Advance Auto Parts Produces Solid Fourth Quarter Results

    ROANOKE, Va., Jan. 23 Advance Auto Parts, Inc.
announced today that it achieved 3.1% comparable store sales
growth in its fourth quarter ended December 28, 2002 compared to 5.2% last
year.  The do-it-yourself business grew by 2.7% and the do-it-for-me or
commercial business grew by 5.3%.  For the year, the Company achieved strong
same store sales gains of 5.5% compared to 6.2% last year.
    During the fourth quarter the Company continued to produce strong
operating income results, despite less than anticipated sales, by generating
robust gross margins and leveraging its expenses.  The Company anticipates
reporting earnings per diluted share at the top end of its previously
announced guidance range of $0.38 to $0.42, compared to $0.16 last year. These
results include approximately $0.03 per diluted share of expenses associated
with the recently completed secondary offering and exclude approximately $0.15
per diluted share of expenses associated with the integration of Discount Auto
Parts and an extraordinary loss of approximately $0.05 per diluted share
related to the early extinguishment of debt.
    Advance Auto Parts reiterated its 2003 fiscal year guidance for a 25%
increase in earnings per diluted share, before integration expense and a
potential bond refinancing, coming from solid comparable store sales growth,
increased operating margins, and reduced interest expense.  The Company
expects to generate substantial free cash flow of approximately $150 million
in 2003.
    "Our team members produced solid results despite tough weather conditions
and disruptions caused by the Discount Auto Parts' conversion process in the
Florida markets," commented Larry Castellani, Chief Executive Officer of
Advance Auto Parts.
    The Company plans to announce its complete 2002 fourth quarter and fiscal
year results on February 12, 2003.  At 8:00 a.m. on February 13, 2003, the
Company will host a conference call to discuss its fourth quarter and fiscal
year results.  To listen to the live webcast please log on to
http://www.advanceautoparts.com.  The call will be archived on that website
until March 10, 2003.
    Advance Auto Parts, Inc., based in Roanoke, Virginia, is the second
largest retailer of automotive parts in the United States.  At December 28,
2002, the Company had 2,435 stores in 37 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin
Islands.  The Company serves both the do-it-yourself and professional
installer markets.