AutoZone

Overview: AutoZone, Inc. is the largest retailer and distributor of automotive replacement parts and accessories in the United States. Founded in 1979 as Auto Shack by Joseph R. Hyde, III in Forrest City, Arkansas, the company has grown into a Fortune 500 enterprise with a significant national and international presence. Headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, AutoZone operates over 6,600 stores across the U.S., Mexico, Brazil, and Puerto Rico, serving both do-it-yourself (DIY) customers and professional installers. The company went public in 1991 and has maintained a consistent record of revenue growth for nearly four decades, making it one of America’s best-performing retailers.[1][2][3]

Products: AutoZone’s core offerings include a comprehensive range of automotive replacement parts, maintenance items, accessories, and diagnostic tools. The company is the exclusive provider of Duralast Parts®, which are engineered to meet or exceed original equipment (OE) standards and cover over 20 parts categories for 90% of vehicles on the road. In addition to retail sales, AutoZone supplies commercial customers with OE-quality parts, on-demand delivery, and value-added services such as ALLDATA® repair software and professional training programs.[1][3]

Market Position: AutoZone holds a dominant position in the automotive aftermarket industry, consistently outperforming competitors through its expansive store network, robust supply chain, and customer-centric approach. The company’s stock has delivered exceptional returns, driven by disciplined financial management, aggressive share buybacks, and a culture of employee ownership. AutoZone’s focus on both DIY and commercial segments has enabled it to weather shifts in consumer behavior and competitive threats from big-box retailers and e-commerce giants like Amazon.[3]

Growth: Since its founding, AutoZone has expanded rapidly, opening hundreds of new stores annually and entering international markets such as Mexico (1998) and Brazil (2012).[4] As of late 2025, the company operates more than 7,100 stores worldwide, with a workforce exceeding 119,000 employees. AutoZone’s revenue reached approximately $17.2 billion in 2025, reflecting steady growth and strong profitability. The company continues to invest in technology, supply chain enhancements, and new store formats to support ongoing expansion.[2][3]

Real Estate: AutoZone’s real estate strategy emphasizes high-visibility, freestanding locations with ample parking and easy access. Typical stores range from 6,800 to 8,200 square feet, situated on sites of 0.7 to 1.2 acres, often at signalized intersections or major retail corridors. The company prefers sites with strong traffic counts, high population density, and proximity to complementary retailers. AutoZone is actively seeking new locations nationwide and internationally, with a dedicated real estate team managing site selection, acquisition, and development. The company does not franchise its stores and all locations are company-owned.[1]