Pep Boys Auto

Pep Boys Auto is a well-established automotive service provider with a national presence in the United States and Puerto Rico. The company was founded in 1921 in Philadelphia by three Navy veterans who saw an opportunity to meet the growing demand for vehicle maintenance and repair. Over the decades, Pep Boys evolved from a single auto parts store into a recognized name in automotive care, opening its first service center nearly a quarter-century after its founding.

As of November 2025, Pep Boys operates more than 800 service locations, focusing its footprint in major metro areas and Puerto Rico. In recent years, the company has shifted its strategy, moving away from retail-only stores to concentrate on its core service center model. This transition involved closing or selling a significant number of retail locations, allowing Pep Boys to streamline operations and prioritize service offerings such as tire installation, oil changes, brake repair, battery replacement, and general vehicle maintenance.

Pep Boys is owned by Icahn Automotive Group and is not currently franchising. The brand’s approach over the past five years has emphasized maintaining and optimizing its existing footprint rather than pursuing aggressive new expansion. This posture has helped the company remain a reliable fixture in both urban and suburban markets, with flexible formats that adapt to a variety of property types.

For landlords, brokers, and developers, Pep Boys stands out for its operational scale, longstanding reputation, and continued relevance in the automotive sector. Its service-focused model and stable store count make it a dependable anchor or co-tenant in retail and auto service centers, especially in high-traffic metro locations. The company’s ability to adapt to market changes and its established credibility position it as a significant player in commercial real estate environments where automotive services are in demand.