Discount Auto Parts Opens First Louisiana Stores
18 August 1998
Discount Auto Parts Opens First Louisiana Stores
LAKELAND, Fla.--Aug. 18, 1998--
Leading Retailer of Automotive Parts Enters Sixth State;
Approaches 500-Store Milestone
Discount Auto Parts has opened its first two stores in Louisiana with plans to open three additional stores in the state by September 1.
With its two newest outlets, the Lakeland, Fla., based company operates 467 stores in six Southern states and is a leading specialty retailer of automotive replacement parts, maintenance items and accessories primarily for the "Do-It-Yourself" (DIY) consumer.
"We are continuing our aggressive expansion throughout the South while still remaining dedicated to providing quality parts at low prices with convenient locations," said Discount Auto Parts President Bill Perkins in announcing the expansion.
The more than $500 million company continues to add stores in its already existing markets of Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Mississippi and its home state of Florida, where it now has 354 stores to dominate the state's car parts market.
"Our intention is to gain market share with more convenience," explained Perkins.
The 27-year-old retailer's two new Louisiana stores are in Slidell at 2975 E. Gause Blvd. and 509 Pontchartrain Dr. Two of the three stores now under construction are in Baton Rouge and the third is in Covington.
The company is investing approximately $3 million to build the five new stores, each of which is 6,838 square feet in size. Each store will employ eight to 10 Team Members and will carry the chain's extensive line of replacement parts for domestic and import cars, as well as accessories, chemicals, motor oils and other maintenance items.
Perkins said the Louisiana expansion will continue as part of the company's overall growth plans for the future.
"We've been expanding in new markets for several years now, and our plans call for the construction of an additional 75 stores for the forthcoming fiscal year," said Perkins.
Discount Auto Parts is one of the southeast's leading specialty retailers of automotive replacement parts, maintenance items and accessories for the DIY consumer.
