Advance Auto Parts announced 700 store closures in 2024 as part of a restructuring plan

Advance Auto Parts, one of the largest automotive aftermarket retailers in the United States, began closing stores in 2024 following financial pressure and shifting consumer behavior. The company announced plans to shutter approximately 700 locations — roughly one-quarter of its store base — over the course of the year. These closures were not random; the company prioritized closing underperforming locations while keeping stores in higher-traffic areas and regions where it maintains stronger market share.

The closures stem from a combination of factors: declining foot traffic as more consumers shop online, increased competition from retailers like Amazon and Walmart, and the company's own operational challenges. Advance Auto Parts had been struggling with inventory management and profitability for several years before announcing this restructuring. Store closures began in the spring of 2024 and continued throughout the year, with the company using sales and clearance events to move inventory before shutting doors.

Key Takeaways

  • Advance Auto Parts closed approximately 700 stores during 2024, representing about one-quarter of its total store count at the start of the year.
  • The company prioritized closing lower-performing locations while keeping stores in areas with stronger sales and customer traffic.
  • Store closures were announced with advance notice, typically giving customers and employees several weeks to prepare.
  • Customers can find their nearest remaining Advance Auto Parts location through the company's website or by calling customer service.
  • The closures reflect broader retail trends, including the shift toward online shopping and consolidation among automotive parts retailers.

Which stores closed and how to find your nearest location

Advance Auto Parts did not close all stores in any single region uniformly. Instead, the company evaluated each location based on sales performance, local competition, and customer density. Some areas lost multiple stores while others retained most of their locations. The company published closure lists on its website as announcements were made, though these were released in phases rather than all at once.

To find whether your local Advance Auto Parts closed, visit the company's website and use the store locator tool. Enter your zip code or city name, and the tool will show all open locations near you. If your regular store is no longer listed, the locator will show the next closest location. You can also call Advance Auto Parts customer service at 1-800-ADVANCE (1-800-238-2623) to confirm whether a specific store is still operating.

Many customers whose stores closed were directed to nearby locations or offered the option to order online for in-store pickup at a remaining location. Some customers also received notices in the mail or via email if they had loyalty program accounts with the company.

Timeline of closures throughout 2024

Advance Auto Parts announced its restructuring plan in early 2024, with the first wave of closures beginning in spring. The company staggered the closures over several months rather than closing all 700 stores simultaneously. This approach allowed the company to manage inventory liquidation and gave employees time to seek other positions.

The exact timing of individual store closures varied by location. Some stores closed within 4 to 6 weeks of announcement, while others remained open longer to clear inventory. By the end of 2024, the company had substantially completed the closure process, though some locations may have remained open into early 2025 depending on local circumstances and inventory levels.

Customers who received closure notices for their local store typically had at least two to three weeks of advance warning before the location shut down. During this period, stores often held clearance sales offering discounts on remaining inventory.

What happened to online ordering and delivery services

The store closures did not eliminate Advance Auto Parts' online presence or delivery options. The company continued operating its website and maintained its ability to ship orders to customers' homes. In fact, the restructuring was partly designed to shift the company's focus toward e-commerce and away from the high costs of maintaining a large physical footprint.

Customers who previously picked up orders at closed locations can now have those same items shipped to their address or pick them up at a remaining store. The company also maintained its same-day delivery service in select areas, though availability depends on your location and the specific product you're ordering.

Loyalty program members retained their accounts and rewards balances after store closures. Points and discounts earned before a closure remained valid for use at other Advance Auto Parts locations or on online orders.

Impact on employees and job transitions

The 700 store closures resulted in significant job losses across the company. Advance Auto Parts offered some employees the opportunity to transfer to nearby open locations, though not all positions could be accommodated. The company provided severance packages to employees who were not offered transfers, though the terms varied based on tenure and position.

Employees at closing stores were notified in advance and given time to explore for open positions at other locations. The company also worked with state workforce agencies to connect displaced workers with job training and placement resources. Many former Advance Auto Parts employees found work at competing retailers like AutoZone, O'Reilly Auto Parts, and NAPA Auto Parts, which continued operating during this period.

Broader retail trends behind the closures

Advance Auto Parts' closures reflect larger changes in how consumers shop for automotive parts and accessories. The rise of online shopping has reduced foot traffic at physical retail locations across many industries. Consumers can now compare prices and order parts from home, often with faster delivery than a store visit would provide.

Competition from general retailers has also intensified. Walmart and Amazon both sell automotive parts and accessories, often at competitive prices. Specialized online retailers focused solely on automotive aftermarket products have captured market share from traditional brick-and-mortar chains. These trends accelerated during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, when many consumers shifted to online shopping.

The automotive aftermarket itself has also changed. Modern vehicles require fewer routine maintenance items than older cars, reducing the frequency with which consumers need to purchase parts. This structural decline in demand has affected all automotive parts retailers, though some have adapted better than others through diversification and operational efficiency.

Alternatives for finding automotive parts after closures

If your local Advance Auto Parts closed, you have several options for purchasing automotive parts and accessories. AutoZone and O'Reilly Auto Parts operate extensive store networks and offer similar products and services. NAPA Auto Parts serves both retail customers and professional mechanics. Walmart and Target carry basic automotive supplies and maintenance items in most locations.

Online retailers including Amazon, RockAuto, and manufacturer websites offer competitive pricing and home delivery. Many of these retailers offer same-day or next-day shipping in urban and suburban areas. Local independent auto parts stores and salvage yards may also serve your area and can sometimes offer hard-to-find items or used parts at lower prices.

If you were a loyal Advance Auto Parts customer, you may want to compare prices and shipping times across these alternatives before settling on a new primary source. Some retailers offer loyalty programs similar to Advance Auto Parts' rewards program, which can offset price differences over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my local Advance Auto Parts store closed?

Use the store locator on Advance Auto Parts' website by entering your zip code. If your store no longer appears in the results, it has closed. You can also call 1-800-ADVANCE to confirm. The company's website also published lists of closing locations as announcements were made throughout 2024.

Can I still use my Advance Auto Parts loyalty card or rewards points?

Yes. Your loyalty account and rewards balance remain active at all remaining Advance Auto Parts locations and for online orders. You can use your points and discounts at any open store or when ordering through the website. Your account information is stored in the company's system, not at individual locations.

What if I had a special order or layaway at a closing store?

Contact the closing store directly as soon as possible to discuss your order. The store can either complete the order before closing, transfer it to a nearby location, or cancel it with a refund. Advance Auto Parts customer service can also help resolve pending orders if you contact them directly.

Will Advance Auto Parts open new stores to replace the ones that closed?

The company has not announced plans to reopen stores in most closed locations. The restructuring was designed to reduce the overall store count permanently. However, Advance Auto Parts may open new locations in high-growth areas if market conditions improve, though this would likely be limited in scope.

Are other auto parts retailers also closing stores?

Advance Auto Parts' closures are the most significant among major automotive retailers in 2024, but other chains have also reduced store counts in recent years. AutoZone and O'Reilly have made selective closures, though at much smaller scales. The trend reflects the industry-wide shift toward online shopping and consolidation among retailers.