AutoZone
Template:Short description Template:Infobox company
AutoZone, Inc., doing business as AutoZone (and formerly known as Auto Shack from 1979 to 1987), is an American retailer of aftermarket automotive parts and accessories, the largest in the United States. Founded in 1979, AutoZone has 7,140 stores across the United States, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, and the US Virgin Islands. The company is based in Memphis, Tennessee.<ref name="10-K Aug 2025"/><ref name="Autozone Commercial Appeal March 2020">Template:Cite web</ref>
Company History
Auto Shack
AutoZone was founded by J.R. "Pitt" Hyde III as the auto parts division of Malone & Hyde, a Memphis-based wholesale grocer founded by his family. After joining the board of directors at Wal-Mart in 1978, Hyde explored new ways to diversify his family's business.<ref name=":7">Template:Cite web</ref> On July 4, 1979, the first store opened in Forrest City, Arkansas under the name of Auto Shack.<ref name="fortune2">Template:Cite journal</ref><ref name=":2" /> Doc Crain was the store's first manager. Sales that first day totaled $300.00.<ref name=":2">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":3">Template:Cite web</ref> Despite not knowing much about cars, Hyde's vision was to offer good customer service, and everyday low prices, in a clean, well designed, and brightly lit shop.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":7" />
By 1980, the chain expanded to eight stores across five states, and then to 20 stores the year after.<ref name=":7" /> In 1981, the company opened its first Express Parts Service warehouse in Memphis, allowing customers to order hard to find parts not found in most stores. By 1983, Auto Shack opened its 100th store in Weslaco, Texas.<ref name=":3" />
By 1984, it had 190 locations across 13 states.<ref name=":7" /> In 1984, Malone & Hyde was acquired in a management buyout that included Hyde, investment firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Company, and other executives, taking the public company (including Auto Shack) private.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Total stores were 194 in 13 states.
In 1985, Peter Formanek was named president. He oversaw the auto parts firm's daily operations and worked on growth strategy.<ref name="Autozone Commercial Appeal March 2020"/> In 1986, Auto Shack was spun off from Malone & Hyde, with Hyde and Formanek remaining in charge.<ref name=":2" /> Malone & Hyde was later sold to Fleming Companies in 1988.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
By 1986, expansion had made the company grow into a large store chain across the South and the Midwest. Auto Shack debuted its Duralast auto parts line, starting with alternators and starters. The Loan-A-Tool program was also introduced, allowing customers to borrow specialty tools.<ref name=":02">Template:Cite web</ref> The fourth distribution center in Greenville, South Carolina opened. The total number of stores was 339 in 15 states.
AutoZone
In 1986, Auto Shack was sued by Radio Shack for trademark infringement.<ref name=":3" /> While a court initially ruled in favor of Auto Shack, Radio Shack ultimately won on appeal. In 1987 Auto Shack announced plans to change its name to AutoZone.<ref name="fortune2"/><ref name=":4">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":6">Template:Cite web</ref> The first AutoZone store was in Enid, Oklahoma. The company introduced an electronic catalog used to look up parts, check warranties, and view inventory.<ref name=":02"/> The total number of stores was 459 in 16 states.
1990s
In 1991, Hyde and KKR took the company public.<ref name="The New York Times">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Its stock began trading on the New York Stock Exchange using the ticker symbol "AZO."<ref name="fortune2"/> KKR initially held a majority of the stock, but began selling off its shares by 1993.<ref name="The New York Times"/><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
In 1994, AutoZone began using satellites to facilitate communication between stores and the corporate office. Sales hit $1.5 billion.
In 1995, AutoZone opened its 1,000th store in Louisville, Kentucky. Also, the Duralast trademark made its debut with the Duralast and Duralast Gold batteries. Total of stores is now 1,143 in 26 states.<ref name="AutoZone-Nov-1996-10-K">Template:Cite web</ref>
In 1996, the company launched its website.<ref name=":02"/> It also spent $56 million to acquire ALLDATA, a software company based in Elk Grove, California that provides automotive diagnostic and repair information.<ref name="AutoZone-May-1996-10-Q">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Company founder Pitt Hyde retired as chairman and CEO in 1997.<ref name="fortune2"/> John Adams became the new chairman and CEO. AutoZone made several acquisitions in 1998. In January, it acquired 112 Auto Palace stores in six states for $55 million.<ref name="AutoZone-Jun-1998-10-Q">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="prn1998jan14">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="ac1998feb">Template:Cite news</ref> It also bought 43 TruckPro L.P. locations in May and 560 Chief Auto Parts stores across in June.<ref name="lat-1998may12">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="lat-1998jul01">Template:Cite news</ref> In October, AutoZone bought 100 Express auto parts stores from Pep Boys.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The company established its first international location when it opened a store in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico in December 1998.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="AutoZone-Nov-1998-ARS">Template:Cite web</ref> By January 1999, it announced plans to open additional stores in the country.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> AutoZone closed the 1990s by debuting at the Fortune 500 list in 1999.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2000s
In 2000, AutoZone opened a data processing and support center, known as DataZone, in Chihuahua, Mexico. In the years to come, new departments, including Finance, Customer Service, IT, Merchandising, and Store Technical Support would be added.<ref name=":8">Template:Cite web</ref>
In January 2001, Steve Odland was named chairman and CEO, replacing Adams.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="AutoZone-Jan-2001-8-K">Template:Cite web</ref> That May, the company opened its 3,000th store in Cicero, Illinois.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In December, AutoZone sold TruckPro to Paratus Capital Management.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2002, AutoZone developed a network of "hub, feeder, and satellite" stores to have more product in the market area, while reducing inventory investment. Sales hit $5.33 billion.<ref name="AutoZone-Oct-2002-10-K">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":9">Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2003, the Duralast tool line was introduced.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In April, Midas announced it was exiting the parts distribution business and would instead contract AutoZone to be its official distributor.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> AutoZone de Mexico opens the first DC in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. Total stores number 3,219 in 48 states and 49 in Mexico.<ref name="AutoZone-Oct-2003-8-K">Template:Cite web</ref> In April 2004, AutoZone acquired 12 stores from ABC Discount Auto Parts, an auto parts chain headquartered in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> That year, founder J.R. "Pitt" Hyde III was inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2005, William C. Rhodes III was named president and CEO. Steve Odland left to become the chairman and CEO of Office Depot.<ref name="AutoZone-Mar-2005-8-K">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> AutoZone opened its first Puerto Rican location in Bayamon.<ref name=":02"/>
In June 2007, Bill Rhodes was also made chairman.<ref name="AutoZone-Jun-2007-8-K">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The company also opened its 4,000th store in Houston, Texas.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> That year, AutoZone introduced its Z-net electronic parts catalog and repair a database.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The system replaced the company's original text-based catalog.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2010s
In May 2010, AutoZone announced a new “Buy Online Pick-Up In-Store” service.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The in June, the company unveiled a new mobile app that provides iPhone users access to vehicle repair guides, product catalogs, pricing information, and store locations.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On December 15, 2011, ALLDATA LLC, an operating unit of AutoZone, expanded its direct presence in Canada to better serve its growing customer base.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
On August 17, 2012, AutoZone expanded into Alaska, the company's 49th state, by opening its 5,000th store in Wasilla, Alaska.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The company announced in December that it had acquired online automotive retailer AutoAnything.com.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2012, AutoZone entered the Brazilian market by opening a store in Sao Paulo, Brazil.<ref name=":02"/>
In December 2012, AutoZone purchased AutoAnything.com, an e-commerce leader in aftermarket automotive parts based in San Diego, California.<ref name="AutoZone-Dec-2012-8-K">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="AutoZone-Dec-2012-10-Q">Template:Cite web</ref> In 2014, the company acquired Interamerican Motor Corporation, a distributor of imported replacement parts. The deal gave AutoZone access to European and Asian markets.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> By November 2015, the company had expanded its hub stores to include mega hubs in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Memphis, and New Jersey.<ref name=":9" />
Between 2012 and 2016, AutoZone's stock valuation doubled in value.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> By April 2017, AutoZone had been the largest retailer of automotive parts in North America for three consecutive years.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> As of August 2017, AutoZone had 5,465 locations in the United States, 524 locations in Mexico, and 46 locations in Brazil, for a total of 6,035.<ref name="10-K Aug 2017">Template:Cite web</ref> The company opened its 6,000th store, in Memphis, Tennessee, on August 25, 2017.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In February 2018, AutoZone announced it had sold IMC to Parts Authority and AutoAnything to Kingswood Capital.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In September, the company introduced next-day home delivery on online orders in 83 US markets.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The service included 100,000 products and expanded to 95 markets by the end of the year.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On October 22, 2018, Pitt Hyde announced that he would be stepping down from AutoZone's board of directors.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":4" /> By June 2019, the company had 174 hub stores and 28 mega hubs, with plans to continue expanding.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2020s
.jpg){kind=link}
In March 2020, during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, AutoZone introduced free curbside pickup for all buy online and pickup in store orders.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In late May, two AutoZone stores were destroyed by arson during the George Floyd protests in Minneapolis–Saint Paul.<ref name=":1">Template:Cite news</ref> By September 2021, the company had 58 mega hubs and announced plans to open 20 more over the next year.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2023, after years functioning as a shared services center, DataZone was renamed to AutoZone Business and Technology Store Support Center.<ref name=":8" /> In June 2023, Rhodes announced his intention to step down as president and CEO in January 2024. Phillip Daniele was promoted to president and CEO, with Rhodes remaining as executive chairman.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> By May 2024, AutoZone opened over 100 mega hubs stores.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Corporate affairs
AutoZone is incorporated in the state of Nevada.<ref name="10-K Aug 2025"/>
Headquarters
Since October 1995, AutoZone has been headquartered in its J.R. Hyde, III Store Support Center (SSC), a Template:Convert, eight-story building in Downtown Memphis, Tennessee.<ref name=earthquakres>"AutoZone HQ holds title as most earthquake-resistant Memphis building." Memphis Business Journal. May 13, 2011. Retrieved on December 6, 2014.</ref> As of 2013 there were over 1,200 employees there.<ref>"Store Support Center." AutoZone. Retrieved on June 4, 2013.</ref>
The project manager of the building's construction was Rob Norcross, a principal at LRK Inc. The building has the capability to withstand a 9.0 magnitude earthquake because it has a special base isolation system that had a price tag of $950,000.<ref name=earthquakres/>
Private labels
AutoZone sells lead-acid car batteries (manufactured primarily by Johnson Controls) and other automotive parts using its Valucraft and Duralast private label brands.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> AutoZone also sells tools under the Duralast brand.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Retail stores
AutoZone's 7,657 retail outlets Template:As of<ref name="10-K Aug 2025"/> throughout the United States, Mexico and Brazil stock a variety of aftermarket parts as well as some OEM parts. All AutoZone stores are corporately owned; the company does not have franchise operations.<ref name=about>About Us: Our Company, Our Culture AutoZone Official Site</ref>
Sponsorships
In 2004, AutoZone celebrated its 25th anniversary and announced a corporate sponsorship agreement with auto racing association NASCAR.
In 2007, AutoZone sponsored Kevin Harvick and Timothy Peters in the NASCAR Busch Series.Template:Citation needed
AutoZone holds the naming rights to the downtown Memphis baseball stadium that is the home of the Memphis Redbirds of the Pacific Coast League. The company also sponsors the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The AutoZone Liberty Bowl, alongside the College Football Playoff Foundation donated $250,136.03 to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The AutoZone Liberty Bowl awarded 2018's Distinguished Citizen Award to Priscilla Presley.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
They are an official sponsor of Bellator MMA, the world's second largest Mixed Martial Arts promotion.
Lawsuits
State prosecutors and the district attorneys of San Bernardino, Monterey, San Diego, and San Joaquin counties sued AutoZone in 2005, accusing the company of mishandling used motor oil and overcharging customers. AutoZone agreed to pay $1.5 million to settle the case.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
AutoZone faced a lawsuit for gender discrimination in which the plaintiff alleged that men treated her differently when she was promoted and that she feared revealing a pregnancy to her superior. When the pregnancy was discovered, she alleges that her district manager pressured her to step down from her position. She was demoted in February 2006 and fired in November 2011. The jury on the case ruled in 2014 in favor of the plaintiff, awarding her $185 million in punitive damages as well as approximately $873,000 in back wages. AutoZone has announced its intention to appeal the verdict.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Wall Street Journal's Jacob Gershman suggested that the verdict would be scaled back.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2018, AutoZone paid $3.3 million to settle a lawsuit stemming from a 2016 crash that killed three after an AutoZone-owned truck rear-ended a stalled vehicle. The suit alleged that AutoZone was negligent in training the driver of the truck.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
A Georgia woman was fired after a customer insulted her and used multiple racial epithets against her. In 2018, she filed a lawsuit against the company for violating her civil rights, alleging that the district manager told her to "suck it up."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In June 2019, AutoZone entered into an $11 million settlement against with the State of California to resolve allegations that the company had violated state laws governing hazardous waste, hazardous materials, and confidential consumer information. AutoZone is charged with illegally disposing of millions of hazardous waste items, including used motor oil and automotive fluids, at landfills not authorized to accept hazardous waste.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
See also
- Advance Auto Parts
- Carquest
- National Automotive Parts Association (NAPA)
- O'Reilly Auto Parts
- Pep Boys
- SCO v. AutoZone