Pep Boys Auto

Pep Boys Auto is a well-established automotive service and parts provider with a history dating back to 1921, when it was founded in Philadelphia by three Navy veterans who saw a need for accessible auto parts and service. From its beginnings as a single neighborhood store, Pep Boys steadily expanded its reach and capabilities, opening its first service center in the mid-1940s and growing into a nationally recognized brand over the decades.

As of November 2025, Pep Boys operates more than 800 locations across 35 states and Puerto Rico. The company has evolved to focus primarily on automotive maintenance and repair, offering services such as tire installation, oil changes, brake work, battery replacement, and general upkeep, in addition to selling a broad range of auto parts and accessories. In recent years, Pep Boys has shifted its strategy to emphasize service center growth, particularly in high-traffic suburban and urban areas. This has included repositioning some locations that previously focused only on retail into full-service formats to better align with consumer demand for professional automotive care.

A pivotal moment for the company came in 2016, when it was acquired by Icahn Automotive Group. This change in ownership provided additional resources and strategic direction, supporting Pep Boys’ ongoing efforts to modernize its operations and expand its footprint. Over the past five years, the company has actively sought new sites in both established and emerging markets, with a preference for freestanding and endcap units that offer strong visibility and convenient access. Current growth efforts are concentrated in California, Texas, Florida, the Northeast, and Puerto Rico.

Pep Boys is not a franchisor; all locations are company-operated, which allows for consistent service standards and streamlined decision-making. The company’s scale, adaptability, and ongoing investment in service innovation have helped it remain a reliable and recognizable presence in the automotive aftermarket sector. For landlords, brokers, and developers, Pep Boys brings a stable national brand with a track record of adapting to changing market conditions and consumer preferences, making it an attractive occupant for a variety of retail and service-oriented properties.