Advance Auto Parts is not currently going out of business, but the company has faced serious financial and operational challenges that have caused store closures and raised questions about its future
Advance Auto Parts, one of the largest auto parts retailers in the United States, announced in 2024 that it would close hundreds of stores as part of a restructuring plan. This is not the same as going out of business entirely — the company continues to operate, but it is shrinking significantly. The chain has struggled with declining sales, increased competition from online retailers like Amazon and RockAuto, and changing consumer behavior as more people take their cars to dealerships or use ride-sharing services instead of maintaining personal vehicles.
The company's financial troubles stem from years of slower-than-expected sales and inventory management problems. In 2023 and 2024, Advance Auto Parts reported losses and announced store closure plans that would reduce its footprint by roughly one-third. However, store closures are a restructuring strategy, not a sign that the entire business is shutting down. Many retailers go through similar cycles — closing underperforming locations while keeping profitable ones open.
Key Takeaways
- Advance Auto Parts announced hundreds of store closures in 2024 but remains in business and operating stores nationwide.
- The company's struggles come from lower vehicle ownership rates, online competition, and customers shifting to dealership service departments.
- Store closures are happening gradually over time, not all at once, so many locations remain open for now.
- If your local Advance Auto Parts closes, you can find auto parts through competitors like AutoZone, O'Reilly Auto Parts, NAPA, or online retailers.
What Triggered Advance Auto Parts' Financial Problems
Advance Auto Parts' decline reflects broader shifts in how people maintain vehicles. Fewer people are doing their own car repairs compared to 20 years ago — younger generations are less likely to own cars at all, and those who do often take them to dealerships where service departments handle maintenance. This shrinks the market for do-it-yourself auto parts customers, which has been Advance Auto Parts' core business.
The company also faced competition it did not anticipate. Online retailers, particularly Amazon, now sell common auto parts with fast shipping. Specialty retailers like RockAuto undercut prices on bulk orders. At the same time, Advance Auto Parts expanded too quickly in the 2010s, opening stores in locations that could not generate enough sales to stay profitable. When sales slowed, the company was left with too many stores in the wrong places.
How Many Stores Are Closing and When
Advance Auto Parts announced plans to close approximately 700 to 900 stores over several years, depending on which phase of the restructuring is underway. This represents roughly one-third of its total store count. However, these closures are not happening overnight — they are spread across multiple years, which means many stores remain open and operating today.
The company has not announced a specific end date for all closures. Instead, it is closing stores in phases based on profitability and lease terms. Some stores have already closed, while others may not close for months or years. If you want to know whether your local Advance Auto Parts is scheduled to close, you can check the company's website or call the store directly — they will tell you if a closure is planned.
What This Means If Your Local Store Closes
If Advance Auto Parts closes a location near you, you have several alternatives for buying auto parts. AutoZone and O'Reilly Auto Parts are the largest remaining national chains with thousands of locations. NAPA is another option, though it has fewer locations in some areas. All three offer in-store pickup, delivery, and online ordering.
Online retailers like Amazon, RockAuto, and manufacturer websites often have lower prices for parts you can order in advance. If you need a part the same day, local independent auto parts stores — sometimes called "jobber" shops — often stock common items and can order specialty parts quickly. You can also ask your mechanic or dealership where they source parts; many will sell you parts directly or tell you where to find them.
Signs a Company Is Actually Going Out of Business vs. Restructuring
There is an important difference between closing stores and closing a business entirely. A company is truly going out of business when it stops operating all locations, files for bankruptcy with a plan to liquidate (rather than reorganize), or announces it will cease operations on a specific date. Advance Auto Parts has not done any of these things.
Restructuring — closing some stores while keeping others open — is a common business strategy. Retailers like Bed Bath & Beyond, Rite Aid, and many others have gone through similar processes. Some survive and stabilize; others eventually do go out of business. Advance Auto Parts' future is uncertain, but the company is not currently liquidating or shutting down entirely. It is attempting to become smaller and more profitable by closing its weakest locations.
How to Stay Informed About Advance Auto Parts' Status
If you want to track what is happening with Advance Auto Parts, the company publishes quarterly earnings reports and announcements on its investor relations website. These reports contain information about store closures, financial performance, and company strategy. You can also check news sources that cover retail and automotive industries — they report on major announcements from the company.
For practical purposes, the easiest way to know if your local store is affected is to call it directly or visit the store locator on Advance Auto Parts' website. The store locator will show which locations are currently open. If a store is scheduled to close, the company typically posts notices in the store and on its website several weeks or months in advance.
What Happened to Other Auto Parts Retailers
Advance Auto Parts is not the only auto parts chain facing challenges. AutoZone has remained relatively stable, though it has also closed some underperforming stores. O'Reilly Auto Parts has grown in recent years by acquiring stores from competitors. NAPA, which is owned by Genuine Parts Company, has a more stable financial position because it is part of a larger diversified company.
The auto parts retail industry overall is contracting because fewer people are doing their own repairs. However, the demand for auto parts has not disappeared — it has shifted. People still need parts, but they are buying them online, from dealerships, or from fewer physical locations. This is why some chains are shrinking while others are consolidating or adapting their business model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still return parts to Advance Auto Parts if the store closes?
If your local store closes, you may be able to return parts to another nearby Advance Auto Parts location, depending on the return policy and how long ago you purchased the item. Contact the company's customer service line or check its website for the return policy before your local store closes. Some retailers honor returns at other locations even after a store shuts down, but policies vary.
Will Advance Auto Parts' prices change as stores close?
Store closures do not automatically change prices at remaining locations. However, as competition decreases in areas where Advance Auto Parts closes, prices at the remaining store may shift. You may also find that online retailers or competitors offer better prices. It is always worth comparing prices across multiple retailers before buying.
Is my Advance Auto Parts credit card still valid if the store closes?
Yes, an Advance Auto Parts credit card remains valid and can be used at any remaining Advance Auto Parts location or online. The card itself does not expire just because one store closes. However, check your card's terms for any changes to rewards or benefits as the company restructures.
Should I avoid shopping at Advance Auto Parts because it might go out of business?
That depends on your situation. If you have a store nearby that is not scheduled to close, shopping there is fine — the company is still operating and honoring its commitments. If your nearest store is closing soon, you might want to shift to a competitor to avoid the inconvenience of finding a new location. Check the store locator to see if your location is affected.
What if Advance Auto Parts does eventually go out of business?
If the company eventually closes entirely, you would lose access to that retailer, but you would still have other options — AutoZone, O'Reilly, NAPA, online retailers, and independent shops all sell auto parts. No single retailer going out of business eliminates your ability to find the parts you need.