Automotive aftermarket parts retailer Advance Auto Parts has opened a 45,000-square-foot “super hub” flagship location near downtown Los Angeles as part of the company’s Western U.S. expansion, which includes 22 new stores in the L.A. area. Adding to its 4,687 stores across the U.S. and Canada, the retailer began its move westward in spring 2021 with the lease of 109 Pep Boys stores that were then converted into Advance Auto Parts locations. More than half of those stores are in the L.A. area, which is known for its car culture.
Advance Auto Parts plans to hire approximately 1,850 employees in the state upon the conversion of all 109 stores. These plans include hiring professional industry technicians. Professional repair partners are able to cultivate their technical knowledge through Advance Auto Parts’ virtual and in-person training, offered by Carquest Technical Institute and Worldpac Training Institute. These resources are available nationwide and have been developed and taught by instructors who are factory trained.
“We estimate that 70% of our customers in Los Angeles fit the profile of the classic do-it-yourselfer,” said Tom Greco, President and CEO of Advance Auto Parts in a statement. “Pairing that with the more than 7.6 million registered vehicles in Los Angeles’ unique car culture, this is a tremendous opportunity for Advance to bring care and speed to motorists through expert advice and best-in-class products and services. Our timing couldn’t be better as the average vehicle age increases while used car and gasoline prices are rising, resulting in greater demand for vehicle maintenance.”
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