Advance Auto Parts, Inc. , whose automotive aftermarket holdings include Advance Auto Parts stores as well as Carquest Canada, announced that it has completed the U.S. store closure phase of its transformation plan and is entering its next phase of returning to growth.

Optimization of the retail footprint was key to Advance’s broader transformation plan to reposition the company for long-term success.

The plan to return to long term success included the sale in 2024 of the WORLDPAC business.

The company had also initially considered the sale of Carquest Canada operations, but ultimately opted to retain the business.

After closing some 700 U. S. stores, more than 75% of the remaining stores are in markets where the it has the No. 1 or No. 2 position based on store density, strengthening its presence in strategic communities.

Advance Auto Parts now expects to open 30 new locations in the U.S. in 2025 and at least an additional 100 new locations through 2027, including larger “market hubs.”

Since the beginning of this year, Advance has opened six new stores in Florida, New Jersey, Tennessee and Virginia.

Over the next several months, the company expects to open additional stores to serve customers across communities in Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia and Wisconsin.

Advance Auto Parts is also continuing the expansion of market hubs with new openings soon in the Midwest.

These larger stores will increase availability of parts by placing approximately 75,000 to 85,000 SKUs closer to customers and other local Advance Auto Parts stores, as well as improve Advance’s speed of service with same-day delivery of parts. By comparison, typical Advance stores carry between 20,000 to 25,000 SKUs.

“Advance Auto Parts is on the path to accelerate store growth and focused on the fundamentals of selling auto parts,” said Shane O’Kelly, president and chief executive officer.

“We are excited about what’s to come for Advance. Our team members are committed to providing the right parts and the right service for our PRO and DIY customers in their communities.”

In addition to new store openings, Advance is creating a better customer experience. The previously announced incremental capital expenditure plan includes additional investments in existing stores related to IT infrastructure, equipment, store repairs and improved inventory and delivery. Advance is also providing additional training to team members to enhance customer experience.

Advance Auto Parts, Inc. is a leading automotive aftermarket parts provider that serves both professional installers and do-it-yourself customers. As of December 28, 2024, Advance operated 4,788 stores primarily within the United States, with additional locations in Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The company also served 934 independently owned Carquest branded stores across these locations in addition to Mexico and various Caribbean islands. Additional information can be found at www.AdvanceAutoParts.com