AutoZone is larger than Advance Auto Parts in terms of North American company-owned store count, establishing its position as a leading aftermarket retailer.
When comparing the two prominent automotive aftermarket parts retailers, AutoZone holds a slight edge over Advance Auto Parts based on their respective store footprints across North America. This distinction highlights AutoZone's broader physical presence in the market.
Store Footprint Comparison
The primary metric for comparison in this context is the number of company-owned stores each retailer operates in North America.
| Retailer | North American Company-Owned Stores | Stores in Mexico | Stores in US/Canada (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AutoZone | 5,384 | 402 | 4,982 |
| Advance Auto Parts | 5,261 | 0 | 5,261 |
Key Insights:
- AutoZone's lead: AutoZone boasts a total of 5,384 company-owned stores across North America. This count includes a significant presence in Mexico, with 402 company-owned stores.
- Advance Auto Parts' reach: In comparison, Advance Auto Parts operates 5,261 company-owned stores in North America, none of which are located in Mexico.
- Overall Market Position: While Advance Auto Parts has a strong presence, AutoZone's inclusion of its Mexican operations contributes to its larger overall North American store count, positioning it as the biggest aftermarket retailer by this measure.
This difference in store numbers indicates AutoZone's slightly larger scale in terms of physical locations, which can translate into wider market accessibility for customers seeking automotive parts and accessories. Both companies are major players, but AutoZone's broader footprint, particularly with its international (North American) expansion into Mexico, gives it the larger status.
