto parts chain is closing 2 Central Coast stores. Here’s where — and why
A national chain of auto parts stores is closing more than 700 locations — including two Central Coast stores — after a drop in sales.
Advance Auto Parts’ net sales for the third quarter of 2024 totaled $2.1 billion, down 2.3% from the previous year’s third quarter, according to a quarterly report.
In addition to shutting more than 150 stores in California, the company is closing several distribution centers in Bakersfield and San Bernardino, the Palm Springs Desert Sun reported in November.
Here’s what you need to know:
What is Advance Auto Parts?
Founded as Advance Stores in 1929, Advance Auto Parts, Inc., bills itself as “your source for quality auto parts, advice and accessories.”
As of Oct. 5, the North Carolina-based company operated a total of 4,781 stores in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, according to the report.
Advance Auto Parts also served 1,125 Carquest stores across those locations as well as Mexico and various Caribbean islands, the company said on its website.
According to the report, Advance Auto Parts’ plan to improve business performance focuses on three categories: store operations, merchandising and the supply chain.
The company sold automotive parts wholesaler Worldpac for $1.5 billion on Nov. 1, the report said, reflecting “a strategic shift in its business.”
Where are stores closing in and around SLO County?
Advance Auto Parts plans to close a total of 523 corporate stores as well as 204 independent locations and four distribution centers, according to the report.
That includes two Central Coast locations: Carquest Auto Parts, 1215 East Grand Ave. in Arroyo Grande, and Advance Auto Parts, 1723 South Broadway in Santa Maria.
It was unclear Tuesday exactly when the San Luis Obispo County location or its Santa Barbara County counterpart will shut their doors.
A Carquest store at 2150 South Broadway in Santa Maria previously closed.
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