NAPA, which, for more than 90 years, has built its name on being a wholesale auto parts distributor serving largely auto repair businesses and fleets, is looking to grow its retail side. It is rolling out the program in 20 markets around the country, and, here in the Valley, the Gilbert store is one of the first to get the makeover. In addition to new signage, furniture, fixtures and other visual enhancements as part of its efforts this year and next to refresh the stores’ looks, the change encompasses new product offerings, such as back-up cameras and accessories for Bluetooth devices, explains Chris Rice, general manager of NAPA AUTO PARTS – Phoenix. “We’re going to target more of a consumer base than a typical NAPA store.”
The Gilbert store, which celebrated its grand reopening last April, is one of the top three in the Valley, but it was chosen also for its location. “It is on a main street in Gilbert — a retail-friendly, high-traffic area,” Rice notes.
In all, eight Valley NAPA stores are scheduled for the refreshed look, but Rice says the revamping project “will touch all 19 company stores we own in the Valley” as well as the nine that are independently owned.
