Advance Auto Parts

"Friendly stuff very helpful"

"Called in 645pm 9/29 to try to warranty a defective part. The person on the phone was of zero help. They did not remotely care to assist. Called a different store that was much better."

"I like Advanced Auto better than I like AutoZone they help you out a lot if you need it curious and professional I will recommend to shop there for your truck or your car."

"No one knows a single thing about what they’re talking about. If you’re going to work at an auto parts store, the least you could do is make sure your people have some sort of knowledge. Not sure what her name is but the lady is always rude behind the counter. Try to give them a part number from their website and act like it’s the hardest thing they’ve had to do. Would rather walk next store to oreillys."

"And so, on April 29, 1932, Advance Stores Company came under the ownership of Arthur Taubman. LIFE IN THE 1930S Things were pretty dire in the United States in the early 30s. Unemployment was around 25 percent, businesses were struggling, a third of all banks had closed, and the New York Times stock index had cratered 89 percent. But even in the face of all that adversity, Arthur Taubman saw opportunity. Cars were becoming an indispensable part of American life, but auto production in Detroit had fallen by 75 percent. Taubman knew that many people during the Depression would need to keep their old cars on the road as long as possible. Taubman made a series of decisions during this era that built meaningful relationships with customers. During the WWII years, when rationing made auto parts scarce and domestic car production was ceased, Advance stores relied more on non-automotive product lines. They were quite busy at Christmastime, with a great selection of toy guns, cars, trains, dolls and other gift ideas to make kids happy.  Photo from 1932 And Taubman's strategy for merchandising, advertising, marketing and sales? “Keep your store clean and well-merchandised and take such good care of him that he has to come back to you." Honesty, integrity, and customer service were always #1 at Advance stores. That meant going above and beyond for customers, including advice and helping out with minor repairs or maintenance tasks that could be done in-store or in the parking lot.  Advance Auto Parts 1930 storefront His value of relationships also carried over into how Taubman took care of his employees. In the 30s, despite the Depression, Advance became one of the first companies to offer fringe benefits like paid sick leave, hospitalization insurance, paid vacation, profit sharing, and employee discounts. Along with better-than-average pay, Taubman encouraged teamwork and camaraderie with things like company sports teams, barbeques, and picnics. THE WAR ENDS The post-WWII years were challenging for many businesses, which Advance responded to with savvy, parting ways with Pep Boys and marketing their own house-brand tires. By the start of the 1950s, Advance was on solid financial ground and had marked the start of an exciting new period for the company. It was at this time that Arthur Taubman's son, Nick, went to work for the company. A NEW ERA Nick Taubman continued Advance's expansion to more states, eventually doubling the number of stores over the decade. By 1969, Arthur assumed the role of Chairman, and Nick Taubman became President of the Advance Stores chain. Under Nick's leadership, Advance moved away from general merchandise and moved toward its core business of auto parts. By the start of the 80s, Nick had successfully taken Advance from a family-owned regional business to a publicly-traded national chain. Sweeping changes from top executive training down to the crisp new employee uniforms propelled the company forward. Advance Auto was now positioned to become a category killer in the aftermarket auto parts field. THE UNSTOPPABLE 80S A massive flood tore through Roanoke in 1985. Advance's home office and distribution center were devastated by waist-deep water, testing the resilience and heart of the company. But rather than accepting defeat, Advance took the opportunity to start fresh with a new, massive distribution center. By 1988, the 185,000 square foot Roanoke Distribution Center opened, allowing Advance to expand so rapidly that by the end of the 80s they had become the fastest growing aftermarket parts retailer in the country. PASSING THE TORCH Sadly, founder Arthur Taubman passed away in Boca Raton, Florida in 1994, but the company he founded went on to thrive. Nick assumed his father's role as Chairman, and Advance benefitted from the leadership of subsequent CEOs Garnett Smith, Larry Castellani, Mike Coppola, and Darren Jackson. In 2015, Advance announced Tom Greco the new CEO, leaving his position as Frito-Lay North America CEO. ACQUISITIONS, EXPANSION AND GROWTH The new century brought with it n"