Advance Auto Parts (NYSE: AAP)

Advance Auto Parts (NYSE: AAP) caters to both professional installers and DIY customers alike through three geographic divisions.

Advance Auto Parts provides automotive replacement parts, accessories, batteries and maintenance items for domestic and imported cars, vans, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), light and heavy duty trucks as well as fuel, tire and brake products.

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What Is Advance Auto Parts?

Advance Auto Parts (NYSE: AAP) provides automotive parts to both consumers and repair shops across America. Their selection includes brakes, transmissions, belts, tires, and other components for cars and trucks.

Advance strives to not only deliver products that satisfy customer demands, but also provides them with outstanding customer service and support. To do this, AAP uses a lean and efficient operating model that includes an expansive supply chain to guarantee timely deliveries of SKU’s, as well as its global reach and scale that enable it to serve its clients effectively.

AAP has also grown its business through strategic acquisitions, such as Western Auto Supply/Parts America and Discount Auto Parts. These deals helped AAP establish itself as a top provider of automotive parts and accessories.

What Is Advance’s Business Model?

Advance Auto’s primary method of sales is through its network of physical stores, staffed with experienced retail personnel. Additionally, the company operates an online store where customers can browse products, place orders and schedule deliveries with ease using self-service capabilities.

Advance has an expansive network of partners, many of whom support its core retail and distribution operations. This includes a partnership with Walmart and the Midwest Auto Care Alliance, joint venture development of an automated automotive parts dispensing system (AAPS), as well as online ecommerce collaboration with Amazon – just to name a few.

The Company strives to implement the newest customer experience and technology innovations. Recently, it implemented an improved management system for its four largest distribution centers and implemented several other initiatives designed to boost operational efficiency and enhance consumer experience. One example is its redesigned loyalty programme which has already resulted in higher conversion rates.

What Is Advance’s Strategy?

Advance’s competitive advantage lies in its capacity to supply automotive spare parts, accessories and batteries to clients throughout North America. It operates a network of physical locations as well as online shops.

Products offered include brand name, original equipment manufacturer and private label products for domestic and imported cars, vans, sport utility vehicles and light/heavy duty trucks – suitable both for do-it-yourselfers and professionals alike.

The Company also engages in a variety of partnerships. These include strategic alliances with Walmart and the Midwest Auto Care Alliance, as well as a retail and distribution partnership with Amazon.

Advance provides a range of customer service solutions, such as the Innovation Garage. Here, employees from sales to warehouse team members are encouraged to submit ideas for improving the company’s operations. This is part of Advance’s “Be an owner” culture which encourages employees to think like leaders.