Leaving the days of the recession behind, the top aftermarket automotive retail chains report sales have stabilized and business is good.
As consumers are keeping their vehicles longer, aftermarket category sales are reaping the benefits of preventive maintenance, service and repair dollars spent.
The winter months have also triggered heightened sales for many retailers, with the extreme temperatures now, and again in the summer, driving many repairs and part replacements, companies report.
Many auto chains report that bulk sales are a great profit driver, and oftentimes a cost saver for service repair shops. "The service dealer is trying to keep his shop costs competitive, so it certainly becomes an option for them to look at," says Mike Lichtenberg, retail merchandising manager with Automotive Parts Headquarters, based in Saint Cloud, Minn.
Continue reading for the Auto Chain Product Study results and methodology.
