If there were a single theme that ran through most of the most-read automotive aftermarket stories of 2019, it would be growth.

From announcements by distribution organizations to retail service chains, most of the top stories from 2019 had their roots in confidence in the future growth and prosperity of the aftermarket.

Jobber Nation saw some growth in this regard to, with page views up more than 60% from 2018. So thanks everyone for reading, and thanks to our clients for helping us get here.

One notable exception is our coverage of the passing of aftermarket veteran, jobber, and former Bestbuy Distributors chair Dale Devlin. His friendly countenance and experience continue to be keenly felt by all those who had the privilege to know him.

So, here are the Top 10 stories of 2019:

(CLICK ON THE HEADLINES TO READ THE STORIES)

Video tour: Lordco 31,000-sq.-ft Port Coquitlam store

UAP appoints Jeff Van De Sande Senior VP, Altrom Auto Group

Lordco moves into Calgary with largest store yet

Genuine Parts Company reports record sales in Q3

Lordco’s Port Coquitlam store is aftermarket distributor’s largest yet

Spark Auto Electric steps up for suppliers

Bestbuy mourns passing of Dale Devlin

Uni-Select 300,000-sq-ft. Calgary DC its largest yet

Grant Brothers Sales 70+ years of service in Canada’s aftermarket

Trico Group acquiring FRAM Group, second acquisition of 2019