Advance Auto Parts Will Exceed First Quarter Consensus Estimates - Store Sales Up 7.8%

ROANOKE, Va., April 24 /Advance Auto Parts, Inc. today announced that its comparable store sales increased 7.8% for the first quarter ended April 20, 2002, on top of 5.7% for the same quarter last year. The Discount Auto Parts stores, which were acquired on November 29, 2001, are not yet in the comparable store base. These stores produced comparable store sales increases of 5.1% during the first quarter, which are stronger than their historical trends. Total sales for the quarter rose 37.5% to approximately $1.0 billion compared to $729.4 million last year.

As a result of the greater than anticipated strength in sales, the Company also believes that its first quarter diluted earnings per share before expenses associated with the integration of Discount Auto Parts and an extraordinary item will exceed the current First Call consensus estimate of $0.28. The Company anticipates these earnings per share to be $0.52 or greater compared to $0.14 last year. The Company has already announced that it anticipates $40 million in pre-tax integration expenses in 2002 related to the Discount Auto Parts acquisition, of which approximately $11.0 million were incurred in the first quarter as planned. The extraordinary item reflects the write-off of deferred loan fees as a result of the early repayment of debt from the proceeds of the recent public offering. After integration expenses and the extraordinary item, the Company anticipates that its reported first quarter diluted earnings per share will be $0.30 or greater.

``Our comparable store sales gains have been impacted positively by our enhanced merchandising and marketing initiatives, improved customer service due to the roll-out of our proprietary in-store systems and excellent industry dynamics. These include an increase in miles driven, an aging vehicle population and an increasing amount of sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and pick-up trucks entering their repair cycle,'' remarked Larry Castellani, the Company's Chief Executive Officer.

``The integration of Discount Auto Parts continues to proceed as planned,'' continued Mr. Castellani. ``Our team members, whether servicing customers in a Discount Auto Parts or Advance Auto Parts store, are committed to making the transition a success. Their dedication is driving our strong sales gains.''

The Company remains comfortable with its previous guidance of mid-single digit percentage gains in comparable store sales for the remaining three-quarters of 2002.

Advance Auto Parts will report its first quarter results the morning of May 23, 2002. Its earnings conference call is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. EDT and will be made available concurrently on the Company's website, http://www.advanceautoparts.com.

Advance Auto Parts, Inc. is based in Roanoke, Va., and is the second largest auto parts chain in the nation. With approximately 2,400 stores in 38 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, the Company serves both the do-it-yourself and professional installer markets. Additional information about the Company, employment opportunities, services, as well as on-line purchase of parts and accessories can be found on the Company's web site at http://www.advanceautoparts.com.