Eighth of April, 2025 – One of the most well-known names in the automotive aftermarket, Advance Auto Parts, has recently found itself in the news due to its decision to shut down more than 700 stores across the country.
Whether they are looking for “Advance Auto Parts near me” or keeping up with the most recent “Advance Auto Parts news,” the most important question that customers are wondering is whether or not Advance Auto is going out of business.
This piece delves into the specifics of the ongoing drama surrounding the closure of Advance Auto Parts, including what it means for customers and employees, as well as the unexpected turn of events that was the opening of new stores in the midst of the closures.
Over 700 Advance Auto Parts stores are going to close as part of the major shutdown.
The announcement of a comprehensive restructuring plan by Advance Auto Parts was made in November 2024. The plan indicated that approximately 727 locations would be closed by the middle of 2025.
There were a total of 523 corporate-owned stores, 204 independently owned sites (such as Carquest-branded outlets), and four distribution centres included in this.
After experiencing a difficult financial period, the company successfully completed this aggressive downsizing with the goal of optimising its operations by reducing its footprint by the 31st of March, 2025.
The closures stemmed from a “strategic turnaround plan” aimed at boosting profitability.
In its Q3 2024 earnings, Advance reported a $6 million loss, with net sales dropping to $2.15 billion—a stark contrast to its competitors like AutoZone and O’Reilly Auto Parts, which continue to expand.
Factors like softening consumer spending, a weaker DIY repair market, and rising operational costs prompted the move.
For those wondering, “Is Advance Auto going out of business?” —the answer is no.
This isn’t a liquidation but a calculated pivot to shore up the company’s future.
Customers searching “Advance Auto Parts near me” may have noticed local closures already.
States like California saw all 138 stores shuttered, while Ohio lost 17 locations, including spots in Akron and Cincinnati.
Check the Advance Auto Parts store locator to see if your nearby branch is affected.
Why Is Advance Auto Parts Closing Stores?
The Advance Auto Parts closing wave isn’t a sign of collapse but a response to evolving market dynamics.
The company’s 2024 net sales hit $9.1 billion, down 1.2% from the prior year, with comparable store sales dipping 0.7%.
CEO Shane O’Kelly cited “overall softness in consumer spending” and deferred vehicle maintenance as culprits.
Add in a $1.5 billion sale of its Worldpac distribution arm to Carlyle in November 2024, and it’s clear Advance is refocusing on its core retail business.
The closures are expected to save $60-80 million annually in operating costs, though they’ll also trim $700 million from yearly revenue.
This trade-off reflects a leaner strategy: fewer, more efficient stores.
Unlike Party City or Joann Fabrics, which folded entirely under bankruptcy, Advance Auto Parts news suggests resilience—bolstered by plans to open new locations.
Advance Auto Parts News: New Stores Amid Closures
Here’s the twist: even as Advance Auto Parts closing headlines dominate, the company is launching 30 new U.S. stores in 2025, with six already open in Florida, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Virginia as of April.
By 2027, Advance aims to add at least 100 more, including “market hubs”—larger stores stocking 75,000-85,000 SKUs for faster delivery.
Midwest hubs are next on deck, signaling growth in key regions.
This dual approach—closing underperformers while investing in high-potential sites—sets Advance apart from the doom-and-gloom retail narrative.
“We’re accelerating store growth and focusing on the fundamentals of selling auto parts,” O’Kelly said in a March 2025 statement.
For shoppers asking, “Advance Auto Parts near me,” this means new options could soon replace lost ones, especially in DIY-heavy markets.
Is Advance Auto Going Out of Business? Not Quite
Rumors of Advance Auto going out of business have swirled on platforms like X, with posts citing the 700+ closures as evidence of collapse.
Yet, the company still operates over 4,000 stores across the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean, plus 934 independent Carquest locations.
Its $9.1 billion in 2024 sales, while down, dwarfs smaller chains.
The closures represent about 10% of corporate stores and 20% of independents—not a death knell but a pruning.
Contrast this with AutoZone’s 6,300+ U.S. stores or O’Reilly’s 6,000+, both growing steadily.
Advance’s smaller scale (pre-closure: 4,788 stores) and recent struggles explain the cuts, but its $1.5 billion Worldpac sale and new store plans signal a commitment to survival.
Analysts project a 7% operating margin by 2027, a goal O’Kelly calls “achievable” with these shifts.
What’s Next for Shoppers and Employees?
For customers, the Advance Auto Parts closing list means checking local availability.
The store locator remains your best bet to find a “Advance Auto Parts near me.”
Online shopping at AdvanceAutoParts.com also offers delivery or in-store pickup at remaining locations, softening the blow of closures.
Employees face a tougher road. The 727 shutdowns likely axed thousands of jobs—California alone lost over 1,600—though exact figures are undisclosed.
Advance has promised investments in training and infrastructure for remaining staff, hinting at a leaner but better-equipped workforce.
Advance Auto Parts vs. Competitors
Advance’s restructuring comes as AutoZone and O’Reilly thrive. AutoZone reported $18.6 billion in 2024 sales, up 3.5%, while O’Reilly hit $16.1 billion, up 5%.
Both chains have capitalized on professional repair demand, while Advance’s DIY focus has waned.
New market hubs could help Advance reclaim ground by serving both pros and hobbyists, but it’s a steep climb.
The Bottom Line on Advance Auto Parts Closing Stores
Advance Auto Parts closing stores isn’t the end—it’s a reset.
With 700+ locations gone, the chain isn’t going out of business but reinventing itself.
New stores, a $1.5 billion cash infusion, and a focus on efficiency keep it in the game.
For the latest Advance Auto Parts news, the story’s clear: adapt or fade.
As of April 2025, Advance is choosing adaptation.
Whether you’re searching “Advance Auto Parts near me” or pondering its future, this auto giant still has miles to go.
